The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University’s Agricultural
Engineering College and Research Institute at Kumulur near here has
developed a couple of sensors to monitor and regulate water and moisture
content in agricultural fields.
The sensors can be effectively used for ascertaining whether the plants are too dry and require irrigation.
Water
is often wasted extensively by many farmers due to the misconception
that more water will ensure higher yield and quality. K. Ramaswamy, Dean
of the Institute, observed that the two devices could be effectively
used by farmers to maintain optimum level of irrigation and conserve
water. The Institute has planned to sensitise the farmers to the
importance of conserving water and avoiding excess supply through the
use of the devices.
The water sensor contains two
balls which act as a switch. Once there is excess flow, the balls starts
floating thereby switching off the electrical circuit.
The
components can be easily maintained in case of any fault or technical
snag. The GSM- based controller has been linked with sensor unit for
switching on or switching off the agricultural pumpset. It can also be
operated using mobile phone, said Mr. Ramaswamy. Field tests were
conducted to evaluate the efficiency of water level sensor in different
fields. Crop yield was found to enhance even while achieving economy of
water used for irrigation.
The moisture sensor can be
utilised to maintain the moisture content at the desired level. Once
the moisture level is achieved, the water supply could be switched off.
Source : The Hindu
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