Evaluation of an Iot-Based Smart Irrigation System for Growth Optimisation of Eggplant (Solanum melongena) Under Rain Shelter

Abstract

Abstract Efficient irrigation is vital for crop cultivation, particularly for eggplant (Solanum melongena), which ranks as Malaysia‘s fourth most important vegetable crop. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart irrigation system in enhancing eggplant growth under rain shelter conditions. The system monitored environmental and soil parameters, including air temperature, relative humidity, soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and soil moisture and temperature, enabling remote irrigation adjustments to optimise plant health and resource use. Plant growth and environmental data were collected using both manual and IoT-based monitoring systems. IoT sensor measurements were calibrated against manual sensors at specified intervals. Results revealed a 32-day time series of sensor data and calibration curves, with R-squared values ranging from 0.78 to 0.98, indicating strong agreement between manual and IoT measurements. Eggplants irrigated using the IoT system showed significant improvements in plant height, leaf length, leaf diameter, stem thickness and root biomass compared to manual irrigation. The IoT-based monitoring system also produced reliable and consistent measurements, supporting its accuracy and applicability. In conclusion, the IoT-based smart irrigation system enhanced eggplant growth, reduced resource wastage, and improved overall efficiency, highlighting its potential for sustainable agricultural practices.