Comparative analysis of soil characteristics and environmental monitoring using IoT

IoT is to enable these connected devices to collect and share data, facilitating communication and automation. This data exchange allows for improved efficiency, real-time monitoring, and the development of smart systems that can make informed decisions without human intervention. Sensors can be deployed in the field to monitor various environmental factors such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels. These sensors provide real-time data, allowing farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and crop health. The objective of this research is to To develop the IoT device with soil characteristics monitoring for smart farming and also to apply the IoT devices by providing real time data on soil moisture, temperature, PH level, and other environmental factors. Soil samples were collected from two distinct locations: Ayer Lanas and University Malaysia Kelantan. Three samples were obtained from each location, labelled as UP1, UP2, UP3, AP1, AP2, and AP3. Subsequently, these samples were subjected to a furnace at 800 degrees Celsius for a duration of 6 hours. Before the firing process, the weight of each soil crucible was recorded, and after the firing, the post-process weights of the samples were determined. The fired samples were then sent for XRD analysis. To simulate the natural conditions of both locations, the raw soil was exposed to the environment. The primary influencing factors were weather conditions, including humidity and temperature fluctuations. To monitor these changes, moisture and DHT11 sensors, along with an LCD display, were incorporated. The sensors were programmed using the Arduino IDE software, and the soil characteristics were observed over a period of 7 days. This comprehensive approach aimed to investigate the impact of environmental factors on the soil properties from Ayer Lanas and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan.After 7 days of monitoring, it was observed that the humidity level in UMK soil is superior to Ayer Lanas. This is attributed to the lower content of rocks and clays in UMK soil, allowing better water flow. Additionally, during peak heat hours (12 pm-4 pm), Ayer Lanas soil exhibits higher temperatures than UMK soil due to the lingering humidity in UMK soil. In conclusion, UMK soil is healthier and more conducive to a successful harvest compared to Ayer Lanas soil.