An article published on 21 September 2026 in the African Journal of Agricultural Mechanization and Smart Farming evaluates a compact solar-powered irrigation prototype for small-scale farming. The design combines photovoltaic power, tank-level sensing, soil-moisture sensing, automatic pump control and GSM status messages.
What the prototype included
The reported system used an Arduino Uno R3, an ultrasonic sensor for tank level, an analogue soil-moisture sensor, a 12 V DC irrigation pump and a second submersible pump for tank replenishment. Its energy subsystem was an 18 V, 30 W panel, a 12 V, 18 Ah lead-acid battery and a 10 A charge controller.
A useful control sequence
The prototype was designed to refill the tank when water was low, irrigate when the tank had enough water and the soil was dry, and stop the pump when moisture reached the selected threshold. The study reports a 51.9 W design load and 104.55 Wh daily energy requirement. These are prototype figures, not a universal sizing recommendation.
The authors identify calibration, battery management, GSM reliability and longer field validation as remaining priorities. Aquasolar did not participate in the study; its relevance is the practical connection between water-level protection, moisture-based scheduling and pump-controller selection.
FAQ
Which sensors were used?
The prototype used an ultrasonic tank-level sensor and an analogue soil-moisture sensor.
What energy system was tested?
The reported setup used an 18 V, 30 W PV panel, a 12 V, 18 Ah lead-acid battery and a 10 A charge controller.
What is the source?
African Journal of Agricultural Mechanization and Smart Farming, published 21 September 2026.
