Design and Implementation of a Multi-Zone Automatic Irrigation Control System Based on Sugeno Fuzzy Logic for a Melon Seedling Incubator

Abstract

Maintaining appropriate moisture conditions is important for the early growth of melon seedlings. This study developed a zone-based irrigation control system using six capacitive moisture sensors, an Arduino Mega 2560, one water pump, and three solenoid valves. The six seedling trays were divided into three irrigation zones, with the lower value of two sensors used to represent each zone condition. Each sensor was calibrated individually, and the analog readings were converted into a dimensionless Normalized Moisture Index (NMI). A zero-order Sugeno fuzzy inference system was used to determine irrigation duration based on four input conditions: Very Dry, Dry, Moist, and Wet. Lower NMI values produced longer irrigation durations, while wet conditions produced no irrigation command. The developed system was able to process sensor readings, calculate zone conditions, generate irrigation-duration outputs, and control the pump and solenoid valves according to the designed logic. The system demonstrates the application of capacitive sensing and Sugeno fuzzy control for irrigation management in melon seedlings.