In Tra On District, Vinh Long Province, inland saline intrusion is a pressing problem during the dry season. This problem is caused by sea level rise, tidal changes, drought, and changes in upstream water flow. These factors contribute to increased salinity levels in the region’s rice, fruit, and vegetable growing areas, resulting in significant crop losses. To address this challenge, a project called “Automatic Gate for Agriculture” was developed by two students.
The system works by controlling the opening and closing of a sluice gate using a set of sensors.These sensors include a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor to monitor salinity and ultrasonic sensors to track water levels inside and outside the gate. Real-time data is collected and processed by the ESP32 microcontroller, the system’s central processor. This microcontroller analyzes the data and triggers actions based on predefined settings. The system is powered by solar panels and a backup battery to ensure continuous operation.
The system responds to certain inputs as follows:
- Salt water intrusion: When salinity levels rise, the gate automatically closes to prevent salt water intrusion. The pumps remain inactive during this time.
- Water level management:
- Low water level: The system monitors the external water level. Depending on the conditions, the gate opens or closes as needed. If necessary, pump 2 is activated to suck in water.
- High water level: If the external water level is too high, Pump 1 is activated to remove excess water, or alternatively, the gate opens to allow water to flow out, depending on the situation.
This setup effectively manages water levels and salinity to protect agricultural lands from saltwater intrusion and water shortages during the dry season.
