How to make an Irrigation Monitoring System with Micro:bit

Hello and welcome back! In this project, we’ll learn how to make an irrigation monitoring system using Micro: bit. For this, I mainly used a basic soil moisture sensor to measure the moisture content in the soil. I also used the Microsoft MakeCode platform to create the code using easy-to-use drag-and-drop code blocks it is perfect for beginners with no need for coding experience. To indicate the moisture levels, I have added an RGB LED module and an LCD screen. If you’re new to Micro: bit programming, please use our basic tutorials.

Additionally, you can upgrade this project using a mini water pump, which can automatically turn on and off based on the soil moisture readings. Specifically, you can complete this project with or without a Micro:bit starter kit.

Our Irrigation System Projects – Click on me

What is the Micro:bit board — Click on me

Ok, let’s do this project step by step. The required components are given below.

Micro: bit V2 or V1 board x 1 — Our store / Amazon

Micro: bit sensor shield x 1 — Our store / Amazon
Soil moisture sensor x 1 — Our Store / Amazon
LCD screen x 1 — Our store / Amazon

I2C module x 1 — Our store / Amazon
Jumper wires — Our store / Amazon
Keyestudio BBC Micro: bit starter kit — Click on me

Disclosure: These Amazon links are Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Step 1

Firstly, identify these components.

Step 2

Secondly, connect the Micro:bit board to the sensor shield. I think you can do this easily with the sensor shield.

Step 3

Thirdly, connect the soil moisture sensor, LCD screen, and RGB LED module to the Micro:bit sensor shield. Refer to the circuit diagram below for guidance.

Step 4

Afterward, connect the Micro:bit board to your computer. Then, open the MakeCode website and create a new project.

Now, you will see the MakeCode interface. After, add the I2C extension.

Afterward, open the Python script tab and paste the following script into the empty space. You will now see the auto-generated code blocks. Alternatively, you can create the code manually using code blocks.
Python Script and Circuit Diagram — Download

Value = 0
bar_length = 0
bar = ""
I2C_LCD1602.lcd_init(0)
# Loading animation
loading_messages = ["System Loading", "System Loading.", "System Loading.."]
for message in loading_messages:
    I2C_LCD1602.show_string(message, 0, 0)
    basic.pause(500)
# Blink indicator (P11) during loading
for index in range(3):
    pins.digital_write_pin(DigitalPin.P11, 1)
    basic.pause(300)
    pins.digital_write_pin(DigitalPin.P11, 0)
    basic.pause(300)
# Finalize startup
I2C_LCD1602.show_string("Ready!", 4, 1)
basic.pause(1000)
pins.digital_write_pin(DigitalPin.P11, 1)
I2C_LCD1602.clear()
# Display bar on LCD
# Small delay for stability

def on_forever():
    global Value
    Value = pins.analog_read_pin(AnalogReadWritePin.P10)
    # Display moisture label
    I2C_LCD1602.show_string("Moisture:", 0, 0)
    I2C_LCD1602.show_number(Value, 9, 0)
    # Clear the second line before updating it
    I2C_LCD1602.show_string("                ", 0, 1)
    if Value < 350:
        I2C_LCD1602.show_string("Low Moisture", 0, 1)
        pins.digital_write_pin(DigitalPin.P12, 0)
        pins.digital_write_pin(DigitalPin.P13, 1)
    else:
        I2C_LCD1602.show_string("Sufficient Moist.", 0, 1)
        pins.digital_write_pin(DigitalPin.P13, 0)
        pins.digital_write_pin(DigitalPin.P12, 1)
    basic.pause(500)
basic.forever(on_forever)