Optimal design of solar powered fuzzy control irrigation system for cultivation of green vegetable plants in Rural India.

This paper presents solution for an irrigation controller for cultivation of vegetable plants based on the fuzzy-logic methodology. Water is an essential element for growth of the plants, the amount of water given to the plants depends on its size, moisture control of soil, which is affected by temperature of environment, evaporation due to wind velocity and water budget. This paper presents a control strategy to feed water to plants in a controlled and optimal way. The study pertains to develop a solar powered pump controller, using fuzzy logic control strategy to feed water for cultivation of these plants. Solar energy conversion technology has been used to feed power to these pump controller. The system has been developed and tested with the growth of vegetable like tomato plant that resulted in saving of 50–60 percent water consumption as well as cost of energy generation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]