International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 01 | Jan 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Optimized Drip Irrigation System with Scope for Low-Cost Smart Modernization: A Case Study of Cucumber Cultivation Akshada Sanjay Jadhav¹, Prof. A. R. Joshi², Prof. N. B. Karwa³ ¹Diploma Final Year, Civil Engineering K.V.N. Naik Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha’s Loknete Gopinathji Munde Institute of Engineering Education and Research, Nashik, Maharashtra, India ²Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,K.V.N. Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha’s Loknete Gopinathji Munde Institute of Engineering and Education & Research,Nashik, Maharashtra, India ³Head of Department, Department of Civil Engineering,K.V.N. Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha’s Loknete Gopinathji Munde Institute of Engineering and Education & Research,Nashik, Maharashtra, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Drip irrigation is an efficient method of water application that delivers water directly to the plant root zone, thereby reducing losses and improving crop performance. This paper presents a field-based case study of a drip irrigation system implemented for cucumber cultivation at Sinner, Nashik district, Maharashtra, with the objective of evaluating system performance, water application practices, operational challenges, and improvement possibilities under small-scale farming conditions. Water was supplied from an agricultural well through a filtration unit and distributed using PVC mainline and submain pipelines along with durable lateral drip pipes fitted with inline emitters at one foot spacing. The total cultivated area was one bigha, equivalent to twenty-one thousand seven hundred eighty square feet, requiring an equal number of emitters for uniform water application. During the initial crop growth stage, lower quantities of water were applied, followed by a gradual increase as plant growth progressed. On average, each emitter delivered approximately one liter of water in ten minutes, with irrigation applied at intervals of two to three days based on crop stage and soil moisture conditions. Field observations revealed uniform water distribution, improved soil moisture retention, reduced weed growth, and nearly forty percent water savings compared to conventional irrigation practices. However, challenges such as emitter clogging due to algae formation and limitations of secondary filtration were observed. To overcome these issues, the study proposes the adoption of soil moisture based irrigation scheduling, improved filtration, and energy efficient pumping systems suitable for small farmers. Key Words: Drip Irrigation, Water Use Efficiency, Soil Moisture Sensor, Smart Irrigation, Cucumber Cultivation, LowCost Automation, Sustainable Agriculture
1. INTRODUCTION Water scarcity and inefficient irrigation practices are major challenges faced by Indian agriculture. Traditional irrigation methods such as flooding lead to excessive water loss due to evaporation, runoff, and deep percolation. Drip irrigation offers a modern solution by delivering water directly to the plant root zone in controlled quantities, thereby improving water use efficiency and crop yield. Vegetable crops such as cucumber require frequent but controlled irrigation for optimal growth. Drip irrigation helps maintain uniform soil moisture, reduces weed growth, and improves nutrient uptake. However, many field-level drip systems still operate with fixed schedules, manual control, and basic filtration, which limits their long-term performance. This study focuses on a real-time field implementation of a drip irrigation system for cucumber cultivation in Nashik district. The objectives are to analyse system layout, water application practice, operational performance, problems faced during use, and to propose future low-cost smart improvements suitable for small and medium farmers.
1.1 SITE VISIT DETAILS AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION The field study was conducted at a cucumber cultivation farm located in Sinner taluka of Nashik district, Maharashtra. The total cultivated area under drip irrigation was one bigha, equivalent to 21,780 square feet. Cucumber was selected as the study crop due to its high water sensitivity and suitability for drip irrigation systems. Water for irrigation was sourced from an agricultural well located within the farm premises. The site visit and system assessment were carried out under the guidance of the farm owner, Mr. Yogesh Shinde, who provided detailed information regarding system operation, irrigation practices, and maintenance routines.
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