Comparative Analysis of Traditional Flood Irrigation with IoT-Based Automated Drip Irrigation and Sprinkler Irrigation for Vegetable Production

Abstract

Internet of Things (IoT)-based technologies have the potential to transform modern agriculture. Smart agricultural practices enabled by IoT offer numerous benefits, including enhanced crop yields and more efficient utilisation of resources. By leveraging precision agriculture techniques supported by IoT systems, farmers can optimise decision-making, improve productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices. This study evaluated the comparative performance of traditional flood irrigation, IoT-based automated drip irrigation, and sprinkler irrigation for vegetable production in Bangladesh, focusing on brinjal (Solanum melongena) and onion (Allium cepa). Field experiments were conducted during 2025 at two farmer-managed sites in Rajbari district using a randomised treatment approach. For brinjal, three treatments were tested: drip irrigation without mulch, drip irrigation with mulch, and conventional flood irrigation. For the onion, sprinkler irrigation was compared with flood irrigation. Data on growth parameters, yield, water use, economic returns, and farmer perceptions were collected and analysed. Results indicated that drip irrigation marginally increased brinjal yield (2.03 t ha⁻¹ with mulch) compared to flood irrigation (1.45 t ha⁻¹). However, excessive rainfall (≈1672 mm during the study period) minimised irrigation requirements and adversely affected crop growth, resulting in low yields and negative economic returns for drip treatments. In contrast, sprinkler irrigation significantly enhanced onion productivity, yielding 13.82 t ha⁻¹ compared to 8.15 t ha⁻¹ under flood irrigation. Sprinkler systems improved water productivity (8.95 vs. 3.64 kg m⁻³), reduced irrigation water use by approximately 32%, and increased net returns substantially. Lower pest and disease incidence and better crop growth were also observed under sprinkler irrigation. The findings suggest that while IoT-based drip irrigation has strong potential for improving water-use efficiency and yield in high-value crops, its benefits may be constrained under high rainfall conditions. Conversely, sprinkler irrigation proved to be economically viable and environmentally sustainable for onion cultivation under relatively dry conditions. The study highlights the importance of climate suitability, farmer training, and initial investment support for successful adoption of advanced irrigation technologies. Scaling up these systems, particularly sprinkler irrigation for spices and drip irrigation with fertigation for horticultural crops, could enhance productivity, conserve water resources, and improve farm profitability in Bangladesh.