International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Agriculture is the backbone of developing economies, yet it faces persistent challenges of inefficient water usage and dependence on unreliable grid power. This paper presents a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)-based smart irrigation system integrated with a dual-axis solar tracking mechanism to address these challenges comprehensively. The system employs soil moisture sensors to monitor real-time field conditions, enabling the PLC to autonomously activate or deactivate a DC water pump through relaydriven outputs. A dual-axis solar tracker utilizing Light-Dependent Resistors (LDRs) and a stepper motor continuously aligns the solar panel perpendicular to incident sunlight, improving energy capture by 30–40% over static installations. The solar charge controller and battery bank ensure uninterrupted 24-hour operation, making the system viable for off-grid rural deployments. Experimental validation confirms accurate moisture-based pump control, consistent solar panel alignment across varying light conditions, and measurable reductions in water wastage. The PLC ladder logic provides robust, reprogrammable automation suitable for scalable agricultural applications. Results demonstrate that the integrated system reduces manual intervention, cuts water consumption, and maximizes renewable energy utilization—supporting sustainable precision farming practices.

Gangurde Aditya Bandu, Kasav Mahesh Rajendra,"PLC-Based Smart Irrigation System Using Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Mechanism" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(3): Page(1358-1363) May-June 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.