Adoption of Sensor-Based Smart Drip Irrigation for Water-Efficient Rooftop Gardening under Labor Constraints in Bangladesh

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Irrigation and Water Management, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

2 Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Rooftop gardening has become popular in many regions of the world, yet its adoption in Bangladesh remains limited due to several challenges. Urban households often avoid rooftop cultivation because of concerns such as over-irrigation causing waterlogging, the structural threat of water accumulation on roofs, and the inconvenience of frequently climbing stairs to water plants. These factors collectively discourage broader participation in rooftop agriculture despite its environmental and socio-economic benefits. To overcome these barriers, this study introduces a sensor-based automatic drip irrigation system designed to optimize water use, reduce manual labor, and ensure safe rooftop gardening. The research evaluated a rain sensor-based automatic drip irrigation system in comparison with customary watering system for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation. The experiment was conducted at Sylhet Agricultural University from November 2024 to January 2025 following a Completely Randomized Design with two treatments: Sensor Based Automatic Drip Irrigation (SI) and Conventional Irrigation (CI) and five replications. The findings showed that the SI system significantly enhanced plant height, flower production, fruit yield, and total output relative to manual irrigation. Water use efficiency improved by 40%, with an overall 25% reduction in water application. Economic analysis showed that SI system was more profitable, with lower production costs (USD 55.10) compared to the CI system (USD 66.18). Overall, the findings indicate that sensor-based smart watering system offer a practical, cost-effective, and water-efficient solution for rooftop gardening in Bangladesh. By addressing limitations of manual irrigation, this technology can promote adoption of sustainable rooftop farming practices across the country.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Water Harvesting Research
Volume 9, Issue 1
Issue in Progress
2026
Pages 71-83

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