Development of a Sensor-Based System for Rainwater Monitoring

Rainwater quality is a critical factor in agriculture, as it can affect both soil health and crop quality. Monitoring key physico-chemical parameters - such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, and metal ions - is essential to identify potential contaminants that may have negative impacts. These changes can alter the plant's metabolism affecting aroma and influencing plant physiology and inter-plant communication. This work presents a self-powered, stand-alone rainwater monitoring system. The system integrates sensors for pH(0-14, ± 0.2), conductivity (up to 20,000 μ S/cm), temperature (-40 to 135° C, ± 0.2° C), and ammonium (1-18,000 mg L), supporting accurate, autonomous monitoring of rainwater quality. By default, measurements are recorded every 30 s, with a fully configurable acquisition interval to accommodate diverse monitoring requirements. The system is built with lightweight materials and includes a solar-powered battery with an autonomy of up to 4 8 hours. It is also equipped with a ventilation unit. Data are stored locally and can be extracted for off-line analysis. The proposed system enables early detection of unsuitable irrigation water, supporting better crop management and yield optimization.