IoT-based fertigation management for enhancing Cilembu sweet potato productivity: An experimental study

• Development of an IoT-based drip fertigation system to optimize fertilizer usage for Cilembu sweet potato. • Integration of IoT technology for remote fertigation control, adhering to a predefined schedule for improved precision and efficiency. • Continuous real-time monitoring of key environmental factors, including soil nutrients, soil moisture levels, air temperature, humidity, and light intensity. • The IoT system improved fertilizer use efficiency by approximately 50% compared to conventional irrigation method. • This study supports precision agriculture for high-value local crops in open fields. Efficient nutrient management is essential for optimizing the productivity of Cilembu sweet potato. However, conventional fertilization methods often result in nutrient leaching and inefficient input use, limiting yield and sustainability. This study presents the development and field application of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based drip fertigation system designed to enhance resource efficiency and crop performance. The research involved four stages: (1) evaluating four fertilizer dosages (3, 6, 9, and 12 g/seedling) and two application frequencies (weekly and biweekly); (2) designing low-power sensor nodes to monitor ambient temperature, humidity, light intensity, soil moisture, and nutrient levels in real time; (3) deploying an automated fertigation system with a 1:40 fertilizer-to-water ratio; and (4) conducting statistical analysis using two-way ANOVA to assess the effects of treatment combinations on yield. Results indicated that the IoT-based system improved fertilizer use efficiency by approximately 50% compared to conventional methods. Biweekly fertigation at a dosage of 6 g/seedling yielded the highest productivity. These findings demonstrate the potential of IoT-integrated fertigation as a scalable and sustainable solution for precision nutrient management in Cilembu sweet potato cultivation.