Electronic Sensor-Based Automated Irrigation System for Rice Cultivated Under Alternate Wetting and Drying Technique
, Abhishek M. Waghaye 1,*, Manoj Kumar 2 and Ravindra D. Randhe 1Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsComments are provided in review report.
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe article entitled: "Electronic Sensor-based Automated Irrigation System for Rice Cultivated Under Alternate Wetting and Drying Technique", has the potential for acceptance, after some corrections.
1) The authors' affiliations are missing the country of origin and address of the University.
2) The abstract should include a brief report on the methodology and the objective of the work.
3) The introduction should provide a more in-depth look at the context of electronic sensors for rice cultivation, as the writing is very superficial.
4) Figure 1 exists, but it is not possible to identify anything, it looks like a blur from a photo. The authors urgently need to improve the quality of this image and its arrangement, the figure is sideways. Readers should turn their computer screens to see the figure.
5) The image quality of Figures 2 and 3 is excellent. Use this as a basis for Figure 1.
6) In line 146 of the manuscript, it is mentioned that the depth was between 10-15 cm. Why did you use this value? Is there a reference for this? And another question: Why didn't you standardize everything at the same depth?
7) Figure 6 is bad. I suggest that the authors draw it in drawing software.
8) Regarding the result, on page 9, in line 291, it talks about figures 9 and 10, but they only appear on page 11. This cannot happen, it makes it difficult for the reader to read.
9) In item 3.2, it talks about the Wi-Fi system, but I am still wondering what the distance from the system in the field to the pump location is?
10) There are hyperlinks in the references. Remove them.
11) Improve the number of references. 32 is a very low number. There must be at least 50.
12) What is the contribution of this project to the community of authors?
13) Is there a possibility of this project being applied on a larger scale?
After these corrections, I would like to see the manuscript again. I encourage the authors to make the corrections so that the article can be published.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsIn this study, an automatic irrigation system for alternating wet and dry (AWD) rice cultivation was developed, utilizing magnetically floating sensors along with other sensors to convert and wirelessly transmit water level information to controllers programmed for different growth stages. The system responds to water scarcity by regulating water levels and preventing excessive waterlogging. Test results from the 2018-2019 rainy season demonstrate increased irrigation water productivity and overall water productivity compared to the control method using continuous flooding, achieving a 36% reduction in water usage. Therefore, the reviewer believes the manuscript could be considered for publication after major revisions. Specific comments are provided below:
1. Lines 16-17: The special features of this study, compared to other similar studies, are not clearly highlighted. Additionally, the innovations are not prominently presented. It is recommended to revise and improve this section to clearly differentiate the study from others.
2. Lines 30-31: The abstract implies a narrative of the study's conclusions. Consider rephrasing for clarity.
3. Lines 117-119: "Reviews suggest that, while there have been various attempts to monitor water levels in rice fields, some systems rely on ultrasonic sensors that detect water above the soil surface." This lacks a thorough literature review. Consider adding more sources to establish a stronger foundation.
4. Lines 141-142: "Water depth is then measured manually using a scale or ruler." Provide further clarification regarding the specific part of the perforated pipe where measurements are taken, and include important points to be noted when performing the measurement.
5. Lines 145-146: "In this approach, once the rice field is flooded, the water is allowed to deplete to a depth of 10-15 cm below the soil surface without compromising crop growth." The term "deplete" is not appropriate for describing the reduction in water level. Consider using "lower" or "reduce" instead.
6. Lines 146-153: When describing water level control at different stages, explain why it is necessary to maintain 5 cm of water continuously for one week during the flowering stage, and provide the rationale for setting the maximum groundwater level threshold at 10 cm from the soil surface. These settings lack explanatory notes; supplement them with relevant principles or references.
7. Lines 154-156: Provide more detailed and accurate explanations for the content of the cited diagrams to improve clarity.
8. Lines 221-222: The text mentions that the developed equipment is placed in a water tank for calibration in the laboratory, but the specific conditions of the water tank are not explained. Explain whether the conditions of the water tank may affect the calibration results.
9. Lines 301-304: Elaborate on why it is important to set specific water level thresholds at different stages of rice growth.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsAccept as it is.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe article can be accepted.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsIt can be accepted in present form.
