Automated Watering and Fertilizing System for Pechay (Brassica rapa) Plant

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

An automated irrigation system provides the solution for watering the lawn and the garden automatically even in the absence of the human. No individual presence is needed for watering as the system is automated considering one or more of the various parameters available for irrigation scheduling such as soil moisture. This saves the greenery of the lawn and provides the proper amount of water needed in the garden. Soil-moisture-based irrigation system, timer-based irrigation system, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, etc., are the types of the automated irrigation system available. At this phase, soil-moisture-based technology has been chosen. In this project, the system is controlled by using the soil moisture measuring sensor, which controls the flow of water. Main components required are soil moisture sensor, control circuit, gate valve, pumping unit, power supply, and programming guidance.

METHODS

The researchers first dealt with the design of the irrigation system. After completing the design of the device, the researchers dealt with the assembly of the components (based on the design). Next, is the development of the program using the Arduino platform and C++ Language. Stepping forward, loading the program to the hardware takes place. Then pilot testing is conducted. Lastly, the researchers deal with the final evaluation.

RESULTS

The experimentation took one week long. The device shows positive results as it gives data such as 1st day of experimentation: no signs of growth. The device releases the most amount of water. 2nd day: no signs of growth. The device releases a small amount of water because the soil is still moist. 3rd day: shows 0.5 inches of growth. The device releases a small amount of water because the soil is still moist. 4th day: shows 0.5 inches of growth. The device releases a greater amount of water that day 3 and 4. 5th day: shows 1 inch of growth. The device releases a very small amount of water because the soil is moist. 6th day: remains the size as the size of day 5. The device releases a slightly greater amount of water than day 5. 7th day: shows 1 inch of growth. The device releases a small amount of water because the soil is still moist.

DISCUSSIONS

Results show that the device has a 100% success rate in terms of functionality of its parts and accuracy in watering the set upon detection of low moisture level. Hence, the irrigation becomes automatic using this device.