AUTOMATED SOLAR-BASED GREENHOUSE VEGETABLE FARMING AND AQUAPONIC DEVICE USING ARDUINO R4 WITH MONITORING INTERFACE

Abstract

The researchers designed and implemented a solar-powered automated greenhouse system integrated with aquaponics to optimize the growth of vegetables and support fish farming. The system utilized various sensors such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, non-contact capacitive liquid level, and pH sensors, to monitor and maintain optimal environmental conditions. Powered by an Arduino R4 Wi-Fi module, the system efficiently collected and processed real-time data while distributing energy harvested from solar panels. This innovation significantly improved crop yields, minimized manual labor, and enhanced overall resource efficiency. Compared to traditional farming methods, the system demonstrated superior performance in sustainability, productivity, and automation. The researchers adopted an experimental prototyping methodology, integrating 2D and 3D design simulations through Tinkercad and system programming using the Arduino IDE. To assess the prototype’s performance and user acceptance, a descriptive survey was conducted employing purposive sampling. Fifty residents of Barangay San Agustin, Quezon City, Philippines, served as respondents. Data were collected using a structured Likert scale questionnaire, designed to measure the prototype’s functionality, efficiency, usability, and overall acceptability based on end-user feedback. The system delivered notable improvements in regulating environmental conditions, optimizing resource use, and enhancing productivity in both vegetable farming and aquaculture. It performed effectively, meeting all established design goals. Based on the evaluation, the automated setup, featuring a monitoring interface, proved to be highly efficient for greenhouse and aquaponics operations. Feedback from respondents indicated that the system maintained consistent functionality, incorporated durable and high-quality components, operated safely across varying conditions, included a reliable backup power system, and complied with engineering and safety standards. The incorporation of a solar-powered system provided a sustainable and eco-friendly energy source for greenhouse operations, effectively reducing carbon emissions across the entire farming cycle. The system featured an intuitive user interface that enabled farmers to access real-time environmental data, facilitating informed and timely interventions. This proactive management approach ensured optimal growth conditions and minimized the risk of crop loss due to environmental fluctuations. With its proven efficiency and low reliance on manual labor, the system presents a scalable solution for larger farm applications, offering reliable, automated support powered by renewable energy.