DEVELOPMENT OF A CONTROLLED PLANT SEEDLING MONITORING ENVIRONMENT USING ARDUINO AND MULTI-SENSOR BASED TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of a controlled plant seedling monitoring environment using Arduino and multi-sensor-based technology, highlighting the role of IoT in modern agriculture. The system aims to enhance plant seedling growth monitoring, minimize manual labor, and improve agricultural efficiency. The integration of green energy sources, such as solar panels, ensures a reliable and sustainable power supply for continuous operation. The study employed an Experimental Prototyping approach to construct a controlled environment for monitoring plant seedlings. Autodesk 3ds Max software was used to create both 2D and 3D prototype visualizations, while C++ source code was implemented on a microprocessor using the Arduino IDE. Purposive sampling techniques were used to analyze demographic profiles, and a descriptive method was applied to interpret survey responses based on a four-point Likert scale. The system was assessed by 30 residents of Brgy. 171 in Tierra Nova, Bagumbong, Caloocan City. Prototype testing yielded promising results. The Arduino Uno and Arduino Nano functioned as the central processing units, effectively collecting data from various sensors. By incorporating an IoT-based approach through the Blynk IoT application, the system provided real-time monitoring and remote data visualization. The prototype successfully tracked critical environmental factors, allowing users to make informed adjustments for optimal seedling growth. Findings indicate that the Arduino Uno and Arduino Nano are effective microcontroller units (MCUs) for implementing a controlled plant seedling monitoring environment. The multi-sensor technology significantly improved the monitoring process and seedling growth compared to traditional farming methods. The study highlights the potential of IoT integration in agriculture to enhance productivity and sustainability.