Chapter 1

BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

This chapter includes the background of the study, statement of the

problem, objectives, theoretical framework, conceptual framework, significance of

the study, scope and limitations, and definition of terms.

Background of the Study

Mushroom has been part of human diet since time immemorial. It is

becoming popular as culinary ingredient and as nutraceutical food because of its

medical and health benefits. Apart from its health and nutritional benefits,

mushroom is a cash crop with immediate economic benefit. Some mushrooms are

fast-growing that they can be harvested in 3 to 4 weeks after spawning. The

harvested fruiting bodies are sold either as a supplement or a major source of

family income. Mushroom production is labor-intensive. It creates employment

opportunities for various people in the rural communities, including women, youth,

landless service providers, retirees, and people with disabilities.1

According to a former Secretary of Department of Agriculture, Mr. Proceso

Alcala “90% of the total mushroom consumed in Philippines is imported from other

countries, only 10% of the total consumed mushrooms are locally cultivated”. The

Philippines has an abundant amount of agro-wastes as materials suitable for

mushroom production. A blog from Holiday Philippines notes that mushroom

production is one of the progressive business opportunities if it will be cultivated

locally because it targets the basic needs. On the contrary, mushroom farming in

the Philippines is not spreading fast. Its present cultivation protocols are limited,
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perhaps due to the limited local knowledge about its culture (jmpmushroom, 2013).

Hence, it is necessary that people are made aware of the simple methods required

for the successful cultivation of edible mushrooms.2

In order to have the successful mushroom cultivation, growers must

consider that every mushroom species has its own cultivation characteristics such

as optimal temperature range, color and growth rate that is required for efficient

mushroom production. Also, every mushroom growth stage has a particular

required temperature, humidity and color.

According to the book entitled Small-Scale Mushroom Cultivation (Oei et al,

2005), the temperature that would give the highest yield for the mushroom ranges

from 24°C to 30°C; the desired humidity that would give the maximum production

for the mushroom spans from 80% to 90% relative humidity; and the corresponding

substrate moisture that would give the optimal yield for the mushroom spans from

60% to 65% soil moisture.3

According to mushroom kit instruction for Portabella, White Button, Giant

Heirloom Portabella, Crimini and Baby Bella: Mushrooms fruit faster at warmer

temperature and slower at cooler temperatures. Mushrooms fruit at temperatures

between 16°C to 23°C. The best quality and quantity of mushrooms are grown

between the temperatures of 18°C to 20°C. Constant temperatures higher than

23°C usually prevent mushrooms from growing, and temperatures over 31°C for

several hours can kill the mushroom mycelium (the fungus). Cooler temperatures

below 13°C retard or stop the growth of mushrooms.4

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The temperature requirement for a common mushroom is quite low but

there are mushrooms that can be cultivated at temperatures around or just below

30 °C. These are: oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus cystidiosus/abalones/ostreatus

var. florida) and wood ear mushroom (Auricularia politricha). Cultivation of these

types of mushrooms may limit the constant use of climate control and reduces

energy costs.5

Evidently, the researchers observed that temperature and humidity are

primary factors affecting the rate of mushroom development. Also, cultivation

characteristics differs from mushroom-to-mushroom. Therefore, suitable

conditions for their growth and cultivation such as proper ventilation, humidity,

temperature, and light must be provided. Thus, it may seem to be simple to

perceive but it is quite difficult to implement because some factors must be taken

into consideration like location, weather and climate that occurs the Philippines.

The Philippines is an archipelagic country where agriculture plays a vital

role in providing around 30 percent of employment and 10 percent of the country’s

total gross domestic product in 2013. Recent natural disasters significantly affected

crops and livestock resulted to severe loss in agricultural production including

human lives. Climate change worsens the economic situation and food security

among others of the Philippine people. Hence, there is a critical and urgent need

to develop climate-smart technologies available and accessible to the farmers

through creation of an enabling institutional environment.6

Predominantly, now that the country has been experiencing climate change

and unpredictable weather, the researchers consider of developing a climate-

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smart technology like cooling system in order to improve the mushroom cultivation.

This system will provide the required temperature and humidity range of a

mushroom. To solve the overheating problem caused by the solar radiation and to

keep the indoor temperature and humidity at a proper level for plants or crops,

cooling technologies play vital role in greenhouse industry. There are two methods

to cool the greenhouse: by evaporative fan-and-pad cooling and high-pressure

fogging. Among those, evaporative cooling is one of the most commonly used

methods.7

Evaporative cooling is the process by which the temperature of a substance

is reduced due to the cooling effect from the evaporation of water. The conversion

of sensible heat to latent heat causes a decrease in the ambient temperature as

water is evaporated providing useful cooling. This cooling effect has been used on

various scales from small space cooling to large industrial applications.

Evaporative cooler works on the principle of cooling resulting from evaporation of

water from the surface of the structure. The cooling achieved by this device also

results in high relative humidity of the air in the cooling chamber from which the

evaporation takes place relative to ambient air. The atmosphere in the chamber

therefore becomes more conducive for fruit and vegetable storage. 8 Evaporative

cooling process reduces the temperature with a complementary increase in

relative humidity and water vapor content in the air (Simmons and Lott, 1996). The

temperature inside an EVAP-system building can be reduced by approximately

7°C below the outside temperature (Saeng-sukeeluck, 2001).8

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Evaporative cooling can be the suitable cooling method for mushroom

cultivation. Beside from the fact that it is a widely applicable cooling system for a

greenhouse due to its simplicity, it provides more humid to the air which is the

mushroom needs. On the other hand, evaporative cooling system alone may lack

in providing both required temperature and humidity for some mushroom species

that need an extra low temperature because of its low cooling capacity. Therefore,

the researchers decide to add another method of greenhouse cooling which is the

fogging/misting system for more effective and precise cooling and humidifying.

Present methods, such as fan-and-pad cooling are lacking in both the

amount of cooling at high humidity and the uniformity or distribution of cooled air

within the greenhouse probably because it depends on external conditions. In

areas with high relative humidity or during hot and humid weather, using this

method can increase thermal discomfort. It is counterproductive to use an

evaporative cooler in hot and humid weather because of its inability to effectively

lower down the temperature and provide acceptable thermal comfort. In other

words, its operation results in the nonproductive use of electricity. The

fogging/misting system can provide those. The fog produced by nozzles on the

boom showed a greater evaporation rate, especially at higher humidity.

Temperature reductions of up to 10°C have been achieved.9

Fogging is another system that can be used for the direct evaporative

cooling of greenhouses. In recent years, high pressure fogging systems (FSs)

have started to be used in greenhouses. These FSs can be designed and operated

to maintain more uniform temperatures and humidity in greenhouses than those

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possible with the fan-pad system (FPS). FSs are more expensive than an FPS, but

when uniform temperatures and humidity levels are important, they are considered

the best method for EC. A system applying the same principle as an FPS are FSs.

FSs are based on spraying the water in small droplets in order to increase the

water surface in contact with the air. Water is forced through the nozzles placed

above the crop in a greenhouse, producing a fog. The free-fall velocity of the

droplets is slow and the drops are easily carried by the air stream inside the

greenhouse. Fog droplets can be generated by several methods. 10

Since the weather is unpredictable, farmers are unable to determine which

of those method they are going to implement from day-to-day. Therefore, the

researchers decide to provide both cooling method: the evaporative and fogging

to assure the effectiveness of the cooling for the mushroom cultivation. Thus,

combining the said methods and developing a program or a system that will

automate the process and will select the suitable cooling system for current

condition can be the solution.

This study will produce an automated electronic evaporative cooling and

fogging system for oyster mushroom cultivation that will give the required

temperature and humidity range needed for its fast and healthy growth.

Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to design and develop an Automated

Electronic Cooling and Fogging System for Oyster Mushroom Cultivation.

Specifically, this study aims to achieve the following goals:

1. Determine the level of acceptability in terms of:

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1.1. its function; and

1.2. Usefulness

2. Determine the effectiveness of using an automated electronic evaporative

cooling and fogging system for mushroom growth in terms of:

2.1. Production,

2.2. Weight

2.3. Color; and

2.4. Taste of the Mushroom

3. Evaluate the performance of the system in terms of

3.1. Cooling efficiency

3.2. Calibration; and

3.3. Monitoring of greenhouse condition such as temperature and

humidity.

Theoretical Framework

This study was anchored on a physical phenomenon called “latent heat of

evaporation” in which evaporation of a liquid (usually water) into surrounding air

cools an object or a liquid in contact with it. The water must have heat applied to

it to change from a liquid to a vapor. When evaporation occurs, this heat is taken

from the water that remains in the liquid state, resulting in a cooler liquid. 11

Additionally, a misting/fogging system follows the simple principle called the

“Evaporation Principle”. The water for the mist is generated through the pump of

the misting system connected to the faucet. It is then passed from the pump

through the orifices of the fine quality nozzles attached. When the water passes
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through the misting nozzles, it is broken down into tiny droplets. When these

droplets are released in the air, they hit the ground and are quickly evaporated by

the sun’s energy (heat). As these droplets vaporize, the hot air rises and the cool

air quickly sinks, thus creating a cooler surrounding.12

The principles mentioned are related to the present study since they

described how the process of cooling occurs in relation to heat.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework of the study as shown in figure 1 is based on the

Coombs Theory, which consists of input, process and output and is related as one

of the most fundamental design patterns. The framework shows the flow of the

study and how the researchers came up with the result.

The input consists of different resources used in this study. Information

resources are the materials used by the researchers to gather data and these

include the books, internet and existing studies. Under the material resources are

the shops where the materials for the project are bought. Human resources are

those people who are involved in this study, specifically, the researchers, adviser,

professionals and instructors.

The processes in this study include the planning, designing and developing

the cooling and fogging system for the mushroom cultivation. It also deals with the

testing, troubleshooting, revising and evaluating the final output.

The output includes the aim of this project. This is to produce an Automated

Electronic Evaporative Cooling and Fogging System for Oyster Mushroom

(Pleurotus Ostreatus) Cultivation.

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INPUT
 Information resources
 Internet
 Existing Studies
 Books
 Material Resources
 Financial Resources
 Researchers
 Human Resources
 Researchers
 Advisers
 Instructors PROCESS
 Planning
 Designing
 Development of the
device
 Testing
 Troubleshooting
FEEDBACK  Revising
 Evaluation

OUTPUT
 Developed an Automated
Electronic Evaporative
Cooling and Fogging System
for Oyster Mushroom
(Pleurotus Ostreatus)
Greenhouse

Figure 1

Conceptual Framework of the Automated Electronic Evaporative Cooling and

Fogging System for Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus) Cultivation.
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Significance of the Study

This study aims to develop an Automated Electronic Evaporative Cooling

and Fogging System for Oyster Mushroom.

The researchers believe that the project design and its output will serve

as an effective tool to determine whether the use of an Automated Electronic

Evaporative Cooling and Fogging System can increase the growth of the

mushroom.

This research can benefit the following individual, sector and institutions

Farmers of Morong. The output of this project can benefit the farmers through

providing the required temperature of the mushroom for its fast growth. And it will

also be beneficial in terms of time management.

University. For the university that will apply the recommended approach for the

development of the whole study.

Researchers. This study will help them uncover the critical areas in the whole

process of the study that many researchers were not able to explore.

Future Researchers. This project study can provide information to guide the

upcoming researchers who will conduct related study or developmental study on

this research.

Scope and Limitations

This study aims to produce an Automated Electronic Evaporative Cooling

and Fogging System for the Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus) Cultivation.

It covers two of the main environmental aspects of the greenhouse─ the

temperature and humidity. The Evaporative Cooling and Fogging System will
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include the use of swamp cooler and a fogging machine, both are connected to a

device that will identify what needs to be adjusted for the greenhouse.

The evaporative cooling systems, specifically the evaporative cooler, pulls

in air from outside and uses water run through soaked pads in the cooler to lower

the temperature of the air and flow that air through the greenhouse. On the other

hand, fogging systems are the most effective and uniform method of greenhouse

cooling and can achieve temperature drops up to 10ºC in unshaded and 15ºC in

shaded greenhouses. However, this value can be varied as the researchers will

develop the actual system. Furthermore, this system can cool a specific area and

elevation of the chamber.

This study will focus on maintaining the actual temperature and humidity

inside the greenhouse. The experiment will be done to a specific variety of

mushroom which is the Oyster Mushroom.

The device will be installed in the Greenhouse inside the University of Rizal

System-Morong Campus starting from the year 2019 until 2020.

Definition of Terms
For a clear understanding of the study, the following terms are defined

operationally.

Agro-wastes. It refers to the wastes produced from agricultural operations.

Chamber. It is a room where the temperature and the humidity is maintained.

Climate. It is the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long

period.
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Climate change. It is a phenomenon refers to seasonal changes over a long period

with respect to the growing accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Climate-smart technology. It refers to the agricultural technology that sustainably

increase productivity and system resilience while reducing greenhouse gas

emissions.

Cooling system. It is an apparatus or a system employed to keep the temperature

of a greenhouse from exceeding limits imposed by needs of plant growth and

development.

Cultivation. It is the action of planting, tending, improving, or harvesting of crops or

plants.

Evaporative cooling. It is a type of environment cooling techniques that cools the

surrounding air using water evaporation technique.

Fan and pad evaporative cooling system. It is a system consist of exhaust fans at

one end of the greenhouse and a pump circulating water through and over a

porous pad.

Fogging. It refers to a method of greenhouse or grow room cooling in which a

machine is used to create a fine mist and circulate it throughout the space.

Fruit. It is the one of the stages of mushroom growth in which producing fruit,

typically at a specified time.

Fungus. It is a group of any spore-producing organisms feeding on organic matter,

including molds, yeast, mushrooms, and toadstools.

Greenhouse. It is a building, room, or area, in which the temperature is maintained

within a desired range, used for cultivating crops or growing crops out of season.
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Humidity. It is the amount of water vapor present in air.

Mycelium. It is the vegetative part of a fungus or fungus-like bacterial colony,

consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae.

Nozzle. It is a device designed to control the direction or characteristics of a fluid

flow as it exits an enclosed chamber or pipe

Program. It is a specific set of ordered operations or coded instructions for the

automatic performance of a task.

Substrate. It is the surface or material on or from which an organism lives, grows,

or obtains its nourishment.

Ventilation. It refers to the movement of fresh air around a closed space, or the

system.

Weather. It is the state of the atmosphere at a place and time as regards heat,

dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.

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NOTES

1Corales, R., Sajor, J., Corales, A., Rivera, J., Catalon, A. 2018. Rice-based
Production Manual. Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice)
2Mushroom Technology Center https://businessdiary.com.ph

3Ardiente, I.L., Bilbao, B.M., San Diego, A., Valenzuela, J.B. 2017. Design
Evaluation of Microcontroller–Driven Temperature, Humidity and Soil Moisture
Control System for the Cultivation of Pleurotus Florida Mushroom in a Controlled–
Environment Plant Box. Manila, Philippines
4Mushroom Kit Instruction https://www.mushroomadventures.com

5Oei,P. 2005. Small-scale Mushroom Cultivation. Digigrafi, Wageningen, The

Netherlands
6The Impacts of Climate Change in The Philippine Agriculture Sector
https://www.neda.gov.ph
7Xu, J., Li, Y., Wang, R.Z., Liu, W., Zhou, P. 2015. Experimental performance of
evaporative cooling pad systems in greenhouses in humid subtropical climates.
Elsevier Ltd.
8Libertya,J.T., Ugwuishiwua, B.O., Pukumab, S.A., Odoc, C.E. 2013. Principles
and Application of Evaporative Cooling Systems for Fruits and Vegetables
Preservation. Borno State, Nigeria
9Giacomelli,G.A., Giniger, M.S., Krass, A.E., Mears, D.R. 2015. Improved
Methods of Greenhouse Evaporative Cooling. ISHS
10Öztürk,
H. 2002. Evaporative Cooling Efficiency of a Fogging System for
Greenhouses. Adana, Turkey
11Evaporative Cooling http://www.baltimoreaircoil.com

12Misting Systems https://www.mistcooling.com