Project Proposal

Project Title: IoT (Internet of Things) Arduino-Based Controlled Rice Field Watering System
Prepared By: David, Jericho Dune Date: August 2, 2021
Dimalao, Vincy Grace
Hossain, Shailani
Pandes, Immanuel
Valle, Ma. Nicole

Situation/Problem/Opportunity:

The production of palay and corn in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Central Mindanao decreased in
2016. Production was down 7.05 % and 7.06 %, respectively. Furthermore, agricultural output in this region
fell by 9.55 %. The drop was due to a 9.62 % fall in agricultural production (PSA, 2016). Pest control,
insufficient fertilizer, and a lack of water are common causes of lower agricultural output. Among these,
water is a significant production loss issue in agricultural regions. A recent examination into irrigation rice
cultivation in Ilo-Ilo revealed that water was a major restriction to increased output. Water shortages were
the most significant source of yield loss and lowered production, which was estimated to be around 50% in
one season (Bureau of Agricultural Research, 2004). Such water shortages and inappropriate water timing
are the result of inadequate old farming methods. This scenario just indicates the necessity for innovations
that will result in more efficient and productive water output, as well as alternatives to improve water delivery
methods and technology. This study focuses on the innovation of alternative water technologies using the
Internet of Things (IoT) to contribute to the problem's solution. The application of revolutionary technologies
in the field will address major concerns such as efficient water consumption and effective water delivery in
agriculture.

The Internet of Things is one of the world's most rapidly expanding technologies. According to
Ferguson, T. (2002), the ability of the Internet of Things to code and track objects has allowed companies to
become more efficient, speed up processes, reduce error, and incorporate complex and flexible
organizational systems by tagging each object for automating, controlling, identifying, and monitoring. Using
technology in agriculture will enhance output while decreasing human interference. Farming based on IoT
technology will allow growers and farmers to cut waste while increasing output. Through automation,
farmers can also gain better control over the production process and maintain higher standards of crop
quality and growth potential. In the context of the study, farmers may precisely adjust the water levels in a
field based on the crop type, thereby increasing crop output. In terms of environmental challenges, it can
also give significant benefits, such as more efficient water utilization or input optimization (Anusha, 2018).

The plant watering system described in this study is an embedded system built using Arduino and
connected to soil moisture sensors to generate data from the irrigation field. The technology will send data
to a centralized web server, which a farmer, field expert, or researcher will be able to access. Farmers will
be able to remotely manage the water pump thanks to the web server. In addition, the system is linked to an
alternate GSM module, which delivers a Short Message Service (SMS) to the farmer in emergency
conditions. The method is more effective than any other traditional system in advising the farmer, optimizing
water use, and automating irrigation to some extent.

This system, with a well-formulated architecture, will serve as a framework for future researchers to
improve to a complicated system with various characteristics, including light intensity. temperature and
humidity The suggested framework will transform the traditional agriculture system employed by the vast
majority of farmers. This will allow the younger generation to practice precision farming with ease and
convenience. If the system is deployed in all domains, it will generate massive amounts of data that can be
used for data mining and further research in this field. This approach will conserve all key resources by
making better use of them. This system currently requires minimal human intervention, which can be
lowered further, and even eliminated entirely, by further developing the framework.
Purpose Statement (Goals):

The study aims to produce a product that can deliver water through the use of IoT that could be
important to the following:

Farmers:
The study aims to let farmers have easy access to water for farming. The researchers want to design a
system where it makes watering crops easier to maintain. The researchers want the farmers to have access
to modern technology so that they can be able to utilize what is available on the market to make farming
more efficient.

Students:
The study aims to challenge the students to apply what they have learned in school to the real
world. The students will be able to practice their problem solving skills and would be able to practice their
ability to formulate technological solutions for day to day problems.

Future researchers:
The study is a foundation for future research. The study aims to encourage future researchers to
build larger scales of watering systems for farmers.

Objectives/Deliverables:

The study aims to create an innovative product which is an Internet of Things (loT) and Arduino-based
controlled system that can provide water to plants through SMS or IP addresses. The researchers seek to
accomplish the following:

1.) To design an Internet of Things (loT) and Arduino-based controlled plant watering system
2.) To construct a prototype of the Internet of Things (loT) and Arduino-based controlled plant watering
system, and
3.) To test the plant watering system prototype

Methods/Approach:

1. Formulation of System Design

The formulation of the design was based on the objectives of the study and the expectations of the
researchers. The system had two pans: the input and output. The input was composed of the three soil
moisture sensors and connected to the microcontrollers. The binary of the three soil moisture sensors
numbers that could be interpreted via the soil moisture sensors was the data that the output made the
system functional. Moreover, the materials that composed the following: GSM Module, WiFi Module, Relay,
and water pumps. All of these components made up the system design of this highly advanced plant
watering system.

2. Understanding the Function of each Component

In order to have a solid understanding and a strong foundation of the study, the researchers
spared no effort in being thoroughly familiar with each component and its specific functions. The main
components of the study are the following:

Arduino Uno. Is an open-source platform used in building electronics projects. It consists of both a physical
programmable circuit board (microcontroller) and a piece of software or IDE (Integrated Development
Environment) that runs on the computer that is used to write and upload computer codes to the physical
board. Arduino interacts with buttons. LEDs, motors, speakers. GPS units. cameras, the internet, and even
smart-phones or your TV.
Soil Moisture Sensor. Is used to measure the volumetric water content of soil. It uses capacitance to
measure the water content of soil (by measuring the dielectric permittivity of the soil, which is a fund of the
water content). In the study, water content of the soil was only represented in binary codes (0 & 1) since the
digital pin was used in the project.
Code Program. Is the set of instructions forming a computer program which is executed by a computer. It is
one of two components of the software which runs on computer hardware, the other being the data.
GSM Module 1. Is a chip or circuit used to establish communication between a mobile device or a
computing machine and a GSM or GPRS system. GSM used for transmitting mobile voice and data
services operates at the 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz frequency band is an open and digital
cellular technology.
Wi-Fi Module. Is a self-contained SOC with integrated TCP/IP protocol stack that can give any
microcontroller access to y9tir Wi-Fi network. The ESP8266 is capable of either hosting an application or
offloading all Wi-Fi networking functions from another application processor.
Relay. Is an electrically operated switch that can turn on or off a much larger electric current. Relays are
used where it is necessary to control a circuit by a separate low-power signal, or where several circuits must
be controlled by one signal.
Water Pump. Is used to artificially supply water for a particular task. It can be electronically controlled by
interfacing it to a microcontroller. It can be triggered ON/OFF by sending signals as required.

3. Acquisition of Materials
Most of the materials needed throughout the conduct of the study will be purchased online due
to the unavailability of components in the local market and the present pandemic. Part of the reason also
was that the materials online were cheaper. In addition, the quality of the product and the credibility of the
seller will be carefully examined by the researchers to secure the delivery and legitimacy of the materials.
After searching and placing orders, the materials will be set to be shipped to the researchers. The shipping
might take more or less than a week to arrive. On the other hand, the materials needed for the physical
aspect of the product design will be purchased on the local market only.

4. Coding Process
Codes will be needed to make the project functional. The researchers will install a software
program to a laptop specifically, the Arduino IDE. In that program, the researchers will be encoding the
codes needed to accomplish the project. Aside from that, the researchers will install the ESP8266 as for the
library of the WiFi Module. Codes were available online but a lot of manipulation will be performed. After
encoding all the codes needed by the system to function efficiently, the researchers will upload it to the
hardware of the Arduino system via USB port.

5. Assembling Process
This process includes the way the researchers will make the connections of the system on a
breadboard. The breadboard will be the key component so that the other hardware would be connected and
be functional. Below are the tables for the simplified pin assignments of each of the components.
 Table 1. GSM Module pin assignments

A connector will be used by the researchers to provide power to the GSM Module. PIN 1 and 2 of the
GSM Module will be connected into the two wires of the connector. Due to its end part which was a USB
port. once it is connected to a power bank or a laptop, the GSM Module could be provided by the energy it
needed to perform its specific function, which is to send an SMS if the area is dry Other pins of the GSM
Module will be connected into the Arduino board as indicated above.

6. Creation of Prototype
Welding together all of the metal materials for the stand frame of the system was beyond the
capability of the researchers. Thus, they asked help from an expert in that field. Together with the expert,
the researchers purchased materials like pipes and other metals. After, they headed to the place where the
welding machine was held. The diagram prepared by the researchers became the basis in the creation of
the metal frame. Measurements were indicated in the diagram as identified by the researchers themselves.
After the cutting of the angle bars and joining them together. The metal frame was made.
Moreover, the three plant boxes were designed by the researchers yet made by the workers in a glass
shop. This was because neither of the six researchers was capable of assembling it inside the school
vicinity.

7. Testing the Prototype

The three plant boxes were placed on the metal frame with a small distance between them. Water
pumps were also connected to the pipes that have nozzles on the other end. Each nozzle was placed
directly above the plant boxes. The researchers prepared the circuit then linked every component needed to
be connected into the power supply through wires. The plug of each water pump was plugged in a socket
that could provide at least 220 volts. After everything was prepared for testing, the table below, a pen, and
cameras were utilized to record and document the testing process.

The table below was used during the testing procedures:

Table 2. Table for WiFi Module results

Table 3. Table for GSM Module results

 Project Proposal

Link to Strategic Planning and Agency Operational Goals

The study aims to help the Pilipino Farmers to ensure and have an efficient way of farming than
before. The study might have/plan to collaborate with the company that has the same perspective and
purpose which is to develop the farming techniques and make it easier and more convenient than it is. The
study might collaborate with Bayer Seeding that uses a drone to plant seeds all over the field which is very
convenient equipment, and it could save a lot of time of farming. It could be improved by applying the
features that the study has been tested and proven. In this way, both of the innovations would be efficiently
use In the field of farming.

This is how it’ll work, once Bayer does its part, it is where the feature of this study comes in.
It’ll be the one who will monitor and keep the soil at its best quality to ensure the best harvest of the farm.
This might be the great collaboration of the two innovations that comes from different innovators.

Timeline:

ACTIVITY DATE

Formulation of System Design August 3 - 4, 2021

Understanding the Function of each August 5 - 16, 2021

Component
● Arduino Uno
● Soil Moisture Sensor
● Code Program
● GSM Module 1
● Wi-Fi Module
● Relay
● Water Pump

Acquisition of Materials August 17 - 24, 2021

Coding Process August 25, 2021

Assembling Process August 26 - 27, 2021

Creation of Prototype August 30 - September 6, 2021

Testing of Prototype September 7 - 14, 2021

Review of Related Literature

Internet of things, applications, advantages and disadvantages

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a kind of network or connection that links physical objects like
electronic devices, and virtual institutions. Its connection to multiple devices that have sensors and
actuators provides efficiency and convenience, as well as economic benefits to the user. There are
several applications in which the IoT can be used and one of them is in automation. In a study
conducted by Singh et al. (2017), the IoT is applied to home automation in order to create a “Smart
Home Environment” wherein devices and home appliances are remotely controlled using an android
application that uses basic internet connection. According to them, this type of innovation can save
energy and power consumption efficiently with ease. Their study verified and proved that the creation
of a Universal Remote Control for home automation that comes with sensors, programs, and
monitoring devices for notification management is possible. This means that it can also be applied to
other things that are less broad or complex like in water delivery system automation.

Having the Internet of Things is not only limited to building a Smart home, but it can also be
used to create Smart Cities. Malik et al. (2019) stated that Iot can cover larger areas like cities to
improve lives of people living inside the city, as well as the improvement of the whole city as well. It
can cover traffic management, waste management, security, environmental monitoring, and even
water treatment and distribution. This means that problems caused by traffic, wastes, lack of electricity,
and others will be addressed, and if not completely resolved, will be decreased significantly. Although
the use of it may be convenient and power saving, it also comes with its disadvantages. There are also
many disadvantages of using IoT and some of them are privacy and security, its complexity, and its
negative impact on society. Nowadays, almost all of the data is on the internet and to ensure that your
data is safe, it must be encrypted. It is not recommended to put confidential data on the internet as
there is a huge risk of data loss. As easy as it may seem to use, the IoT is a complicated series of
connections and networks in which a simple hole in a system can cause major impacts. Moreover, it
may produce a positive impact to society, there are no doubts that there would also be negative ones.
As people become increasingly dependent on technology, they will tend to rely on it especially in our
daily lives. Once a malfunction occurs, our daily routine would be affected. The Internet of Things
brings the power of technology such as the internet to help people in the real world.

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a broad vision whereby ‘things’ such as everyday objects,
places and environments are interconnected with one another via the Internet. An example of a simple
IoT object now available in some homes is a thermostat which can determine when people occupy
certain rooms and alter levels of heating, lighting and other functions in the house accordingly. By
widening the Internet from “a network of interconnected computers to a network of interconnected
objects” (Commission of the European Communities 2009), the IoT will include a vast and intricate
network of devices. These devices will include sensors to measure the environment around them,
actuators which physically act back into their environment such as opening a door, processors to
handle and store the vast data generated, nodes to relay the information and coordinators to help
manage sets of these components. Through this, it has the potential to significantly extend, enrich and
even shift the relationship between people and the world around them. In fact, many are hoping that
the IoT will play a pivotal role in addressing many of today’s societal challenges such as an ageing
society, deforestation, traffic congestion and recyclability. This interconnection of physical objects is
expected to amplify the profound effects that large-scale networked communications are having on our
society, gradually resulting in a genuine paradigm shift (Botterman 2009).

Currently, there is a noticeable increase in the commercialization of intelligent things that use
sensing and communication technology. People are increasingly incorporating technology into their
daily routines. The advancement in the telecommunications sector, with the popularization of
smartphones, is a notable example of this. Connectivity began to spread beyond individuals and into
objects, with the number of linked gadgets exceeding the number of people on the planet. In this way,
the Internet of Things (IoT) emerges. This trend, however, has not been limited to finished products; it
has expanded to revolutionize manufacturing. This ushered in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also
known as Industry 4.0, whose main characteristic is the widespread use of Internet of Things (IoT)
technology in the manufacturing environment, allowing devices to communicate and generate
information useful for decision-making in a remote, fast, and secure manner, resulting in the concept of
the intelligent factory. (Pinon etal., 2018).

Internet of Things (IoT) is a new perception or paradigm that considers the pervasive presence
in the environment of a variety of things or objects through wired or wireless connections. It is one of
the unique addressing schemes which is able to interact with each other and cooperate with other
things or objects to create a new application, services and reach common goals. IoT is expected to
make a large impact on our society because smart devices in IoT are easily integrated into existing
services. As a result standardizations of technologies to support the IoT are becoming more significant
to realize a smart society through different service domains. The Internet of Things offers great
potential for organizations and societies where billions, or even trillions, of devices are connected to
the Internet and as such can communicate with each other. However, there are still some most
important challenges for the Internet of Things. The IoT has added a new potential into the internet by
enabling communications between objects and humans, making a smarter and intelligent planet. This
has led to the vision of ''anytime, anywhere, anyway, anything" communications practically in the true
sense. To this end, it is observed that the IoT should be considered as the core part of the existing
internet relying on its future direction, which is obviously to be exceptionally different from the current
phase of the internet that we see and use in our lives. This paper presents a brief introduction to the
related standards and some challenges of the IoT and its future direction (Ghosh, Samit & Dey, Tapan.
2017).

Plant Watering Systems

Watering has been a cultural practice in farming and gardening. It is a vital task and perhaps the
most important as the amount of water that reaches plants dictates the growth of plants. Hence,
watering is the most labor-intensive task (Divani, Patil, Punjabi, 2016). Most irrigation techniques are
often too tedious and require special attention, this is because Filipino farmers still rely on manual
watering processes and are yet to integrate AI systems into irrigation. These methods of irrigation are
manual, sprinkler, trickle, subsurface, and perennial systems (Rinkesh, n.d.).

Manual irrigation techniques are the most tedious which involves distributing water through
farmlands manually by the use of hoses and watering cans. The sprinkler system aims to provide an
even distribution of water through nozzles that sprinkle water imitating rain. However, it is only effective
in areas which have an abundant source of water. Moreover, the sprinkler system gives the risk of soil
erosion and promotes weed growth. The trickle system is the cheapest and one of the most efficient
methods as it supplies water drop by drop straight to the roots. It is efficient in areas with water
shortages and also reduces soil erosion. The subsurface system is a type of irrigation where water is
supplied below the soil subsurface where the crop roots are situated. It is a costly type of irrigation but
it promises higher profits. Lastly, the perennial system is a type of irrigation which directs water from
rivers towards croplands.

As an agricultural country, investing in AI irrigation systems in farming is one major leap which
could drive the Philippine economy skywards. AI irrigation systems often rely on two things: Sensors
and Programs. In a similar research by Divani, Patil, and Punjabi (2016), their plant watering system
combined sprinkler systems, pipes, and nozzles to water plants twice a day. The amount of water
released by their watering system would depend on the moisture detected by the ATmega328
microcontroller. A similar research has been done by Gupta, Kumawat, and Garg (2016) but made use
of the PIC16F877A microcontroller.
 Water is one of the most essential components for the development and growth of plants and
insufficient water supply would result in insufficient growth and there is a high possibility that the plants
would not survive and or result in insufficient development. Bhardwaj, Dhir, and Hooda (2018)
conducted a study on Automatic Plant Watering system using IOT. The researchers created a system
in which the prototype will sense the soil moisture of the plant and would automatically turn the motor
ON and water the plant when needed. The researchers used an Arduino Uno board which is an open
source-platform that is used for developing projects. A Soil moisture sensor is also used to control the
volumetric moisture level of the soil and to send signals to the Arduino. To turn on the water pump to
provide water to the plants, the Arduino would send a signal to the relay module, which is a switch that
opens and closes circuits electronically and electromechanically. Results have shown that the
prototype automatically waters the plants when it detects if the soil is dry, and the researchers have
suggested that the framework of the study can be altered, and the programming can be utilized to
calibrate the necessity of the plant.

Another study was conducted by Wongthai, Chanmee, and Lohawet (2018) on the
enhancement of an automatic plant watering system. The researchers have summarized appropriate
functions of automatic plant watering systems from previous works and enhanced the systems by
utilizing technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing to achieve suitable
automatic plant watering systems. Seven functions were considered for this study, which are the
following: The first one is that the system needs to be operated automatically, second, The system
should be controlled with the use of smartphones, next is that the system should provide output, fourth
is the system should use the concept of IoT, fifth, the system should leverage cloud computing, sixth,
the system should deploy at least one back-up pump, and lastly, the system should prevent water
flood. The results have shown that the designed enhanced system has four main capabilities which
are: the soil moisture level in good condition, second is the low soil moisture level, third is when the
main pump is broken and lastly, preventing water flood. The proposed system by the researchers,
have demonstrated that with the use of IoT and cloud computing, this could be one of the solutions to
mitigate world food shortage situations.
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