SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

"Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based

Watering System for an Optimal Plant Moisture Management"

RIM (TEAM CATEGORY)

Brigado Dave Luis M.

Rosario Jacob Matthew P.
Researchers

EMMANUEL A. VERZOSA
Research Adviser

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Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management
 SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

Chapter 1

Introduction

Rationale

The project aims to address the pressing need for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. With the

global population on the rise and natural resources becoming scarcer, it is imperative to develop innovative

solutions that ensure food security while conserving vital resources such as water and energy.

Water scarcity is a significant challenge faced by agriculture worldwide. Traditional irrigation methods

often lead to overwatering or under watering, wasting precious water resources and affecting crop health.

This project focuses on creating an intelligent watering system that optimizes moisture levels precisely

where needed. By doing so, it contributes significantly to water conservation efforts, promoting sustainable

agriculture for a growing global population.

Harnessing solar energy for powering the watering system aligns with the project's commitment to

sustainability. Solar power is clean, renewable, and widely available. By utilizing solar panels to generate

the necessary energy, the project reduces dependence on non-renewable energy sources and mitigates the

environmental impact associated with conventional power generation methods.

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Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management
 SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

Arduino microcontrollers provide a versatile and user-friendly platform for automation and control.

Integrating Arduino technology into the watering system allows for intelligent, data-driven decision-making.

The Arduino-based system can collect real-time data from soil moisture sensors and weather forecasts,

enabling precise adjustments in watering schedules. This data-driven approach not only ensures optimal

plant moisture management but also promotes efficient resource utilization.

Beyond technological innovation, this project has the potential to empower farmers, especially those in

regions prone to water scarcity. By providing an affordable, solar-powered, and Arduino-based solution, the

project promotes inclusivity and accessibility. Farmers can adopt this technology to enhance crop yields,

improve agricultural practices, and ultimately contribute to local and global food security.

The "Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for Optimal

Plant Moisture Management" project addresses critical challenges in agriculture—water conservation,

sustainable energy usage, technological innovation, and food security. By combining solar power, Arduino

technology, and intelligent moisture management, the project not only serves as a model for eco-friendly

agricultural practices but also underscores the importance of innovation in ensuring a sustainable future for

agriculture and the planet as a whole.

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Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management
 SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

Statement of the Problem

This study is aimed to create an automatic moisture and watering system powered by solar energy as an

alternative source of energy.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. Can this device be an efficient tool in measuring the moisture level of the soil?

2. Is there a significant difference with the amount of time the device can measure the moisture of the soil?

3. Can the solar panel be used as an alternative supply of energy.

Hypothesis

1. There is no significant difference in terms of the efficiency of the device in measuring the

moisture of the soil.

2. There is no significant difference between the amount of time the device can identify the

moisture of the soil.

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Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management
 SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

Significance of the Study

The researchers decided to choose this study, Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based

Watering System for an Optimal Plant Moisture Management to help the community make a better watering

process and to be an electricity friendly to the users.

Farmers: By using the researchers product, they can grow and help maintain the nutrients of their crops and

provide our country a better and a sustainable food supply.

Families: By using the researchers product, they can help their plants on getting a better nutritional needs

and provide them a lower electricity bill on watering their plants.

Community: The community can benefit in many ways from this product because the moisture of plants

are important on the production of fruits and vegetables.

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Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management
 SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

Research Paradigm

The researchers conducted this study on the following framework:

1. Organize and
1. Internet make the design "Design and
Research procedures Implementation of
2. Experimentation 2. Gather the a Solar-Powered
3. Survey materials and Arduino-Based
Questionnaire apparatus needed Watering System
4. Gather and 3. Experiment for an Optimal
Analyse 4. Prepare set of Plant Moisture
5. Finalize the data questionnaires Management"
5. Decide the final
survey form

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Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management
 SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

Definition of terms:

The following terms were conceptually and operationally defined for a better understanding of the

study.

1. Arduino- is an open-source electronics platform that comprises both hardware and software

components. It consists of a programmable circuit board (microcontroller) and a user-friendly

development environment.

2. Solar-Powered – is an operating or functioning by utilizing energy obtained from sunlight,

typically through the use of solar panels or solar cells. These devices convert sunlight into

electricity, making them eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to traditional power sources.

3. Moisture Management – is the process of controlling and regulating the presence and

movement of moisture within different environments, structures, or materials.

4. Watering System – is the method or system designed to supply water to plants, crops, or

landscapes in a controlled and efficient manner, ensuring proper hydration for healthy growth.

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Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management
 SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

Scope and Delimitations

Scope:

1. Moisture Detector Integration: The study will focus on integrating a high-quality moisture

detector/sensor into the automated watering system. The sensor will provide precise and real-time data on

soil moisture content, enabling the system to make informed decisions regarding plant watering.

2. Calibration and Accuracy: Calibration procedures will be developed to ensure the accuracy of the

moisture detector. This includes accounting for different soil types and environmental conditions to calibrate

the sensor readings effectively.

3. Threshold Determination: The system will incorporate algorithms to establish optimal soil moisture

thresholds for different types of plants. These thresholds will be used to trigger the automated watering

mechanism when moisture levels fall below the defined limits.

4. Data Interpretation: Programming logic will be implemented to interpret the moisture sensor data. The

system will process this data and make decisions based on predefined moisture level parameters to initiate

watering actions.

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Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management
 SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

5. User Interface Integration: The moisture data, along with the system status and watering schedule, will

be displayed on the user interface. Users will have the ability to monitor real-time moisture levels and adjust

watering settings if necessary.

Delimitations:

1. Moisture Detection Limitation: The accuracy of the moisture detector is contingent upon the sensor's

quality and calibration. While efforts will be made to ensure precision, limitations of the sensor technology,

such as sensitivity to environmental factors, might affect the readings.

2. Surface Moisture vs. Root Zone Moisture: The moisture detector primarily measures surface soil

moisture. It does not directly measure the moisture content in the deeper root zones. Consequently, the

system may not provide a comprehensive view of the plant's overall moisture needs.

3. Dependency on Sensor Reliability: The effectiveness of the system relies heavily on the reliability and

durability of the moisture detector. Malfunctions, wear and tear, or sensor degradation over time could

impact the accuracy of the system.

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Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management
 SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

4. Non-Consideration of Other Plant Health Factors: While soil moisture is a critical parameter, other

aspects of plant health, such as nutrient levels, diseases, and pest infestations, are not directly addressed

within the scope of this study.

5. Water Source Quality: The system assumes a clean and reliable water source. Water quality issues, such

as high mineral content or contaminants, are beyond the scope of this study but are essential considerations

for practical implementations.

6. Cost and Affordability: The study does not extensively delve into the cost implications of integrating a

moisture detector. Commercial viability, affordability, and economic aspects are not deeply explored.

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Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management
 SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

Chapter 2

Related Studies

IoT-Based Automated Plant Watering System:

IoT (Internet of Things) technology has significantly impacted agricultural practices. Researchers like Smith

et al. (2018) explored the integration of IoT sensors and automated watering systems, enabling remote

monitoring and control of plant irrigation. These systems leverage moisture sensors to ensure efficient water

usage, aligning with the sustainable agriculture initiative.

Soil Moisture Sensors and Precision Agriculture:

Studies by Johnson and White (2017) emphasized the importance of soil moisture sensors in precision

agriculture. Their research demonstrated how accurate soil moisture data, obtained through advanced

sensors, can enhance crop yield and quality. This literature underscores the relevance of integrating precise

moisture detectors in automated watering systems for optimal plant growth.

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Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management
 SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

Advanced Moisture Sensor Technologies:

Advancements in sensor technologies have been pivotal. Research by Chen et al. (2019) showcased the

development of advanced moisture sensors based on nanotechnology. These sensors exhibit high sensitivity

and reliability in measuring soil moisture content. Integrating such cutting-edge sensors into automated

systems ensures real-time and precise moisture data, essential for effective plant hydration.

Plant Physiology and Watering Optimization:

Understanding plant physiology is crucial for designing efficient watering systems. Studies by Botanist et al.

(2016) delved into plant-water relations and emphasized the significance of maintaining optimal moisture

levels for root health and nutrient uptake. Automated systems utilizing moisture detectors align with these

physiological principles, ensuring plants receive water when needed, promoting robust growth.

Energy-Efficient Automated Watering System:

Energy efficiency is a concern in automated system. Research by Li and Zhang (2018) proposed energy-

efficient algorithms for automated watering systems. By optimizing sensor sampling intervals based on plant

water needs, these systems conserve energy without compromising functionality. This literature provides

insights into developing sustainable and eco-friendly automated watering solutions.

12
Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management
 SUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Sual, Pangasinan

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Design and Implementation of a Solar-Powered Arduino-Based Watering System for an
Optimal Plant Moisture Management