SOIL NUTRIENT SENSING SYSTEM FOR

AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES

An Undergraduate Thesis Proposal

Presented to the Faculty of the College of Engineering

University of Rizal System

Antipolo City, Rizal

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Khoji B. Banate
Christopher John A. Facultad
John Paul M. Jimenez
John Edison L. Prado
Justin Jake Songalia

April 2024
APPROVAL SHEET
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This academic effort was made possible through the cooperation and
collaboration of the researchers so as to achieve their goal. As such, the researchers
were grateful to the following:

Dr. Nancy T. Pascual, University President, for her visionary leadership that
inspires the researchers to be leaders of tomorrow through technology.

Dr. Eva B. Maranan, Research Instructor, for her guidance in teachinng the
researchers on how to develop and improve the manuscript.

Engr. Juan Paulo D. Jurada, Universtity Professor, for his comment,

suggestions, and criticism which improve the study.
DEDICATION
 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

This chapter presents the introduction, background of the study with the related

literature, objective of the study, scope and limitations, significance of the study,

assumptions, definition of terms, theoretical framework and conceptual framework.

Introduction

Agriculture is known as the practice of cultivating crops with the aid of land,

water, seeds, and other resources. It is a method of obtaining food for large-scale

production. While nations may vary in their political and economic power, agriculture

remains the fundamental source of food for all.

According to the Philippines Agricultural Technology, a large number of the

population in the country is involved in the agriculture sector, which are made up of four

sectors: farming, fisheries, livestock and forestry. These four sectors have generated a

gross value added (GVA) of 1.78 trillion pesos or 8.9 percent of the country’s gross

domestic product (GDP). Because of the geographical location of the country, its main

source of food comes from farming and fishing industries which contributed a lot to meet

the basic need of the country, and other countries as well. Some of the most exported

products in the country come from farmlands like sugarcane, rice, coconut, and

bananas.

Growing a plant doesn’t only rely on sunlight, water, fertilizer, etc. but also on the

soil or the land where plants are to be planted. Before investing in land for planting,
farmers meticulously consider various factors. The soil's unique nutrient composition

significantly impacts plant growth, yield, and the number of plants that can be

successfully cultivated in a given area.

Some of the well-known nutrients that a plant needs are the NPK or nitrogen(N),

phosphorus(P), and potassium(K) which are the major nutrients needed by plants. In

addition to the three mentioned nutrients calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur(S)

are also needed by plants.

Due to the ever-growing technology in the world, some countries use technology

in their agriculture, which makes farmers yield more efficient and bountiful harvest.

While Antipolo boast for a fertile land, Filipino farmers nationwide, have struggle to

access equipment hence, hindering an efficient production.

Background of the Study

According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, global

population growth has surged, placing increased pressure on the agricultural sector to

meet growing food demands. As the world's population continues to expand at a rapid

pace, reaching an estimated 9 billion people within the next three decades, the need to

enhance food production has become more critical than ever. Traditional agricultural

practices, developed during the "green revolution" of the past sixty to seventy years,

have facilitated significant increases in food output. However, these methods have

proven to be environmentally unsustainable and inefficient in the long term due to

increasing population and growing demand for food. The reliance on chemical fertilizers
and intensive farming techniques has led to detrimental effects on the environment,

including soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Additionally, Hutchins (2020) highlighted concerns about the agricultural sector's

reliance on chemicals and fertilizers, noting worries regarding food safety and

sustainability. Their study explores technology's role in sustainable agriculture, echoing

these concerns. In response, the Agri-tech revolution has emerged, driven by the need

to address environmental impact and ensure agricultural sustainability. Hutchins (2020)

illustrates how technological advancements foster innovative solutions for sustainable

agriculture, marking a transformative shift in farming practices.

The Agri-tech revolution seeks to harness the power of innovative technologies,

such as soil nutrient sensors and the Internet of Things (IoT), to revolutionize

agricultural practices. By integrating smart technologies into farming processes, the

Agri-tech revolution aims to promote more sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly

methods of food production. These technologies offer the potential to optimize resource

utilization, minimize environmental impact, and improve overall agricultural productivity.

Several research studies have contributed valuable insights and innovations to

support the goals of the Agri-tech revolution.

For instance, Postolache, et al. (2022) proposed an IoT-based information

system for real-time monitoring of soil characteristics, providing a more efficient

alternative to traditional laboratory methods.

 Similarly, Zhang, et al. (2017) developed an IoT platform for citrus moisture,

temperature, and nutrient monitoring, demonstrating the potential of technology-driven

decision support systems in agriculture.

Furthermore, Abdullah, Na et al. (2016) introduced a prototype soil monitoring

system incorporating pH, temperature, and moisture sensors, highlighting the

importance of cost-effective agricultural sensors for small-scale farmers.

Additionally, Othaman et al. (2021) proposed an IoT-based mobile device for

real-time measurement of soil nutrients, addressing global food security concerns.

Building upon these research efforts, the proposal aims to advance the field of

soil nutrient sensing by developing an innovative IoT-enabled system. Unlike previous

approaches, this system will utilize IoT technology to suggest suitable plant species

based on soil nutrient data, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and

sustainability. By integrating cutting-edge technology with agricultural practices, this

research seeks to contribute to the ongoing Agri-tech revolution and address the

challenges facing modern agriculture.

The increasing global population and food demands have strained traditional

agricultural practices, leading to concerns about sustainability and environmental

impact. In response, the Agri-tech revolution has emerged, emphasizing the role of

technology in promoting sustainable agriculture. Hutchins (2020) highlights these

concerns, advocating for innovative solutions. Through studies by Postolache et al.

(2022), Zhang et al. (2017), Abdullah et al. (2016), and Othaman et al. (2021),
advancements in soil monitoring and nutrient sensing have been made. Building on this,

our research aims to develop an IoT-enabled system to suggest suitable plant species

based on soil data, contributing to agricultural sustainability.

Theoretical Framework

This research on soil nutrient sensing devices is mainly rooted in the

Diffusion of Innovation theory, as it offers a comprehensive understanding of the

variables influencing the successful development and adoption of sensors within

agricultural technology.

The Diffusion of Innovation theory, proposed by Everett Rogers in 1962, explains

the slow spread of fresh concepts, products, or technological breakthroughs among a

community. As defined by Halton (2023), this theory describes how different

generations within a population, ranging from innovators and early adopters to the

majority and laggards, embrace innovations over time. When this approach is applied to

soil nutrient sensing devices, it helps to clarify how farmers and other agricultural

professionals might use this technology. It also makes it easier to distinguish the

obstacles and enablers for the adoption of innovative sensing technologies. This can

influence policies that are meant to promote broad acceptance and usage among

farming communities.

The researchers also used this concept to inform the choice of suitable sensors,

user interfaces, and interaction modalities for the soil nutrient monitoring device,
guaranteeing that the tool is intuitive and simple to operate for both specialists and end

users. Stakeholder input may be included in the design and implementation process to

customize the gadget to the unique needs and preferences of its target audience.

CONCEPTUAL MODEL
 Figure 1

Conceptual Model of the Soil Nutrient Sensing System

for Agricultural Purposes

Conceptual Framework

In this study, the researchers will utilize the Agile Methodology, a flexible and

collaborative approach to project management. This method consists of seven phases:

planning, design, development, testing, deployment, review, and launch. Each phase

contributes to the systematic progression of the research, ensuring adaptability and

efficiency in addressing stakeholder needs.

Plan: In the planning phase, the researchers will define clear goals and

objectives for the development of the Soil Nutrient Sensing System. This involves

outlining what needs to be achieved and setting measurable targets. Additionally, the

reasearchers will identify the resources required, including personnel, equipment, and

materials.

Design: During the design phase, the reasearchers will focus on the technical

aspects of the system. This includes selecting and configuring appropriate sensors,

designing the system architecture and hardware components, and creating the overall

system design. The emphasis is on creating a blueprint that aligns with the project goals

and requirements.
 Develop: In the development phase, the reasearchers will begin building the

prototype of the Soil Nutrient Sensing System. This involves coding, programming, and

integrating the hardware and software components. As the development progresses,

there will be iterative cycles of prototyping and improvement to refine the system.

Testing: Testing is an essential phase where the Soil Nutrient Sensing System

undergoes thorough evaluation to ensure its functionality and performance. This

involves conducting tests in various conditions to assess the system's behavior and

response. Additionally, field trials are conducted to validate the system's effectiveness in

real agricultural settings, providing valuable insights into its practical performance and

usability.

Deploy: Once testing is complete and the system is deemed ready for

deployment, it will be installed in the target environment. The team will teach the users

on how to use the system effectively and will be on hand to address any issues that

may arise during deployment.

Review: The review phase involves evaluating the effectiveness of the Soil

Nutrient Sensing System after deployment. This includes assessing user satisfaction,

gathering feedback from stakeholders, and identifying opportunities for improvement.

The goal is to ensure that the system meets the needs of users and delivers the

expected outcomes.

Launch: Following a successful review phase, the Soil Nutrient Sensing System,

our research's culmination, will officially launch. This system, a milestone in modern

agriculture, addresses significant challenges. Post-launch, we'll offer full support and
maintenance to ensure its ongoing functionality and reliability, promptly addressing any

issues and implementing updates as needed.

Objectives of the study

This study aims to develop a prototype of a soil nutrient sensing system.

Specifically, it aimed to:

1. Test the soil nutrient sensing system in terms of:

1.1 soil nutrient identification,

1.2 soil nutrients level;

1.3 suitable crop to be planted;

2. Evaluate the acceptability of the development of soil nutrient sensing system with

respect to:

2.1 Design;

2.2 Functionality;

2.3 User-Friendliness; and,

2.4 Safety and Maintenance.

3. Determine whether there is a significant difference in the perception of the two-

groups of respondents on the level of acceptability of soil nutrient sensing system with

respect to the above-mentioned variables.

Assumption of the Study

The researchers will assume that the soil nutrient sensing system has been

successfully developed. Additionally, the researchers will assume that the system:

1. The system will use locally available parts and components for easy

replacement of required parts.

2. The system Under go series of trials to improve its fucntion, ensure

precise and accurate results.

3. The system will be very much acceptable by experts and end-users in

terms of design, functionality, usefulness, and safety and maintenance.

4. Both group of evaluation will accept it.

Scope and Limitation

The study will focus on the development of the soil nutrient sensing system. It

gathers data on so il nutrients and presents it in two ways: an on-site LCD screen for
immediate readings and remote access to a smartphone app for easy monitoring. By

analyzing this data, users gain valuable insights for plant selection. The system can

recommend plant types suited to the specific soil conditions and even suggest the

necessary nutrients for optimal growth of a desired plant species. A key challenge lies in

protecting the system from damage. Harsh weather, animals (including birds, humans,

and insects), and physical disturbances can threaten the system's functionality by

causing malfunctions in the electronic components and hindering its ability to provide

accurate data and plant recommendations.

Students and future researchers can use it to study and improve the device; not

just farmers but also home gardeners can use it. The study will be conducted at the

College of Engineering, at the University of Rizal System, Antipolo Campus, Rizal

Province, specifically where agriculture-rich areas are, during the academic year 2023–

2024.

This study sought to determine the different perceptions of experts and end-

users pertaining to the design, functionality, usefulness, safety and maintenance of the

device being developed.

Through answering the questionnaire-checklist by selected respondents from the

college of engineering and instructors at the University of Rizal System, the level of

acceptability of the soil nutrient sensing system will b e evaluated based on its design,

functionality, usefulness, and maintenance.

Significance of the Study

The Soil Nutrient Sensing System has the potential to make a big difference in

different areas. This research delves into how its features can be helpful in the following

ways:

Farmers. It'll help farmers by providing a smart tool to understand their soil,

allowing them to save money through precise nutrient use for healthy and plentiful

harvests.

Department of Agriculture. It will help the Department of Agriculture by

providing accurate data from soil nutrient sensing, enabling informed decisions on

agricultural policies and resource allocation for creating sustainable practices and

ensuring national food security.

Home Gardeners. It will be helpful for home gardeners, giving them a valuable

tool through the Soil Nutrient Sensing System to understand and manage soil nutrients

effectively, ensuring their gardens stay healthy and thriving.

Community. It will make communities better by helping local farmers to grow

more, spend less and make things good for everyone. People will have more fresh and

affordable food around.

Student. It will serve as a motivation for students to let them explore high-tech

farming tools, to see how science shapes everyday tasks like growing food, and

inspiring future scientists and farmers along the way.

 Future Researchers. It will serve as a helpful starting point for them by providing

baseline data to explore, discover new ways to improve farming and make it better for

everyone.

Definition of Terms

The following terms used in the pursuit of this study were defined conceptually

and operationally to ensure clarification and better understanding of this study:

Agriculture. The practice of cultivating crops and raising livestock for food, fiber,

and other products.

Agri-tech Revolution. The modern movement in agriculture that utilizes

innovative technologies, such as sensor devices, Internet of Things (IoT), and data

analytics, to optimize farming practices, improve efficiency, and promote sustainability.

Arduino Uno. An open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use

hardware and software, commonly used for building digital devices and interactive

objects.

Design. Refers to how something looks and is structured, like the shape, color,

and arrangement of elements.

Diffusion of Innovation Theory. A theoretical framework that explains how new

ideas, products, or technologies spread and are adopted within a population over time.
 Functionality. Refers to the effectiveness and efficiency of a system in carrying

out its designated functions.

Green Revolution. A period of significant agricultural innovation and

technological advancement, particularly in the mid-20th century, aimed at increasing

food production through the use of high-yielding varieties of crops, chemical fertilizers,

and pesticides.

Gross Value Added (GVA). The measure of the value of goods and services

produced in an area, industry, or sector of an economy, minus the cost of goods and

services used up in production.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The total monetary value of all finished goods

and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period.

Human-Centered Design. A design approach that prioritizes understanding the

needs, preferences, and behaviors of end users to create intuitive and user-friendly

products or systems.

Internet of Things (IoT). A network of interconnected devices embedded with

sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to collect and exchange

data over the internet.

LCD. Liquid Crystal Display, a flat panel display technology commonly used in

electronic devices for visual output of data or information.

 Maintenance. The regular care and upkeep required to preserve the functionality

and condition of something over time.

Mobile App Developer Program. Software development tools and resources

provided by mobile operating system platforms, such as iOS or Android, for creating

and distributing mobile applications.

NPK. An acronym representing the three primary macronutrients required by

plants: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Safety. The condition of being protected from harm or danger, ensuring well-

being and security.

Soil Nutrients. Essential elements and compounds present in soil that are

necessary for plant growth and development, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P),

potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S).

Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A model that evaluates individuals'

acceptance and adoption of new technologies based on perceived usefulness and ease

of use.

Tinkercad. An online platform for 3D modeling and electronics design, often

used for prototyping and simulation of electronic circuits and devices.

User-Friendliness. Refers to how easy and intuitive something is for people to

use, making it simple to understand and navigate.

 Chapter 2

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter shows the research method used by the researchers, setting and

subject of the study, sources of data, procedure of the study and statistical treatment.

Research Design

In the pursuit of developing a Soil Nutrient Sensing System for agricultural

applications, the researchers have chosen to adopt the Agile Methodology as their

guiding framework, as illustrated in Figure 1. Recognized for its iterative and

incremental approach to project management, Agile Methodology aligns seamlessly

with the dynamic and evolving nature of the research objectives.

By embracing Agile principles such as adaptive planning, continuous

improvement, and close collaboration with stakeholders, the researchers aim to foster a

flexible and responsive research process. This methodology empowers the team to
swiftly adapt to changing requirements, incorporate feedback from end-users and

experts, and prioritize deliverables based on their value and impact.

With Agile Methodology as the foundation of their approach, the researchers are

confident in their capability to develop a Soil Nutrient Sensing System that effectively

tackles the multifaceted challenges of modern agriculture.

Additionally, the research will integrate a Developmental Approach to ensure a

comprehensive and iterative development process. This approach emphasizes

continuous learning and adaptation, aligning closely with the iterative nature of the

research objectives. By systematically refining and enhancing the Soil Nutrient Sensing

System throughout its development lifecycle, the researchers aim to achieve

incremental improvements in functionality, usability, and effectiveness.

Through ongoing feedback loops and reflection on progress, the researchers will

iteratively evolve the system to meet the evolving needs and requirements of end-users

and stakeholders. By combining the Developmental Approach with Agile Methodology,

the researchers aim to create a robust and user-centric Soil Nutrient Sensing System

that effectively addresses the challenges and complexities of modern agricultural

practices.

In addition to Agile Methodology and the Developmental Approach, the research

will incorporate Experimental Methodology to rigorously test and validate the

effectiveness of the Soil Nutrient Sensing System. This methodology involves designing

controlled experiments to systematically manipulate variables and measure their effects

on the system's performance. Through carefully designed experiments, the researchers

will gather empirical data to assess the system's functionality, accuracy, and reliability in

real-world agricultural settings. By combining Experimental Methodology with Agile and

Developmental approaches, the researchers ensure a robust and systematic approach

to the design, development, and validation of the Soil Nutrient Sensing System,

ultimately delivering a solution that meets the needs of end-users and stakeholders.

Setting of the Study

The study will be conducted at the rice plains, near BigBrew Teresa, which is

located at Brgy. May-Iba Teresa Rizal, Antipolo. Teresa, known as depended a lot on

farming. People there grew crops, and did other farm work to support themselves. The

land was rich, and this way of life became a crucial part of Teresa's history, shaping

how people lived and connected with the land.

Barangay May-Iba is one of Teresa, Rizal's nine barangays with the largest land

area. Barangay Dalig had the most land allocated to growing rice, with 210.5 hectares

and 1,217 metric tons produced. It was followed by Barangay Prinza, which had 52.5

hectares and produced 312 metric tons. It was soon followed by Barangay Dulumbayan

with 48.0 hectares and Barangay May-iba with 28.0 hectares, with a total production

volume of 164 metric tons, according to Existing Major Agricultural Crop by Area,
Product,

and Market, 2013.

Figure 3

Vicinity Map of the BigBrew Teresa Rizal,

Brgy. May-iba Teresa Rizal, Antipolo

Subject of the Study

This study will focus on the soil nutrient sensing system for agricultural purposes

developed by undergraduate students on campus.

This system is designed to primarily assist farmers in planting crops on specific

soil types. By detecting and analyzing nutrients, the system helps farmers optimize crop
production, save money on costly seedlings, and precisely apply fertilizer, reducing

produced waste and having an environmental impact from the reduction of waste

produced.

A soil nutrient sensor measures nutrients and displays data: on-screen for easy

access in the field; remotely on mobile devices for convenient viewing anywhere.By

analyzing this data, users can: choose plants suited to their soil conditions; get

recommendations on plant types and required nutrients.

Sources of Data

The primary sources of the data are the internet, books, journals, and other

studies. The researchers will also collect information using a survey questionnaire. The

questionnaire checklist consists of five (5) items per variable, such as design,

functionality, usefulness, safety, and maintenance.

The instrument was divided into two parts: the first is about the profile of the

respondents, while the second is composed of questions to evaluate the level of

acceptability of the developed soil nutrient sensing system.

The result of the study was assessed through the use of a five-point scale and its

corresponding verbal interpretations, as follows:

Scale, Range, Verbal Interpretation of Development and Acceptability

of Soil Nutrient Sensing System

Scale Range Verbal Interpretation

5 4.21 – 5.00 Very Much Acceptable

4 3.41 – 4.20 Very Acceptable

3 2.61 – 3.40 Acceptable

2 1.81 – 2.60 Less Acceptable

1 1.00 – 1.80 Least Acceptable

The researchers would also collect information about the system by evaluating it,

which would be separated into three parts, which would test the following:

1. Nutrient Identification Accuracy: The researchers would use standard reference

materials (SRMs) to verify the accuracy of the system to test the soil content, in

which the system would be tested to detect the nutrients contained in pre-

analyzed soil samples with known nutrient compositions.

2. Nutrient Level Display Clarity: The system display clarity would be evaluated by

humans, and they could visually assess the clarity of the nutrient level display on

both the LCD and remote device.

3. Crop Suitability Recommendation Effectiveness: The recommendation

effectiveness would be evaluated by literature comparison; recommendations

can be compared with established guidelines for crop selection based on soil

nutrient levels found in relevant scientific literature.

Procedure of the Study

The researchers began the study by thoroughly assessing the literature to

discover knowledge gaps and technical breakthroughs in soil nutrient sensing. The

paper was then presented to the professors of the College of Engineering, who acted as

panelists for the title defense. Following the study's approval, the researchers will ask

the College of Engineering Dean for authorization to carry out the research.

After that, the researchers will create a prototype sensing tool that can precisely

measure important soil components, including potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen.

The researchers will also take into account the design elements, including portability,

ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, to ensure the device's usability for agricultural

applications.

The process of developing the system for the sensing tool will then begin with

setting clear goals for the sensing system and identifying the necessary resources, such

as where to obtain parts. Following a structured approach known as agile methodology,

the hardware and software will be designed. This will be followed by the creation of a

prototype for testing purposes.

Once a prototype is ready, it will undergo testing in controlled conditions to

assess its accuracy. For instance, comparisons may be made with known levels in soil

samples to validate readings. Subsequently, field testing will be conducted, involving

real users who evaluate the system in practical settings to provide valuable feedback for

improvements.

Following testing, an evaluation of the system's performance will be conducted. If

it meets expectations and receives positive user feedback, progress is made. However,

any identified issues will prompt a refinement process, in which the researchers will

revisit the design to enhance functionality based on the gathered insights.

Lastly, improvements will be made in response to user input and new

developments in technology. The sensing system will be continuously improved through

an iterative cycle of development, testing, assessment, and refinement to fulfill changing

user demands and technology standards.

Statistical Treatment

The researchers utilized the following statistical method treatment in the analysis

of the data gathered.

1. To determine the functionality and effectiveness of Soil Nutrient Sensing System

based on the respondents’ evaluation in terms of design, functionality and

usefulness, mean and standard deviation were used.

Mean: Standard Deviation:

 2. To determine the significant difference between the respondents’ perceptions of

the developed Soil Nutrient Sensing System, a t-test for independent samples

was utilized, assuming equal variances.

t-test:

3. To calculate the percentage error, the percentage error formula was applied.

Error: