AAHON: Agriculture and Advance Horticultural Observation Networks for Sustainable

Cereal Crop Farming

A RESEARCH PAPER

Presented to Teachers of

Senior High School Department

Iligan City National High School (ICNHS)

Iligan City

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for Grade 11 Curriculum

Mohammad Hayan A. Olowa

Lee Andrew C. Orquillas

Sharafa Ashley L. Abulkhair

Alynna Jehan S. Lomondot

Jean B. Saylan

Lorraine E. Yatoc

April 2024
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Context & Rationale

The horticulture sector plays a vital role in society by contributing to food production,

economic growth, and environmental sustainability. However, Filipino farmers face various

challenges in their agricultural practices, especially in the horticulture sector. The

horticultural sector makes major contributions to society, such as food production, economic

development, and environmental sustainability. However, the horticulture sector faces

challenges that affect farmers not only in the Philippines but also globally. According to

Siaton (2023), these challenges include the devastating effects of nature, pests, and insects,

competition in the market, and the need for supporting infrastructure. Additionally, climate

change, the loss of productive soils, increased cost of land, lack of water, and loss of low-cost

labor all pose significant threats to the development of the horticulture industry, according to

Lamm, Powell, and Lombardini (2021).

To address these challenges, the researchers will be developing a real-time monitoring

sensor system that goes beyond traditional soil moisture analysis. This sensor system

incorporates NPK soil analysis and considers various factors that contribute to soil

performance, such as nutrient levels, pH balance, organic matter content, and soil texture. By

monitoring these factors in real-time, farmers gain a comprehensive understanding of soil

conditions and their impact on crop growth and can emit sound signals to alert farmers about

soil problems and give real time feedback. The real-time monitoring capability enables

timely and informed decision-making, allowing farmers conditions. This empowers them to

optimize crop growth through adjustments in fertilizer to proactively address soil nutrient
deficiencies, pH imbalances, and unfavorable environmental application, irrigation strategies,

and cultivation practices for sustainable cereal crop farming.

1.2 Objectives

This study aims to develop a Real-Time Monitoring Sensor with the help of NPK

sensors and other factors that may affect the soil performance.

 To develop a comprehensive and real-time monitoring sensor system for sustainable

cereal crop farming.

 To provide comprehensive analysis and assessment of soil health and environmental

conditions.

 To incorporate an alarm sound system that will signal farmers about soil problems and

give real time feedback.

 To enhance crop productivity and resource efficiency.

1.3 Research Questions

1. How does real-time NPK soil analysis and comprehensive soil factors improve

decision-making for sustainable cereal farming by addressing nutrient deficiencies,

pH imbalances, and environmental issues?

2. What is the impact of real-time monitoring sensor systems on optimizing crop growth

through adjustments in fertilizer, irrigation, and cultivation practices for sustainable

cereal farming?

3. How do sound alerts from the sensor system aid timely interventions and informed

decisions to boost crop yields and soil health in sustainable agriculture?

1.4 Hypothesis

H1: The integration of the developed sensor system will improve cereal crop

productivity and yield by providing farmers with detailed insights into soil health and

environmental conditions.

1.5 Scope and Limitations

This study focuses on developing a real-time soil problem detection sensor that emits

sound signals to provide immediate and continuous monitoring of soil conditions for farmers.

This sensor aims to offer real-time feedback on soil health issues such as nutrient

deficiencies, pH imbalance, moisture levels, and pest infestations by translating these

problems into audible alerts. By enabling instant detection and notification of soil issues

through sound signals, the sensor enhances farmers' ability to address problems promptly,

implement targeted interventions, and optimize crop management practices. The scope

includes improving real-time soil monitoring, facilitating proactive decision-making, and

enhancing agricultural productivity through timely and responsive soil management

strategies.

Despite its benefits, the development of a real-time soil problem detection sensor that

emits sound signals face certain limitations. These limitations could include the challenge of

ensuring the accuracy and reliability of real-time data transmission and sound alerts. By

focusing on monitoring soil conditions 5-10 centimeters below the surface, the system targets

areas crucial for crop health assessment. Additionally, Photovoltaic Solar panel will be

dependent on sunlight availability. Immediate alarm activation upon detecting harmful soil

conditions prompts timely farmer notifications within seconds, supported by loud, distinct

alarm sounds for effective alerting amidst farm noise. The alarm duration of 30 seconds to 1

minute provides farmers with ample time to respond without causing unnecessary
disturbance. Tailoring the system for cereal crops ensures compatibility with unique soil

conditions and cultivation practices, offering targeted insights for optimizing growth and

yield. Strict access control measures safeguard data security, confidentiality, and integrity,

enhancing the system's reliability and effectiveness in supporting sustainable farming

practices.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The research study on developing a Real-Time Monitoring Sensor system for

sustainable cereal crop farming is crucial for the agricultural sector. By using NPK sensors

and real-time monitoring, it enhances resource efficiency and sustainability. Farmers benefit

from optimized resource use and informed decisions. The creation of LiveSenseDroid, a soil

analysis robot, empowers farmers with advanced monitoring capabilities. This study sets a

precedent for advanced monitoring systems, driving innovation and sustainability in

agriculture, benefiting farmers, researchers, agronomists, and technology companies.

Government Sector Impact. LiveSenseDroid offers a practical tool for enhancing

agricultural sustainability and productivity, supporting government initiatives for food

security and sustainable agriculture practices.

Personnel Benefits. Agricultural professionals’ benefit from advanced monitoring

capabilities, enabling data-driven decisions, improved efficiency, and innovation in farming

practices.

Industry Impact. Agricultural technology companies can leverage LiveSenseDroid

to develop cutting-edge solutions, driving industry growth and promoting smart agriculture

practices
 Farmers. The real-time soil monitoring system with alarm sound and NPK sensors

provides immediate alerts to farmers, enabling quick intervention to protect crop health and

optimize agricultural practices.

Environmental Sustainability. By detecting harmful factors promptly, the system

promotes sustainable farming practices, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture

through targeted interventions and resource-efficient management.

1.7 Conceptual Framework

 Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Experimental Approach: An experimental approach refers

Input Process Output
to a
1. Develop a 1.Develop and implement a 1. Real-time monitoring

comprehensive and real- real-time monitoring sensor system providing data on

time monitoring sensor system that integrates the soil health parameters,

system for sustainable key variables for data environmental conditions,

cereal crop farming. collection and analysis. and crop growth stages.

2. Provide 2. Establish algorithms and 2. Comprehensive

comprehensive analysis protocols for analyzing the analysis and assessment

and assessment of soil collected data to assess soil reports for farmers to

health and environmental health, environmental make informed decisions

conditions. conditions, and crop growth on crop management

3. Incorporate an alarm stages. practices.

sound system to signal 3. Integrate alarm triggers 3. Alarm system alerts and

farmers about soil and responses within the feedback mechanisms for

problems and give real- system to provide timely interventions and

time feedback. immediate feedback to proactive action to

4. Enhance crop farmers about soil problems optimize crop productivity

productivity and resource and crop management and resource efficiency in

efficiency. decisions. sustainable farming

practices.
research method in which the researcher manipulates one or more variables to observe the

effect on another variable under controlled conditions.

Horticultural Observation Networks: Horticultural observation networks are

systems or structures designed to monitor and gather data on various aspects of horticulture,

such as plant growth, environmental conditions, and soil health.

Purposive Sampling: Purposive sampling is a non-random sampling technique where

the researcher selects participants or data sources based on specific criteria relevant to the

research objectives.

Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that focuses on

understanding human behavior, experiences, and perceptions through non-numerical data

such as interviews, observations, and textual analysis.

Quantitative Research: Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of

numerical data to understand relationships, patterns, and trends in a structured and

measurable way.

Data Gathering Approaches: Data gathering approaches refer to the methods and

techniques used to collect data for research purposes, such as surveys, interviews,

observations, or experiments.

Analysis Procedures: Analysis procedures are the steps and techniques used to

process and interpret data collected during the research study, including statistical analysis,

coding, and thematic analysis.

Arduino Uno: Arduino Uno is a microcontroller board used for building digital

devices and interactive objects that can sense and control objects in the physical world.
 NPK Sensor: The NPK sensor measures nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels

in the soil, which are essential nutrients for plant growth.

Mini- Photovoltaic Solar Panel: A mini photovoltaic solar panel is a small-scale

solar panel that converts sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. These panels

are designed to be compact and portable, making them suitable for various applications such

as powering small electronic devices, charging batteries, or providing energy in off-grid

locations.

Speaker Sensor: A speaker sensor is a device that detects the presence and activity of

a speaker or sound source in its vicinity, used for various purposes such as voice recognition

and sound monitoring.

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the review of relevant related literature and studies that the

researchers considered in strengthening the importance of the present study. It also presents

the synthesis of the study and the present issues and the ongoing need of the study to fully

understand the research for better comprehension of the study.

2.1 Review of Related Literature

Local Literature

According to Pineda (2023), the Philippines is leading the way in promoting

sustainable agriculture practices in Asia. The country's efforts to establish an ecosystem

supporting sustainable farming underscore the importance of sustainable practices in ensuring

food security and poverty alleviation. These sustainable agriculture practices have resulted in

a significant increase in food security, with a reported 30% reduction in food insecurity rates.

Additionally, the initiatives to promote sustainable farming methods have contributed to a

20% decrease in poverty levels among rural farming communities.

Furthermore, a report on the Southeast Asian Vocational Education and Training

(SEA-VET) website discusses how sustainable agriculture programs in the Philippines are

strengthening food security in the country. These initiatives, in line with the OECD's

emphasis on sustainable agriculture, have led to a 15% improvement in crop yields and a

25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector. These outcomes

highlight the positive impact of sustainable agriculture practices in enhancing food security,

reducing poverty, and promoting environmental sustainability in the Philippines.

Foreign Literature

According to Banks (2023), the integration of sensor networks, IoT, and automation

in horticulture is revolutionizing farming practices by enhancing yields, optimizing tasks, and

promoting resource efficiency. This literature emphasizes the significance of connectivity,

highlighting real-time data transfer, remote monitoring, and collaboration as essential

components for successful implementation of digital solutions in horticulture.

Additionally, as highlighted by García-Llorente, Rubio-Olivar, and Gutierrez-Briceño

(2018), the concept of green care holds significant potential in advancing sustainability and

well-being through multifunctional agriculture and community engagement. The integration

of wireless sensor applications in IoT agriculture presents both tools and challenges when

merging technology with traditional farming practices. Smart farming practices, including

precision agriculture and real-time data monitoring, offer benefits in crop management,

sustainable agriculture, and advanced farming techniques, ultimately optimizing production

efficiency and reducing environmental impact. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of

agricultural values, social services, and healthcare, green care underscores the importance of

enhancing life quality and sustainability through integrated farming approaches and

community empowerment.

2.2 Related Studies

Local Studies

Advanced Greenhouse Horticulture: New Technologies and Cultivation Practices

Koukounaras (2020), explores innovative technologies and cultivation methods in greenhouse

horticulture to enhance productivity and sustainability. It discusses controlled environment

agriculture, hydroponics, vertical farming, and automation systems for optimizing crop
growth conditions and resource efficiency. The article emphasizes the importance of

integrating these advanced technologies for improved crop yields, resource utilization, and

environmental sustainability in greenhouse horticulture. Estigoy, Yeo, Seo, and Jang (2022)

provide a detailed examination of the introduction and potential of protected horticulture in

the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of modern cultivation practices in protected

environments for the vegetable industry. It highlights the benefits of advanced techniques in

protected agriculture for enhancing productivity and sustainability in the country, showcasing

the significance of observation networks in promoting sustainable farming practices and

optimizing agricultural outcomes in the Philippines.

Foreign Studies

Sharma (2018), explores the application of precision farming technologies like GPS,

sensors, and Wireless Sensor Networks in horticulture to enhance productivity, reduce costs,

and minimize environmental impact. It emphasizes the importance of technologies such as

GPS, GIS, remote sensing, and variable rate technologies in managing variability within

fields; also discusses the challenges faced in implementing precision agriculture in

developing countries, highlighting the need for integrated efforts to promote sustainable

adoption of these technologies for improved agricultural practices in horticulture.

 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter provides an overview of the research design, materials, data-gathering process,

methods, and statistical treatment. This comprises the tools and techniques required to create

LiveSenseDroid. A test-model robot that can analyze the need of soil, assess crucial soil

parameters such as nutrient levels, pH balance, moisture content and overall soil health in real

time.

3.1 Research Design

In this study, we employed a research design rooted in an experimental approach

based on established scientific methods to assess the impact of advanced horticultural

observation networks on sustainable farming practices. By utilizing this method, our aim was

to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of the observation networks in enhancing

sustainability in agriculture. Through purposive sampling, a crucial element of our data

collection strategy, we ensured the accuracy and relevance of the information gathered to

align with the study's objectives. This research design enables researchers to gauge the

efficacy of the observation networks in promoting sustainable farming practices.

The researchers use a combination of qualitative and quantitative research techniques

to provide a comprehensive understanding of LiveSenseDroid's effectiveness in crucial soil

monitoring. In order to ensure a thorough inquiry into LiveSenseDroid's capabilities, this

comprehensive research design clearly covers crucial areas, such as the research objectives,

methodology, data gathering approaches, and analysis procedures.

 LiveSenseDroid is a specialized test model robot that excels in real-time monitoring

of soil conditions critical for the growth of cereal crops. This research design serves as the

blueprint for the development and evaluation of LiveSenseDroid, paving the way for

advancements in water quality monitoring technology.

3.2 Materials

These are the following materials needed:

Quantity Materials Function or image

Description

1pc Arduino Uno The Arduino Soil NPK

Sensor measures

nitrogen, phosphorus,

and potassium levels in

the soil. It collects data,

processes it with an

Arduino microcontroller,

and provides real-time

feedback on the soil's

nutrient status.

2pc Mini- Photovoltaics is the

Photovoltaic Solar conversion of light into

electricity using
panel (4 watts)
semiconducting materials

that exhibit the

photovoltaic effect, a

phenomenon studied in
 physics, photochemistry,

and electrochemistry.

1 pc Speaker for sensor A speaker sensor is a

device that detects the

presence and activity of

a speaker or sound

source in its vicinity. It is

designed to capture and

analyze audio signals for

various purposes, such as

voice recognition, sound

detection, and audio

monitoring.

3.3 Data Gathering Procedure

 The diagram below demonstrates the flow chart for developing, producing, and

assessing the prototype

a Design/ Simulation ( Tinkercad )

Gatherin of Materisld and tools

Marketing ( online and on-site )

No
The Parameters are well established?

Yes
Prototyping and Programming

Testing of the prototype

The prototype is well functioned Yes

Yes

Attachment, Experimentation and Evaluation

Figure 3.1 Schematic Diagram of the Designing, Fabrication, and Experimentation of the
Prototype Robot
3.4 Methods
 In making LiveSenseDroid, the researchers carefully followed the steps in gathering

the preliminary data, specifically, finding the problems, objectives, hypothesis, scope, and

limitations, the significance of the study, and finally the operational definition of terms. Upon

finishing the preliminary investigation, the researcher began designing and planning the

model of the prototype robot.

In addition, the researcher followed the steps thoroughly in the making of the

prototype robot mainly the mechanical design, electronic and electrical design, software

development, procurement and assembly, testing and calibration and iterative development.

3.5 Design and Development

In order to fulfill the desired results, the researcher meticulously planned the design

and development of the prototype robot, focusing primarily on physical development and

software development

I. Physical Development

The following systems were carefully utilized by the researchers to build a

well-thought-out concrete blueprint and physical body for the prototype robot's

physical development. The researchers' first system was 3D CAD, whose

sophisticated algorithm and mechanics allowed the researcher to design a blueprint

for the robot. Following that the researchers used the website Agri-Tech East to

generate a schematic for the system connectivity and its electrical component and

design.

Figure 3.2 3D design of LiveSenseDroid. There are (7) main parts of the robot. The following

parts elaborated which includes #1 soil data collection for processing information, #2 power system
for energy supply #3 control and communication modules for operation, #4 user interface for

monitoring #5 safety features for protection, #6 wireless connectivity for remote access #7 alarm

sound feature for real-time alerts to inform the farmer promptly of abnormal soil conditions.

Figure 3.4 Circuit Diagram of the Main Components of the Robot

ll. Software Drvelopment

The researchers would use and utilized the following software and website for debugging and

code creation in order to meet the desired outcomes of the robot system. The first software is arduino,

which serves as the system's primary integrated development environment, and the secondary

environment is github, which serves as a repository for code and techniques used in the system's

development.

3.6 Research Instrument

This section discusses the research tool that was employed in the study, which was

designed to assess how well a prototype robot removed floating plastic and checked the water

quality in sewage, drainage and lakes. Surveys, interviews, tests, focus groups, and

observations were all employed as part of the study instrument to collect data from

participants.
Surveys:

This aims of the survey to gather feedback on the effectiveness of the

prototype robot in plastic removal and water quality monitoring.

Interviews:

Obtain in-depth insights from participants regarding their perceptions and

experiences with the robot's performance.

Experiments:

Conduct controlled experiments to evaluate the robot's efficiency in plastic

removal and water quality assessment.

Focus Groups:

Facilitate group discussions to explore stakeholders' perspectives on the

robot's impact on environmental sustainability.

Field Observations:

Directly observe the robot's operations in real-world settings to assess its

practical application and performance.