ASMI: An Automated Microcontroller Regulated Irrigation System Equipped with
Moisture Sensor and GSM Module in Monitoring Soil Health for Indoor Gardening
Official Entry to the 2018 Regional Science and Technology Fair
Category: Robotics and Intelligent Machines
Researcher:
Buendia, Marion Claire A.
Risalita C. Nalla
Research Adviser
Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School
November 2018
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First and foremost, the researcher would like express to gratitude to the School
Principal, Sir Reynaldo M. Diaz for the permission in conducting the scientific study and
for providing support whenever needed. The researcher would also like to thank the
research consultants, Sir Gabriel Angelo Pascual and Sir Jerome Bagsic for providing
insight and expertise that greatly assisted the researcher in formulating conclusions
regarding the study. Most special thanks to the research adviser, Mrs Risalita C. Nalla for
teaching and guiding the researcher every step of the way in creating the device. Without
your persistence and patience, none of this would be possible.
The researcher would like to show gratitude to the Department of Science and
Technology, for sharing a genuine desire to make a positive contribution to address the
challenges associated with every element of the project. None of this could have
happened without the researcher’s family for they supported the researcher all throughout
financial, academic and moral needs. Above all, the researcher would like to thank God,
the Almighty, for His blessings and strength. This acknowledgement serves as
recognition for all of your efforts and dedication in helping the researcher finish strong.
ii
Table of Contents
Title Page…………………………………………………………………………………. i
Acknowledgement………………………………………………………………………...ii
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………iii
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………1
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..2
Materials and Methods……………………………………………………………….........6
List of Materials…………………………………………………………….........6
Uses of Materials………………………………………………………………...6
Methods and Descriptions………………………………………………………..7
Flowchart……………………………………………………………………….11
Illustrations……………………………..…………………………..…………..12
iii
Results and Discussions…………………………………………………………...……..14
Conclusions………………………………………………………………………18
Recommendations……………………………………………………………….19
Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………..21
Appendices……………………………………………………………………………….22
Appendix A- Illustrations………………………………………….……...……...22
1. Microcontroller………………………………………………………22
2. Programming using codes……………………………………………22
3. Checking the connection……………………………………………..22
4. Testing the device……………………………………………………22
5. Results………………………………………………………………..23
6. Testing the LCD……………………………………………………..23
7. Finished device………………………………………………………23
8. SPSS…………………………………………………………………23
9. Trials…………………………………………………………………24
10. Construction of case…………………………………………………24
11. Codes for Microcontroller…………………………………………..25
12. Codes for LCD…………………………………………………….…25
Schematic Diagram………………………………………………………26
iv
Appendix B………………………………………………………………………………27
Table 1. Summary Means………………………………………………..27
Table 2. Percentage of soil moisture (0 mL water)………………….…...27
Table 3. Percentage of soil moisture (5 mL water)………………..……..28
Table 4. Percentage of soil moisture (10 mL water)……………………..29
Table 5. Percentage of soil moisture (15 mL water)……………………..30
Appendix C………………………………………………………………………31
Figure 1. Graph of the Soil Moisture Means…………………………….31
Figure 2. Graph of the Soil Moisture (0 mL water)……………………..31
Figure 3. Graph of the Soil Moisture (5 mL water)……………………..32
Figure 4. Graph of the Soil Moisture (10 mL water)……………………32
Figure 5. Graph of the Soil Moisture (15 mL water)…………………....33
Appendix D………………………………………………………………………34
Table 6. One-Way ANOVA Test………………………………………...34
v
ASMI: A MICROCONTROLLER REGULATED SENSING DEVICE WITH
AUTOMATIC WATER IRRIGATING SYSTEM IN DETECTING LOAM SOIL
MOISTURE FOR INDOOR URBAN GARDENING
Buendia, M.C.A.
Marcelo H. del Pilar National High School, Bagong Bayan, City of Malolos, Bulacan
3000 Philippines
Abstract
A keen and proper water irrigating system was necessary in the agricultural industry for
crops and plants could be wilted when health is not observed well. For this instance, the
researcher formulated a prototype device that was an automatic plant watering and soil
moisture monitoring system which could be very helpful. In this study, the researcher
created an irrigating device that could detect the moisture of the soil with the use of
microcontroller. For the experimental setup, the researcher conducted three sets of groups
that ranged from 5ml, 10ml, to 15ml of water moisture. Each group received 10 trials that
determined the accuracy of the results. The soil moisture sensor was programmed that the
highest absolute moisture level was at 0 % while the lowest absolute moisture was
1023%. The results showed that after the application of the water (ml) to the soil, the
water pump did not activated when the moisture level was less than 500% while it
activated and released water when the moisture level was greater than 500%. Based on
the calculated SPSS result, the calculated f value was 2131.117. The df1 = 3 and df2 =
116 resulted to f critical value which is . Consequently, the calculated value and critical
value was compared. The calculated f value was greater than the f critical value hence,
the null hypothesis was rejected and alternative hypothesis was accepted.
Keywords: Automated Watering System, arduino board, irrigation, prototype device, soil
moisture, agriculture
1
Introduction
Continuous increasing demand of food requires the control in the industry of
agriculture and highly specialized techniques and knowledge to contribute to the rapid
improvement in food production with the use of technology. In the aspects of agriculture,
methods and processes in order to produce crops and plants must be simple yet precise
especially in a country like Philippines, where the economic growth is mainly based on
the production of crops and agricultural products. Philippines is one of the countries that
imports different kinds of crops throughout the world. It is important to maintain the
health of plants in order to be able to import quality products. Farming and nurturing
crops is not an easy job considering the changing of weather, rotation of seasons and
most importantly, the soil moisture (Floros, 2010).
Generally, soil moisture is the water that is held in the spaces between soil
particles. Compared to other components of the hydrologic cycle, the volume of soil
moisture is small; nonetheless, it of fundamental importance to many hydrological,
biological and biogeochemical processes. (Arnold, 1999).
Moreover, soil moisture measurements in agricultural settings provide important
information for drought early warning. The upper 200 centimetres of soils is classified as
the root zone soil moisture and is important for describing the water that is available to
plants. When drought occurs, there is a deficit amount of moisture in the root zone, and
consequently
crop
productivity diminishes.
Having
continuous
soil
moisture
measurements will lead to improved crop yield forecasting, and irrigation planning. Soil
moisture measurements also are important for predicting floods. By assessing how wet
2
the soil is before a rainstorm, we can predict the potential for flooding to occur. If the soil
is already oversaturated, at its maximum water-holding capacity, a rain event will not be
absorbed adequately through the soil and flooding will likely occur (Brazil, 2015).
Currently, weather prediction relies more heavily on observing the moisture levels
in the atmosphere, instead of observing the moisture levels of soils; yet this is mostly due
to the lack of soil moisture data available. Having soil moisture measurements may
provide for a more accurate weather forecast. Soil moisture links together the water,
energy, and carbon exchanges between the land and the atmosphere. (Brazil, 2015).
Soil moisture indication is very important in producing healthy and quality crops.
Yield of crop is more often determined by the amount of water available rather than the
deficiency of other food nutrients. Determining soil moisture is a must before starting to
plant because it is very essential in the process of photosynthesis. Crop irrigation uses
more than 70% of the world’s water, and thus, improving irrigation efficiency is decisive
to sustain the food demand from a fast-growing world population.
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land for the purpose of
agricultural production. Effective irrigation will influence the entire growth process from
seedbed preparation, germination, root growth, nutrient utilisation, plant growth and
regrowth, yield and quality. The key to maximising irrigation efforts is uniformity.
Deciding which irrigation systems is best for your operation requires knowledge
of equipment, system design, plant species, growth stage, root structure, soil composition,
and land formation. Irrigation systems should encourage plant growth while minimising
salt imbalances, leaf burns, soil erosion, and water loss. (Robinsons, 2017).
3
The main determinant of irrigation projects in developing countries are its need of
high cost of initial investment capital and operating and maintenance cost in case of
construction of huge dames or high river diversions. It should be recommended for those
developing countries which cannot stand with two legs in irrigation agriculture sector.
But when we start intervening irrigation to the area, we should start from suitability of
available water resources; the place should have highly-diversified agro-ecological
conditions.
Applying irrigation get high production results and economics of investments in
irrigation systems points out that this measure in agricultural production should be given
a priority. Research has shown that irrigation increases the agricultural production
efficiency, there makes impact to sowing structure change, and the market surpluses on
the international market can be sold, by using the existing international agreements,
signed by the Republic of Serbia. However, besides a great potential in the sector of
agricultural production, as the result of favourable climatic conditions, natural land
characteristics and available water resources, signed agreements on free trade – the
potentials in agro-food sector have not been sufficiently used (Mihailović, 2014) .
Irrigation has been the backbone of human civilization since man has started
agriculture. As the generation evolved, man developed many methods of irrigation to
supply water to the land. In the present scenario on conservation of water is of high
importance. Present work is attempts to save the natural resources available for human
kind. By continuously monitoring the status of the soil, we can control the flow of water
and thereby reduce the wastage. By knowing the status of moisture and temperature
through Microcontroller with the use of moisture and temperature sensors, water flow can
4
be controlled by just sending a message from our mobile. This will promote conservation
of water and labor; since the systems are automatic, they do not require continuous
monitoring by labor (Pavithra et. al, 2014).
The study is delimited in constructing a water irrigation system with a device that
will determine the absolute moisture of the soil and will trigger the water pump when the
soil is dry. The drip hose will automatically release adequate amount of water if the
moisture sensor detects that the soil is already dry and lacks water. The main objective is
to develop an automated irrigation system by programming microcontroller to power the
device and minimize the effort in the field of gardening and agriculture.
Significance of the Study
This project on automatic sensing device for soil moisture indication was intended
to create an automated irrigation mechanism which monitors the health of the soil in
order to produce good crops. It takes careful consideration and vigilant observation to be
able to have a healthy vegetation and soil moisture. In the domain of farming, utilization
of appropriate means of irrigation is significant. The benefit of employing this device is
to decrease human interference and still make certain appropriate irrigation and retain the
health of the soil. This will be helpful to ease the farmers’ tasks and to produce high
quality crops by maintaining the soil moisture.
5
Materials and Methods
The following were the materials which the researcher utilized in the study.
Microcontroller
Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such
as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls,
office machines, appliances, power tools, toys and other embedded systems. By reducing
the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and
input or output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even
more devices and processes. Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating
analogue components needed to control non-digital electronic systems (Rayes, 2016).
LCD
An LCD, or Liquid Crystal Display, is a type of screen that is used in many
computers, TVs, digital cameras, tablets, and cell phones. LCDs are very thin but are
actually composed of several layers. Those layers include two polarized panels, with a
liquid crystal solution between them. Light is projected through the layer of liquid
crystals and is colorized, which produces the visible image (Cassavoy, 2017).
Pump
A pump is a device that moves fluids, or sometimes slurries, by mechanical
action. In creating this device, the proponent will use water pump which will be used to
maintain the soil moisture by giving off water when needed.
6
Soil Moisture Sensor
The heart of the sensor module is the Microcontroller to which the soil moisture
sensor, temperature sensor and wind sensor modules are interfaced. That the system will
check the moisture content in the soil, connected on that pumping motor that will
automatically pump the water into the field (Sanjukumar et. al, 2013).
Relay
A relay is an electrically operated switch. Many relays use an electromagnet to
mechanically operate a switch, but other operating principles are also used, such as solidstate relays. Relays are used where it is necessary to control a circuit by a separate lowpower signal, or where several circuits must be controlled by one signal. The first relays
were used in long distance telegraph circuits as amplifiers: they repeated the signal
coming in from one circuit and re-transmitted it on another circuit. Relays were used
extensively in telephone exchanges and early computers to perform logical operations
(Abdelmoumene et. al, 2018).
The following are the methods used in creating the Automated Sensing Device:
Preparation of the Microcontroller
Microcontrollers are one-chip computers designed to control other equipment, and
almost all electronic equipment now uses them. This was used to gather the information
about the soil moisture and fertility. The data were processed by the microcontroller and
then can be transmitted throughout the device (Sanjukumar et. al, 2013).
7
This microcontroller is programmed to collect the input signal of changeable
dampness circumstances of the earth via dampness detecting system. This also recorded
the plant health data. The microcontroller is responsible for turning the input obtained
from the plant moisture to the pump through the relay.
Coding for the Microcontroller and LCD
The codes that were created for the study were complex and detailed. In order to
create the codes, the researcher decided to use C+ to program both the microcontroller
and LCD. The microcontroller will gather the data regarding the moisture and transfer the
input to the pump to activate when needed. The LCD is programmed to project the
moisture level and the state of the pump whether it is on or off.
Process of Assembling
In this step, each and every module that was utilized in creating the device was
assembled before connecting them to each other. The researcher tested the parts to ensure
its efficiency and capability when connected to each other.
Connect the parts
The soil moisture sensor was attached to the soil. After the information from the
soil moisture sensor was obtained, it will be transferred from one part to another in order
for the whole device to function as one. The information will be passed to the
microcontroller, to the other parts and lastly, the information will be projected in the
LCD. If the value that was attained was greater than or equal 500, the pump
automatically activates. However if the value is less than 500, the pump will not release
8
water. This means that a moist and healthy soil has a moisture level less than 500. All the
parts were connected to each other so that the information transferred smoothly from one
another. When the moisture senses that the soil needs water, it automatically released
water from the pump to attain the needed moisture and fertility of the soil.
Testing and Operating the Device
The researcher tested the device by using loam soil with different volumes of
moisture in them. During this process, the researcher used the created device to see when
does the water pump turns on using loam soil with varying value of moisture (0 being the
highest value of moisture while 1023 being the driest soil moisture). The researcher also
considered the measurement of the soil moisture. With this, the researcher was able to
determine the highest and lowest soil moisture content for the water pump to respond
from the sensor modules.
There were 4 experimental groups. Each experimental table received varying soil
moisture starting from 0 ml of water for table 1, 5 ml of water for table 2, 10 ml of water
for table 3 and 15 ml of water for table 4 that will be receiving 30 trials each to be able to
get accurate results. The researcher adjusted parts, fixed tools and considered changes
when testing and recording to improve the device only when necessary.
Recording the Data and Changes
The researcher recorded the data that were gathered after testing and operating the
device. Changes of result were observed during the actual experimentation. The changes
that occurred were be recorded and regarded before finalizing the results. The design that
was used in presenting the data is CRD. It is the standard design used especially for
9
agricultural experiments and to be able to control the different variations of variables that
existed in the experimentation process.
Finalizing Results
After the recording, the researcher analysed the data which determined the results
and finalize it based on the given results and the hypothesis. At this process, the
researcher also formed the conclusions about the device and how can this device be
further developed if needed.
10
Flowchart
Preparation of the Microcontroller
and other materials
Coding for the Microcontroller with
the use of C+ language
Coding for the LCD
Connect the LCD to the
Microcontroller with IC2 protocol
Process of Assembling
Connect the parts
Testing and Operating the Device
Recording the Data and Changes
Finalizing Results
11
Illustrations
Preparation of the Microcontroller
Process of Assembling
Connecting the LCD to the
Microcontroller
Coding for the Microcontroller and
LCD
Connect the parts
Testing and Operating of the
devices
12
Recording data changes
Finalizing the results
Running the results to SPSS
Computing the obtained data
manually
Creating the housing case for the
Device
13
Results
The device was tested with the use of loam soil where there is no moisture applied.
The researcher gathered the data before and after the application of varying water in
millilitres starting from 5 mL, 10 mL and 15 mL. Each group (mL) will receive 30 trials
of testing with the use of the device. On the other hand, the researcher also gathered the
moisture of soil without the intervention of moisture. The maximum moisture value will
be 0% while the driest soil value will be at 1023%. These values are assigned to the
microcontroller. Meaning, the lower the value obtained, the higher moisture it has. The
pump will activate and release water at the moisture value of 500% and above while it
will not activate at moisture value below 500% because the moisture of the soil is still
enough.
Table 1. Summary means of the level of absolute moisture (%) obtained from varying
amounts of tap water (mL)
Group
Means
A. Loam Soil without tap water
801.87%
B. Loam Soil with 5ml tap water
700.5%
C. Loam Soil with 10ml tap water
447.9%
D. Loam Soil with 15ml tap water
183.13%
The table shows the summary means of the four tables in the experimental setup
classified by four varying amount of water in millilitres. The researcher also measured
the soil moisture even without water and it is greater than 500%. Therefore, it is dry and
it needs to be watered. On the 5 mL amount of water, the highest moisture value
14
obtained is 672%. It is still greater than 500% which means it needs more moisture in
order to be a healthy soil. The pump activated after the soil moisture sensor obtained that
the moisture value is greater than 500%. On 10 mL, the highest moisture value is 467%,
less than 500%. The pump did not release water due to the value obtained. On 15 mL, the
highest moisture value is 193%. Therefore, the soil is very moist and does not need
water. The water pump did not release water as well.
The readings of the soil moisture sensor are relative to the conditions of the soil.
The soil moisture sensor is responsible for indicating the condition of the soil if it is wet
or dry in order to meet its water requirement programmed to the microcontroller. The
water pump will release water if the soil is dry and it will not activate when the soil has
enough moisture.
Figure 1: Graph of the Soil Moisture obtained from the varying amounts of water (mL)
15
Figure 1. Results gathered after testing the Irrigating Device in varying amounts of
water (0 mL, 5mL, 10 mL and 15 mL).
Based on the figure above, it shows that as the amount of water increases, the soil
moisture also increases. This means that the device can certainly detect whether the soil
moisture accurately.
The condition of the pump is relative to the conditions of the soil moisture. The
water pump will release water if the soil is dry and it will not activate when the soil has
enough moisture. The pump will turn on and automatically release water if the moisture
value obtained is above 500% because it means that the soil is dry. It will not activate and
release water when the soil moisture is enough.
Table 2. One-Way ANOVA Test of the soil moisture results obtained from the varying
water moisture
ANOVA
moisture
Sum of
Squares
Between
Groups
Within Groups
Total
6899812.167
125189.133
7025001.300
df
Mean Square
F
3 2299937.389 2131.117
116
119
Sig.
.000
1079.217
The table shows the results of the One-Way ANOVA test of the data for the
experimental setup. The data was also analyzed statistically using Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS). This is used in order to compare the results of each group and
determine the significance to accept or reject the null hypothesis. The calculated f value
was 2131.117 as presented in the second row and fifth column cell. Furthermore, the
16
f critical was identified by Table of Critical Values for a critical significance level (α:
alpha) = 0.05. The df1 = 3 and df2 = 116 as shown in the table above thus, the f critical=
2.60. Consequently, the calculated value and critical value was compared.
F calculated > F critical
(2131.117) (2.60)
The calculated f value was greater than the f critical value hence, the null
hypothesis was rejected and alternative hypothesis was accepted.
Discussion
Table 1 shows the summary means of the level of moisture obtained from varying
amounts of tap water (mL). The results show that the highest mean was 183.13% at 15
mL moisture. The soil moisture sensor readings for the conditions of the soil indicate the
limit of soil moisture whether it is classified as dry or moist. This also indicates whether
the pump will activate or not. The condition of the pump is relative among the varying
amounts of water moisture applied. ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis via
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to test the difference between the means of
the populations. Refer to table 1 on the means obtained from the results of data gathered
from the soil. It shows that at 10 mL – 15 mL water applied, soil will have sufficient
moisture while the soil lacks moisture at 5 mL. Based on the results and data gathered
from the moisture sensor, the condition and the reaction of the pump from the
information transmitted, the soil successfully became moist and avoided dehydration. The
system works on the principle of measuring the soil moisture level by means of the
sensor technology which in turn controls the water pump via microcontroller in order to
provide the plant enough amounts of water when necessary. It is shown on the Figure 1
17
(means obtained from the soil moisture values), the device can certainly detect whether
the soil moisture accurately. The data from each table and the graph proved that the
device can accurately detect the soil moisture and it has a significant effect on
maintaining the soil’s health. Lastly, based on the statistical treatment performed through
SPSS, it is shown that the significance value is less than 0.05. Therefore, it is clear that it
is statistically significant. With this, null hypothesis was rejected while alternative
hypothesis was accepted.
Conclusion
Based on the results gathered after the device has been tested, it was clear that the
system supplied sufficient water only when the humidity of the soil went below the
reference (500% absolute humidity) of absolute humidity. Due to the direct transfer of
water to the roots water conservation took place and also helped in the maintenance of
the moisture to soil ratio at the root zone constant to some extent. Thus the system was
efficient and compatible to changing environment. The transfer of water to the soil was
constant and efficient because after testing the accuracy of results, the pump released
enough water to sustain the desired moisture for the loam soil.
Based on the results of the computations conducted by means of statistical analysis,
the f
calculated=
2131.117 and the f
critical
= 2.60. The calculated value was greater than the
critical value. Therefore, the researcher rejected the null hypothesis and accepted the
alternative hypothesis. Thus, it was clear that the sensing device was efficient and useful
in detecting and maintaining soil moisture.
18
The researcher proved the effectiveness of the developed device and its capability
in detecting and maintaining soil moisture. The results collected were applicable and
accurate. As the amount of water increased, the absolute soil moisture increased as well.
This only proved that not only the device was working, but it gave accurate results.
Recommendations
The researcher made these recommendations that could help future researchers to
have improved and more successful results. Following recommendations were obtained
based on the findings of the study. Since the study made use of only water (mL) as the
independent variable in gathering the absolute soil moisture, it is recommended to make
use and consider other factors that may contribute in the soil’s humidity such as
temperature, depth and even topography. During the process of experimentation, the
researcher noticed that as the depth of the soil increases, the soil moisture increases as
well; temperature can affect the soil’s respiration.
The distribution of soil moisture along a hill slope is related to the spatial
distribution of the soil properties, the topography, the soil depth, and the vegetation.
Several factors (the wetness index; the contributing area; the local slope; the soil depth;
the composition of sand, silt, and clay; the scaling parameter; the hydraulic conductivity;
the tree diameter at breast height; and the total weighted basal area) were evaluated for
their effect on soil moisture (Gwak and Kim, 2013). It is advisable for the future
researchers to consider these factors for the development of this study and to get better
and more accurate results. The device can be also further developed and enhance for
more efficient and beneficial service that will be helpful not only in the advancement of
19
science but also to the evolution of a better agricultural system. These recommendations
were given by the researcher and were based on the analyzation of the gathered results of
the main study and from the results of the related studies. These recommendations were
formulated for a better version of the study if it will be further developed.
20
Bibliography
Websites
B.Prabhushankar, R.Jayavadivel, & S.Saravanakumar. (2015). Automatic Irrigation
Control System For Efficient Use Of Water. International Journal of
Contemporary Research in Computer Science and Technology , 1(2), 37-42.
Brazil, L. (2015, February 3). Why We Should Start Thinking About Soil Moisture.
Retrieved from earthzine: https://earthzine.org/2015/02/03/why-should-we-thinkabout-soil-moisture/
Pavithra D.S., & .Srinath, M. S. (2014). GSM based Automatic Irrigation Control System
for Efficient. IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 11(4)(I), 49-55.
Mihailović, B. (2014). The Role Of Irrigation In Development Of. Economics of
Agriculture, Year 61, No. 4 (829-10880).
Robinson, T. (2017, November 3). Agriculture Victoria Irrigation resources. Retrieved
from ExtensionAUS: http://extensionaus.com.au/irrigatingag/agriculture-victoriairrigation-resources/
SANJUKUMAR, R. (2013). Advance Technique for Soil Moisture Content Based
Automatic. International Journal of VLSI and Embedded Systems-IJVES, Vol 04,
Article 09149.
Essays, UK. (2013, November). The Importance Of Irrigation Agriculture Environmental
Sciences Essay Retrieved from :https://www.ukessays.com/essays/environmentalsciences/the-importance-of-irrigation-agriculture-environmental-sciencesessay.php?cref=1
Agriculture Victoria (2017, December 22). What is irrigation? Retrieved
from:http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farm-management/soil-andwater/irrigation/about-irrigation
21
Appendices
Appendix A
1. Making the connection to the
Microcontroller
3. Checking the connection of the
components to the Microcontroller
2. Programming the Microcontroller
using Java codes.
4. Testing the accuracy of the device in
gathering the results.
22
5. The result gathered by testing the
device
6. Testing the efficiency of the LCD
7. The finished connection of the
device
8. Running the result in SPSS
22
9. Repeatition of trials
11. 1 Codes for the microcontroller
10. Creating the case of the device
11. 2 Codes for the microcontroller
24
12.1 Codes for the LCD
12.2 Codes for the LCD
25
Schematic Diagram of the Device
26
Appendix B
Table 1. Summary means of the level of absolute moisture (%) obtained from varying
amounts of tap water (mL)
Group
Means
E. Loam Soil without tap water
801.87%
F. Loam Soil with 5ml tap water
700.5%
G. Loam Soil with 10ml tap water
447.9%
H. Loam Soil with 15ml tap water
183.13%
Table 2. Percentage of Absolute loam soil moisture obtained from 0 mL tap water
Trials
Percentage of absolute moisture
(%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
800
823
820
789
788
792
790
797
798
799
800
787
810
812
820
816
818
822
817
810
805
799
796
798
800
792
790
793
788
787
27
Table 3. Percentage of Absolute loam soil moisture obtained from 5 mL tap water
Trials
Percentage of absolute moisture
(%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
701
707
711
705
712
719
721
725
728
672
680.00
700.00
650.00
702.00
705.00
701.00
692.00
715.00
700.00
712.00
702.00
710.00
687.00
666.00
692.00
670.00
712.00
706.00
702.00
710.00
28
Table 4. Percentage of Absolute loam soil moisture obtained from 10 mL tap water
Trials
Percentage of absolute moisture
(%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
586
589
467
471
472
474
480
473
481
470
479
475
469
466
474
481
479
473
467
450
421
392
388
372
380
366
352
353
360
377
29
Table 5. Percentage of Absolute loam soil moisture obtained from 15 mL tap water
Trials
Percentage of absolute moisture
(%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
207
205
203
201
200
198
199
197
195
193
190
187
190
186
180
177
172
178
170
169
174
176
174
172
167
166
164
162
170
172
30
Appendix C
Figure 1: Graph of the Soil Moisture obtained from the varying amounts of water (mL)
Figure 2: Graph of the Soil Moisture obtained from 0 mL water
31
Figure 3: Graph of the Soil Moisture obtained from 5 mL water
Figure 4: Graph of the Soil Moisture obtained from 10 mL water
32
Figure 5: Graph of the Soil Moisture obtained from 15 mL water
33
Appendix D
Table 6. One-Way ANOVA Test of the absolute soil moisture results obtained from the
varying water moisture
ANOVA
moisture
Sum of
Squares
Between
Groups
Within Groups
Total
6899812.167
125189.133
7025001.300
df
Mean Square
F
3 2299937.389 2131.117
116
119
Sig.
.000
1079.217
34