IoT-Based Monitoring and Automatic Fertilizer for Optimizing Olmetie Lettuce Growth in Greenhouse Environments

The agricultural sector in the Philippines faces the dual challenge of improving productivity and optimizing the use of limited resources. This study explores the application of Agriculture 4.0 technologies particularly Internet of Things (IoT)-driven systems in greenhouse farming, focusing on the cultivation of Olmetie Lettuce within a community-based setting. The project centers on developing and implementing an automated fertilizer sprinkler system specifically designed for Olmetie Lettuce. This system utilized IoT technology to monitor and regulate environmental conditions in real time. A network of sensors and actuators gathers critical data on greenhouse parameters, including temperature, humidity, soil moisture and temperature, light intensity, and soil nutrient composition (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium or NPK levels). The system enables farmers to make data-informed decisions tailored to the specific needs of their crops through the integrated components. It optimizes environmental and nutrient conditions based on plant requirements, thereby reducing resource wastage, improving crop quality, and enhancing overall farming efficiency. The mobile app is implemented in a farm for environmental regulation. A microcontroller automates the fertilizer dispensing process, contributing to precision agriculture practices that aim to reduce the environmental impact of greenhouse farming while promoting sustainability and productivity. Community feedback revealed a high degree of readiness and awareness regarding the adoption of these technologies, with an overall weighted mean score of 3.40. The strongest positive response was observed in the domain of greenhouse technology perception, indicating strong potential for successful adoption and long-term impact within the community.