Electronic Fertigation System of Lettuce Vegetable Crops for Cortijo de Palsabangon Greenhouse

Greenhouse technology is still a developing aspect in the provincial agricultural sector. In order to fully exploit the enhanced possibilities for the management of crops and resources inside a greenhouse, this study aims to develop an electronic fertigation system for lettuce (Lactuca sativa) vegetable crops at Cortijo de Palsabangon greenhouse. The proponents utilize the Arduino Mega 2560 for processing all the data from the soil moisture sensors in determining the required amount of water and fertilizer for the fertigation scheme. The over-all operation of the DS 1307 RTC module, DC motors, LCD, relay module, float less driver circuit, and sensor-based and time delay program is carried out by programming the Arduino Mega using Arduino IDE v.1.6.11. Upon testing, the system showed effectiveness for turning the motor for irrigation ON AND OFF when a certain soil moisture value has been reached. It is also effective in turning the motor for fertigation ON at a preset time and OFF when the fertilizer tank is at its critical level. Moreover, the prototype displayed accuracy in initializing the fertigation process at a preset time. The researchers recommend the integration of temperature and humidity sensors, and exhaust fans to dissipate more heat inside the greenhouse and increase the accuracy of soil moisture needed by the lettuce crops. For further enhancements, the refilling of tanks can be automated or an alarm system can be installed. Lastly, the system can include the monitoring of lettuce crop growth for better production.