Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE
UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0143 local 2224

College of Informatics and Computing Sciences

IT CAPSTONE PROJECT TOPIC ABSTRACT FORM

Proponents: Caringal, John Randell C.

Reyes, Jachin V.
Manalo, John Claude Mike R.
Specialization Network Technology
Track:
Proposed Title:

Web-Based Automatic Garden Plant Watering System with Soil Monitoring using Arduino and ESP32 Wi-
Fi Module
Background of the Proposed Topic:

According to a research journal by P. Jariyayothin, K. Jeravong-aram, et al. (2018), the demand for
cropping or growing organic homegrown plants has been increasing for people in terms of health and safety.
However, backyard gardening also serves as a means of financial benefits as these plants are valuable for
clients for aesthetic, functional and sustainability purposes. Additionally, the industry is increasingly
adopting the advancements of as IoT (Internet of Things) for improving different aspects of horticulture for
allowing capabilities like remote monitoring, real-time data driven insights of plant and environmental
trends, and reduced plant mortality and water efficiency with optimal irrigation and monitoring.

The Philippines' tropical climate makes it one of the most agriculturally dependent countries in
Southeast Asia and has a strong community of dedicated horticulturists. Virgie Montemayor, the
researcher’s client and owner of Aya’s Gardening Services in Población 2, Sta. Teresita, is one of those
people and she has to uphold the well-being of the plants with only manual labor as she manages a variety
of these garden plants with different demands from her clients.

Maintaining proper watering for plants is crucial yet often overlooked by entrepreneurial gardeners,
leading to issues like under or overwatering. This neglect, often due to busy schedules, can harm plants,
causing growth problems and even death. Additionally, diverse soil types in the country complicate setting a
standard for watering. Moreover, resource shortages like power and water outages can disrupt watering
routines, especially considering unpredictable weather and other external factors. Simultaneously watering
multiple plants is challenging due to their varied needs such as differences of photosynthetic efficiency.

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE
UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0143 local 2224

College of Informatics and Computing Sciences

General Objectives:

The main objective of this study is to develop an automatic, web-integrated watering and soil
monitoring system using a Arduino Microcontroller and a Wi-Fi module for plants. The following three are
the primary objectives for this project:

1. To create a connection between the sensor and the system wirelessly using ESP32 Module for
wireless connectivity.
2. To implement a web-based interface that will gather and display the status of moisture content level.
3. To enable remote control functionality to allow users to initiate watering cycles and adjust water flow
from any location and period that is preferred.
Research Methodology:

Our research methodology emphasizes a hands-on approach, where theoretical knowledge and
technical skills converge to create a tangible solution to a real-world problem. Through iterative testing and
refinement with the client, we aim to demonstrate the viability and benefits of smart irrigation systems, paving
the way for their broader adoption in agricultural and gardening-based fields.

The system process begins when sensors relay moisture data to the Arduino, which has been
programmed to automatically interpret these readings against predefined thresholds indicative of "dry" soil
moisture conditions that require irrigation. When a sensor detects moisture levels falling below its threshold,
the Arduino will initiate water flow to the plants. Watering continues until the sensor indicates that the soil has
reached adequate moisture levels, at which point the Arduino deactivates the water, halting water flow. This
automated process ensures plants receive water when needed. Additionally, water flow can be toggled on or
off with the use of the web-interface to remotely control the pressure even if the user is in a different location.

The system also has limitations set. To deal with reduced scalability or operability, the researchers
and the client have decided to conduct the prototypes operation on a single row of various species of plants for
irrigation testing until sufficient funding is available to further scale the operability of the prototype across the
entire garden shop.

Data gathering in these devices provide continuous, real-time readings of soil moisture content,
which are logged by the Arduino for analysis and action. This data not only informs the immediate watering
needs but can also be used to refine the system's watering algorithms and thresholds over time, enhancing the
system's accuracy and efficiency. Other data gathering methods involve visualization analysis with the use of
graphs to identify patterns and trends in different soil moisture aspects such as the identification of
corresponding soil types. The final stages involve the end user or client for a testing and training phase, in
which the researchers will guide them on how to maintain the system.

Tools and components are defined within the development process by both researchers and the
client. Water pump controllers ensure an ample water supply for irrigation, and flexible tubes and pipes for
Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE
UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0143 local 2224
guiding water through each plant watering nozzles. Soil moisture sensors directly monitor the moisture content
of each plant, providing real-time data such as soil dryness for precise watering, and an Arduino
microcontroller will be the base microcontroller for calibrating various sensors for water pressure and soil
moisture content and we will use an ESP32 module that enables web-based monitoring of the system's
performance, allowing users to track moisture levels remotely. For software requirements, user interface will
be developed and deployed via Blynk, Optional features such as a power supply for the whole component is
considered for sudden blackouts and power surges.
TOPIC EVALUATION COMMITTEE
The topic abstract has been thoroughly reviewed by the Topic Evaluation Committee.
Signature Remarks

Ms. LANIE P. PALAD

IT Capstone Project Instructor

Dr. MARICEL GRACE Z. FERNANDO

Program Chair, BSIT

Dr. PRINCESS MARIE B. MELO

College Dean

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE
UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
Alangilan Campus
Golden Country Homes, Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines 4200
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 425-0143 local 2224

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation