COMPENDIUM OF STUDENT RESEARCHES

BULACAN STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
COMPUTER ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

GSM BASED SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR FOR AUTOMATED IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Engr. Maria Lorena SP. Villena Engr. Richard Y. Dela Cruz Ronald Renz V. Amante
College of Engineering College of Engineering College of Engineering
Bulacan State University Bulacan State University Bulacan State University
Malolos, Bulacan Malolos, Bulacan Malolos, Bulacan
eyna18@gmail.com chaddelacruz121987@gmail.com ronald_amante@ymail.com

Kit Harold R. Batuyong Mark Renson V. Carreon Wendy F. Chu

College of Engineering College of Engineering College of Engineering
Bulacan State University Bulacan State University Bulacan State University
Malolos, Bulacan Malolos, Bulacan Malolos, Bulacan
kitharoldbatuyong@yahoo.com rensoncarreon@gmail.com wendychu00@gmail.com

John Carlo V. Cristobal

College of Engineering
Bulacan State University
Malolos, Bulacan
carlocristobal727@gmail.com

Abstract- The modern challenge for improving plant
growth and reducing costs justifies the development
of an automated irrigation system that will minimize
the waste of water and reduce human labor and
monitoring overhead. GSM Based Soil Moisture
Detector for Automated Irrigation System is intended
to provide proper amount of irrigation to agricultural
field by observing the moisture content of soil. The
project automates the process of manually irrigating
the field by switching the water pump ON/OFF
through GSM technology. It is implemented by using
a gizDuino microcontroller, programmed such as to
collect input signals that measures moisture content
of soil. LCD is interfaced with microcontroller for
displaying moisture content of soil. Solar energy is
used to power the water pump. Switches are also
provided for manual operation.
I. INTRODUCTION
The continuous increasing demand of food
requires the rapid improvement in food production
technology. In a country like Philippines, farming is
one of the basic jobs. Most citizens still live in rural
areas and support themselves through agriculture.
The country's agriculture sector is made up of 4 sub-
sectors: farming, fisheries, livestock, and forestry (the
latter 2 sectors are very small), which together
employ 39.8 percent of the labor force and contribute
20 percent of Gross Domestic Product (Philippines -
Agriculture, 2010). Rice is considered the most
important agricultural crop in the country and is a
staple food but in terms of food security, the
Philippines still remains extremely vulnerable. With a
population of over 92 million as of 2010, rising at an
average rate of more than 2 per cent per year, the
amount of rice produced relative to domestic
consumption remains insufficient and the gap needs
to be filled through imports. Therefore, any future
policies in the sector need to aim at increasing and
sustaining domestic production, while taking into
consideration the possible adverse effects of climate
change.
Soil health is the foundation of productive
farming practices. Fertile soil provides essential
nutrients to plants. Important physical characteristics
of soil-like structures and aggregation allow water
and air to infiltrate. Soil health and soil quality are
terms used interchangeably to describe soils that are
not only fertile but also possess adequate physical
and biological properties to “sustain productivity,
maintain environmental quality and promote plant
and animal health” (DuPont, 2009). Water contained
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in soil is called soil moisture. The water is held
within the soil pores. Soil water is the major
component of the soil in relation to plant growth. If
the moisture content of a soil is optimum for plant
growth, plants can readily absorb soil water. Soil
water is important because it serves as a solvent and
carrier of food nutrients for plant growth. The yield
of crop is more often determined by the amount of
water available rather than the deficiency of other
food nutrients. The soil water acts as a nutrient itself
and regulates soil temperature. Soil forming
processes and weathering depend on water.
Microorganisms require water for their metabolic
activities Soil water helps in chemical and biological
activities of soil. It is a principal constituent of the
growing plant. It is a principal constituent of the
growing plant. Water is essential for photosynthesis.
The goal of Researchers for this project is to
design a project that can be perfectly rectified the
problems if Soil Moisture Detector for Automated
Irrigation is used in which the irrigation will take
place only when there will be acute requirement of
water. In addition, it can reduce the effort of farmer
to set it up manually.
1.1 Problem of the Study
Irrigating the land through manual control at
regular intervals consumes more water and
sometimes the water reaches late due to which crops
get dried. Running the irrigation cycle too long might
cause damage to the crops and also waste of water.
The main problem of the researcher is how to
develop a device that will make the irrigation cycle
automated through the help of GSM module and
Arduino Microcontroller. Specifically, this study
aims to resolve the following questions:
1. How to design a prototype that will adopt
technology for sustainable farming?
2. How to develop a device that will:
2.1 Avoid irrigation cycle prolonged?
2.2 Irrigate the land automatically and
manually?
2.3 Decrease human interference?
3. How to test the device using different kind
of moistened soil?
4. How to evaluate the prototype based on the
performance?
5. What is the level of acceptability of the
device in terms of:
5.1 Functionality
5.2 Reliability
5.3 Efficiency
5.4 Portability
5.5 Maintainability
II. RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
Methodology is a technique of analyzing of
principles or procedures of methods or rules
employed by a discipline. It also includes the
procedures and methods in gathering data together
with the statistical tools used in the analysis and
interpretation of the findings of the study with the aid
of the instruments used
2.1. Project Research Design
This study utilized the descriptive method of
research. Descriptive research involves collection of
data in order to test the hypothesis or to answer
questions concerning the current status of the subject
of the study. Descriptive research describes a certain
present condition. The survey methods were the
research instruments used for the data-gathering,
which is commonly used to explore opinions
according to respondents that can represent a whole
population. The purpose of employing the descriptive
method is to describe the nature of a condition, as it
takes place during the time of the study and to
explore the cause or causes of a particular condition.
The researcher opted to use this kind of research
considering the desire to acquire first hand data from
the respondents so as to formulate rational and sound
conclusions and recommendations for the study.
2.2 Project Development
In developing the GSM Based Soil Moisture Detector
for Automated Irrigation System, there are certain
steps to follow: Planning, Software and Hardware
Development and Software and Hardware
Integration.
2.2.1 Planning
Planning is the process of setting strategies, tasks,
goals, and schedules to accomplish the goals. Factor
that the researchers consider is that traditional
irrigation system takes too much work, effort and
time to be done properly.
In this stage, different requirements for
developing the study using software and hardware
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were analyzed by the researchers. What kind of 2.2.2.3 Verification and Test
programming language to use to develop the software
of the study and different modules to use for the All the units developed in the implementation phase
hardware. The researchers also defined the roles and are integrated into a system after testing of each unit.
responsibilities of each members; this provided us a For post integration, the entire system is tested for
good understanding of the job and tasks we are to any faults and bugs.
perform as an individual. The researchers also needed
to have an alternative plan when the time comes 2.2.2.4 System Deployment
because of some risk that they may experience on
developing the study. Once the functional and non-functional testing is
done, the product will be deployed for the users.
2.2.2 Software Development
2.2.2.5 Software Maintenance
Software Development is the programming,
testing, and debugging of the software. The most If there are some issues which come up in the user
important aspect in developing the software is its environment, we will release patches to fix these
design and the language used. And when choosing concerns so that the system could also be enhanced.
the design and language is successfully done, coding
2.2.3Hardware Development
takes its part. The programmer can easily debug his
program whenever the programmer experiences some gizDuino5 is an open source computing platform
problems. The researchers used a software based on a simple input/output(I/O) board and the use
development process called Waterfall Model. This of standard programming language; in other words, it
model maintains that one should move to a phase is a tool for implementing a program you have
only when it's proceeding phase is reviewed and deigned. gizDuino5 is the latest iteration of our
verified. The following phases are followed in order: continually evolving Arduino compatible series of
programmable controllers. Retrieved from http://e-
2.2.2.1 Requirement Specifications
gizmo.com/KIT/gizduinov.html
On this phase we gathered all possible requirements
for the device to be developed. In this stage, the
researchers need to know what kind of software will
fit the most in developing the study. In identifying
the needed requirements of the GSM Based Soil
Moisture Detector for Automated Irrigation System,
the most appropriate programming language to
develop the application that the researchers used is
the Arduino version 1.6.7 using C++ language on the
main hardware interfacing.

2.2.2.2 System Design

The requirement specifications from first phase are

studied in this phase and system design is prepared.
System Design will aid us in specifying hardware and
system requirements and it also helps in defining
overall system architecture.
2.2.2.3 Design Implementation
With inputs from system design the system is first
developed in small programs called units, which are
integrated in the next phase. Each unit is developed
and tested for its functionality.
Figure 1: gizDuino5
A GSM module is a wireless modem that works with
a GSM wireless network. A wireless modem behaves
like a dial-up modem. The main difference between
them is that a dial-up modem sends and receives data
through a fixed telephone line while a wireless
modem sends and receives data through radio waves.
Like a GSM mobile phone, a GSM module requires a
SIM card from a wireless carrier in order to operate.
Retrieved from
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http://www.developershome.com/sms/GSMModemIn
tro.asp
Figure 2: GSM Module
Soil moisture sensors measure the volumetric water
content in soil. Since the direct gravimetric
measurement of free soil moisture requires removing,
drying, and weighting of a sample, soil moisture
sensors measure the volumetric water content
indirectly by using some other property of the soil,
such as electrical resistance, dielectric constant, or
interaction with neutrons, as a proxy for the moisture
content.Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Soil_moisture_sensor
Figure 3: Soil Moisture Sensor
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen is an electronic
display module and find a wide range of applications.
LCD display is very basic module and is very
commonly used in various devices and circuits.
These modules are preferred over seven segments
and other multi segment LEDs. The reasons being:
LCDs are economical; easily programmable; have no
limitation of displaying special & even custom
characters (unlike in seven segments), animations and
so on. Retrieved from http://www.engineers
garage.com/electronic-components/
Figure 4: 20x4 LCD
The water pump used for the project has maximum
output of 2200L/hr it is submersible water pump used
for small water fall, fountain & aquarium. Running at
220~240V, 25W@60Hz. To keep productivity high
and stay competitive in the market, farmers need to
focus on profitability, which includes energy
optimization and better use of water resources.
Pumping systems play a vital role in providing
optimized solutions for energy and water use.
Retrieved from http://www.pumpsandsystems.
com/topics/pumps/pump-systems-today-s-
agricultural-irrigation
Figure 5: Water Pump 2200L/hr
Solar panels are devices that convert light into
electricity. They are called "solar" panels because
most of the time, the most powerful source of light
available is the Sun, called Sol by astronomers. Some
scientists call them photovoltaics which means,
basically, "light-electricity." Retrieved from
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/domestic/solar-
panels
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Figure 6: Solar Panel 10W
Power inverters are electrical devices designed to
convert direct current (DC) to alternating current
(AC). DC is the power that is produced by batteries
and solar panels while Ac is the standard power
needed to run electrical equipment. A power inverter
does the opposite of a rectifier and is used in places
and situations where AC power is not available.
Retrieved from http://www.powerinverters.org
Figure 7: Power Inverter 500Watts DC12v to
AC220v
2.2.4. Software and Hardware Integration
Software and hardware integration is the significant
part of the study. This part combines the software and
the hardware to make this project complete.
Hardware is the physical components of the project
where software is the set of programs associated with
a system used to operate the hardware. The Arduino
processes the data that will be flashed on the LCD
screen and also relays it to water pump for automatic
water irrigation.
2.2.5. Testing
When the software and hardware integration was
done, the system was tested by testing the software,
testing the hardware and testing the integration of
software and hardware.
By testing the software, the project
identified the credibility and the functionality of the
system. It examines the functionality of a program
which the software can do and how the output arrive.
In this testing, it focused in specification and
requirements of the application.
In testing the hardware, it was used to make
sure that the project is functioning well. By doing
different techniques, the test was done by choosing
the best technique that checks the functionality of the
device.
2.3 EVALUATION PROCEDURE
The researchers used several methods to gather the
information essential for evaluation procedure.
Researchers applied surveying method which is the
simplest way to collect data needed. This was done
by giving survey forms to evaluate the overall
performance of the device. Gathering of data are
more specific based on the criteria given. To
overcome the limitations seen by the respondents,
results are analyzed to determine the enhancement
needed by the device. Another method used was
through actual interviews.
Table 1: Five-Point Likert Scale
Scale Range Description
Interpretation
5 4.50-5.00 Very Good
4 3.50-4.49 Good
3 2.50-3.49 Fair
2 1.50-2.49 Poor
1 1.00-1.49 Very Poor
2.4 EVALUATION CRITERIA
The proposed project went through evaluation using
the Quality Model of ISO 9126. The ISO 9126-1
categorizes six main quality characteristics:
Functionality refers to evaluating how well
the system meets predefined functional requirements.
Reliability criteria ensure the reliability of
the system in performing efficiently and accurately
under varying conditions.
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Efficiency describes how well the device
provides the required performance that concerns with
the system resources.
Portability is the ability of the device to be
easily operated by a given environment.
Maintainability refers to ease with which a
device can be maintained in order to isolate defects or
their cause, correct defects or their cause, repair or
replace faulty or worn-out components without
having to replace still working parts.
Every project has its own limitations. The
system also encounters some difficulties that can
affect its performance. The following are the
limitations of this project.
1. The device is powered by a battery so if the
battery drained its charge, the soil moisture
sensor won't produce an output.
2. The GSM module needs reloading, if it
consumes its entire load, the device can't
reply to the user.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
This represents the output of the study. It includes the
results of evaluation conducted on the device. It also
discusses the structures that made the project run,
operations, capabilities and limitations of the device.
3.1 PROJECT CAPABILITIES AND
LIMITATIONS
The project utilizes microcontroller,
gizDuino5 and other primary devices to achieve the
capabilities of this project.
1. The user will send the text code to the GSM
module connected at the soil moisture, the
GSM module will then reply the status and
moisture level of the soil (WATTERY,
DRY, HUMID).
2. The device's LCD screen will be giving
current moisture level of the land.
3. Can be use not only for farms but also for
gardens or plant box, avoiding water stress
that the plants may experience.
3. Soil moisture sensor can only get the right
output depending on the depth of the
sensors.
4. Because the researchers focus on providing
a more cost-friendly device, and even
though the researchers can provide a casing
for the soil moisture sensor, it can suffer
damages from storms or other calamities.
3.2 PROJECT EVALUATION
Functionality- Table 2 shows the functionality
assessment of the system. The respondents evaluated
the device as very good in the following: the device
can be easily operated by a given user in a given
environment. (4.6); the device can interact with other
components or system. (4.05); the prototype provides
quick and accurate results based on its specifications.
(4.5); the device is functioning appropriate to its
specifications. (4.8); and the device is functioning
correctly. (4.6).

4. The device is equipped with sensors that can

recognize the moisture of the soil and report
it to the user through SMS.

5. The soil moisture sensor is very portable, the

user can easily access it, move it, or keep it
indoors if there is a calamity going to
happen.

6. The water pump of the device can be

controlled through GSM and the water pump
will be provided with manual mode if the
user wasn't satisfied with the amount of
water in the land.
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Table 2: The Assessment of the Respondents on Table 3: Assessment of the Respondents on the
the Functionality Reliability

FUNCTIONALITY MEAN INTERPRETATION RELIABILTY MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. The device can be 1. The device is able to
easily operated by a bring back a failed
given user in a given system. 4.3 Good
4.6 Very Good
environment. 2. The soil moisture
2. The device can level is continuously
interact with other monitored by the 4.6 Very Good
components or 4.05 Good device.
system. 3. The device is able to
3. The prototype withstand and recover
provides quick and from component 3.95 Good
accurate results 4.5 failure.
based on its Very Good
4. The device is firmly
specifications. built and strongly
made. 4.25 Good
4. The device is
functioning Overall Weighted
4.8 Very Good 4.28 Good
appropriate to its Mean
specifications.
5. The device is
functioning Efficiency - Table 4 shows the efficiency assessment
correctly. 4.6 Very Good
of the system. The respondents evaluated the device
as Very Good in the following: the device meets the
Overall Weighted user’s objectives and requirements. (4.55); the device
4.51 Very Good
Mean responds in a short period of time. (4.45); the device
can contribute on the development of the agricultural
technology. (4.75); and the device is capable of
Reliability - Table 3 shows the reliability assessment
producing desired result without wasting too much
of the system. The respondents evaluated the device
materials, time or energy. (4.3).
as Good in the following: the device is able to bring
back a failed system (4.3); the soil moisture level is
continuously monitored by the device. (4.6); the
device is able to withstand and recover from
component failure. (3.95); the device is firmly built
and strongly made. (4.25).
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Table 4: Assessment of the Respondents on the Table 5: Assessment of the Respondents on the
Efficiency Maintainability

EFFICIENCY MEAN INTERPRETATION MAINTAINABILITY MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. The device 1. The device can

meets the user’s adapt in any 4.15 Good
4.55 Very Good condition.
objectives and
requirements. 2. The user can
2. The device easily identify the
root cause of failure. 3.75 Good
responds in a
short period of 4.45 Good
time. 3. The device can be
3. The device can serviced, maintained
4.25 Good
contribute on the and upgraded
development of locally.
the agricultural 4.75 Very Good
4. The device can be
technology. easily modified. 3.7 Good
4. The device is
capable of
Overall Weighted
producing 3.96 Good
Mean
desired result
without wasting 4.3 Good
too much
materials, time or Portability - Table 6 shows the portability
energy. assessment of the system. The respondents evaluated
the device as Good in the following: the device is
Overall able to change to new specifications or operating
4.51 Very Good environment. (4.25); the device can coexist with
Weighted Mean
other devices on the same operating environment.
(4.25);device can be installed in a specified
Maintainability – Table 5 shows the maintainability environment. (4.55);the device can be easily carried
assessment of the system. The respondents evaluated or moved around the field. (4.6); and the device is
the device as Good in the following: the device can usable on different platforms with little or no
adapt in any condition. (4.15); the user can easily modifications. (4.5).
identify the root cause of failure. (3.75); the device
can be serviced, maintained and upgraded locally.
(4.25);and the device can be easily modified. (3.7).
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Table 6: Assessment of the Respondents on the 4. CONCLUSIONS

Portability
The researchers resolved the problem of the study by
accomplishing the “GSM Based Soil Moisture
PORTABILITY MEAN INTERPRETATION Detector for Automated Irrigation System” prototype.
1. The device is Based on the findings that are mentioned above, the
able to change to conclusions were drawn:
new specifications
4.25 Good
or operating  The device is successfully designed through
environment. the help of soil moisture sensors and
2. The device can
gizDuino microcontroller to maintain a
coexist with other
devices on the desired soil water level.
same operating 4.25 Good  The researchers developed a device for
environment. efficient and automated operation of
3. The device can irrigation system.
be installed in a
specified 4.55 Very Good 4.1 In the development of the prototype, two
environment. soil moisture sensors are buried at the
opposite corner of the field sending changes
4. The device can in dielectric constant to the microcontroller
be easily carried or unit whenever soil conditions are detected
4.6 Very Good
moved around the
field. 4.2 In the development of the device that
5. The device is lets the user know the status of the soil, the
usable on different
user will send command to the GSM
platforms with
little or no 4.5 Very Good module, that will trigger the gizDuino to get
modifications. the status of the two sensors and sends it
back to the user. The user can trigger the
Overall Weighted device to turn on the pump (iPump: ON) and
4.43 Good when the soil reaches the right level of water
Mean
on the soil, the device will automatically
turn off. The user can also be able to turn the
Table 7: Summary of Mean Performance irrigation off manually by sending the turn
Evaluation of the GSM Based Soil Moisture off command (iPump: OFF).
Detector for Automated Irrigation System
4.3 In the development of the prototype, the
device used soil moisture sensors which are
INTERPRE connected to gizDuino microcontroller to
CRITERIA MEAN maintain the desired soil moisture level
TATION
without human intervention. The user must
Functionality 4.51 Very Good only verify that the system is operational
and that the water container is not empty.
Reliability 4.28 Good On the other hand, there is no way to inform
the user of emergencies such as empty water
Efficiency 4.51 Very Good container, component failure, etc.

 The researchers test the device’s range

Maintainability 3.96 Good
variation by the used of trial and error
method. The results of the test help the
Portability 4.43 Good researchers to minimize the errors that cause
the program to give an incorrect outcome
Overall Weighted from a corresponding number of tests. The
4.34 Good
Mean researchers also used two sensors to gain an
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accurate value as possible, placed on Powerinverters.org,. (2016). Power Inverters - The

different distances from the water pump
placement to have a balance level of water
all over the field.
 In evaluation of the prototype’s
performance, the researchers measured a gap
from the LCD’s live feed of the soil
moisture level. The gizDuino processes the
data from the sensor then sends it to the
GSM module for the user’s feedback on that
gap. On the other hand the LCD returns its
feed of the soil moisture level after the GSM
module reply to the user.
 The assessment of the end-user on the GSM
Based Soil Moisture Detector for Automated
Irrigation System indicates a good
acceptability level in terms of performance.
The device’s functionality, reliability,
efficiency, maintainability and portability
have an overall weighted mean of 4.51,
4.28, 4.51, 3.96, 4.43 respectively..
Power Inverter Source. Retrieved
from http://www.powerinverters.org/
Pumpsandsystems.com,. (2016). Pump Systems for
Today’s Agricultural Irrigation |
Pumps & Systems. Retrieved from
http://www.pumpsandsystems.com/topics/pu
mps/pump-systems-today-s-
agricultural-irrigation
Wikipedia (2015). Soil moisture sensor.
Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_moisture_
sensor

5. REFERENCES

Developershome.com (2016). Retrieved from

http://www.developershome.com/sms/GSM
ModemIntro.asp

DuPont, S. T. (2009). PENNSTATE. Retrieved

August 21, 2015, from PENNSTATE:
http://extension.psu.edu/business/start-
farming/soils-and-soil-management/soil-
quality-introduction-to-soils-fact-sheet

Energysavingtrust.org.uk. (2014). Solar panels.

Retrieved from
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/domest
ic/solar-panels

Engineersgarage.com (2012). Electronic

Components | Component Descriptions | Pin
Diagrams. Retrieved
fromhttp://www.engineersgarage.com/electr
onic-components/

Philippines - Agriculture. (2010). Retrieved August

19, 2015, from Advameg, Inc.:

http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/econo
mies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Philippines-
AGRICULTURE.html