College of Information Technology i

College of Information Technology ii

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A Research Proposal
Presented to the
Faculty of the Information Technology
ACLC College of Bukidnon, Inc.
Valencia City, Bukidnon

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In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

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OCTOBER 2024
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Figure 1. Conceptual Paradigm of the Study

Figure 1 illustrates the conceptual paradigm for developing an IoT-based irrigation

system aimed at optimizing water management in rice cultivation. The “Input” phase

includes the installation of sensors, controllers, pumps, and a mobile app to monitor soil

moisture and water levels. In the “Process” phase, data from the sensors is analyzed,

allowing the system to automatically adjust water levels through real-time IoT

communication, supported by a mobile interface for user control. The system is built using

the SDLC Agile method, ensuring continuous refinement through planning, design, testing,

and deployment. The “Output” is an IoT-based irrigation system that automates water

management, enhancing rice growth and crop yield efficiency across different growth stages.

Statement of the Problem

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The researcher aims to address the challenges associated with developing an efficient

IoT-based irrigation system for rice cultivation. The core goal of this study is to find answers

to the following identified problems:

1. What methods can be used to ensure an IoT-based irrigation system efficiently adjusts

water levels during different rice growth stages (seedling, vegetative, reproductive, and

ripening) to optimize water usage?

2. How can we enable farmers to monitor and control irrigation systems in real time, helping

reduce water waste and improve crop yields?

3. How can the system detect low water levels and automatically activate the irrigation

system, especially during drought or dry periods?

4. How should the system be developed in terms of:

a. Mobile Application

b. Sensor Technology for real-time soil moisture and water level monitoring

5. What is the extent of compliance of the developed irrigation system in terms of the

following ISO 25010 criteria:

a. Functional Suitability

b. Performance Efficiency
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c. Compatibility

d. Usability

e. Reliability

f. Security

g. Maintainability

Objectives of the Study

The researcher’s goal is to address the challenges of improving rice cultivation through

better water management. The following are the core objectives of the study entitled "IoT

Based Irrigation System for Rice Cultivation: Optimizing Water Management Across Growth

Stages," aims to use IoT technology to create efficient irrigation system for rice farming. The

main objectives of this study are:

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1. Use sensors to monitor soil moisture and water levels in rice fields, allowing the

system to automatically adjust irrigation based on real-time data for better water use.

2. Enable farmers to monitor and control irrigation remotely, reducing water waste and

improving crop growth by providing real-time water level updates through a mobile

app.

3. To create an automated system that detects low and high water levels in rice fields

and turns on irrigation, ensuring crops get enough water.

4. Build a simple platform that includes mobile app for controlling the irrigation system

and receiving real-time alerts.

Significance of the Study

1. Agricultural Communities

This study is significant for agricultural communities as it promotes an optimize

water use that supports the sustainability of local farms. By encouraging collaboration
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among farmers, researchers, and technology experts, it aims to create innovative

agricultural solutions. Additionally, enhancing community knowledge about automated

irrigation systems can lead to better water management practices.

2. Farmers

The study is essential for farmers ensuring that rice plants receive the right amount of

water for healthy growth and increased yields. By reducing the time and labor required

for irrigation through automation, farmers can focus on other important tasks. Moreover,

providing tools for remote monitoring and real-time alerts about water levels empowers

farmers to manage their resources more effectively, leading to improved productivity and

sustainability.

3. Local Government

The study will also benefit local government units responsible for supporting

sustainable farming practices. By adopting the insights and data provided by the IoT-

based irrigation system, local government can help farmers improve water management,

promote technological advancement in agriculture, and implement effective policies that

contribute to increased agricultural productivity in the region.

Scope of the Study

The study focuses on using sensors and automated systems to monitor and control

water levels in rice fields, including the design, setup, and testing of these technologies. It

aims to use real-time soil moisture data to manage water wisely and reduce waste. The
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system will be tested in different weather conditions, such as rainy and dry periods,

especially during extreme events like El Niño. It will also allow farmers to check and control

the irrigation system from their phones, no matter where they are. The system will use past

data and predictions to improve watering decisions for the future. Finally, the project will

ensure the system is easy to use, providing support and training to help farmers operate it

effectively.

Delimitation of the Study

This is limited solely on optimizing water management for rice cultivation in

Batangan, Valencia City, Bukidnon, using an IoT-based irrigation system. The system is

designed to monitor and control water levels in rice fields across different growth stages. It

does not address other agricultural processes or crops outside of rice cultivation.

Additionally, the study is limited to evaluating the system's effectiveness within the specified

region and may not consider varying environmental factors in other locations. The system

may also require maintenance and adjustments to ensure its continued efficiency.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents the literature of this study which derived from published

journals, articles, electronic materials and other existing research studies and dissertations.
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Kang, H., Lee, J., Hyochan, B., Kang, S. (2012). A Design of IoT Based Agricultural Zone

Management System. In: Park, J., Kim, J., Zou, D., Lee, Y. (eds) Information Technology

Convergence, Secure and Trust Computing, and Data Management. Lecture Notes in

Electrical Engineering, vol 180. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-

5083-8_2

Zhang, Y., & Zhang, F. (2014). Research on the smart wireless sensor perception system and

its application based on Internet of Things. Journal of Information Engineering, Yulin

University.http://www.cmnt.lv/uploadfiles/ns_96art06_CMNT1801_20_140101%20after

%20proof.pdf

Chapter 3

METHODS
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This chapter presents the research methodology used in developing and evaluating the

IoT-based irrigation system for rice cultivation. It details the research setting, research

design, respondents and sampling procedure, research instrument for data collection, research

protocol, data gathering procedures, statistical technique, and the system design employed to

achieve the study's objectives of optimizing water management across different rice growth

stages.

Research Setting

The study will be conducted in Batangan, Valencia City, Bukidnon, focusing on rice

farms in the area. This location was chosen due to its agricultural significance and the

farmers' experiences with varying weather conditions, including El Niño and La Niña events,

which directly impact irrigation needs. The setting provides an ideal environment to test and

implement the IoT-based irrigation system across different weather conditions and growing

seasons.

Research Design

The researcher will use the AGILE method to manage the project since the involves

respondents and the researcher may implicate constant collaboration and continuous

improvement at every stage from planning to evaluating and to implementation the system.

SDLC-Agile Methodology
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Figure 2. Agile Software Development Cycle

The approach starts with the requirement collection phases:

Planning

The study integrates IoT hardware (soil moisture sensors, water pumps) and a mobile

application to create an automated irrigation system for rice fields, optimizing water

management across different growth stages.

Data and Data Gathering

The researchers collect data through:

 Farmer surveys and interviews

 Soil moisture sensor readings

 Water level measurements

 Growth stage water requirements

Build and Develop

Creating an automated irrigation system that:

 Monitors water levels through sensors

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 Controls water flow automatically

 Provides mobile app interface for farmers

 Adjusts irrigation based on growth stages

 Sends alerts for critical water levels

Test

The system undergoes testing to ensure:

 Sensor accuracy

 Automated control reliability

 Mobile app functionality

 Water level management

 Alert system effectiveness

Deploy

The system is installed in selected rice fields in Batangan, Valencia City, with:

 Sensor placement

 Mobile app setup

 Farmer training

 System calibration

Review

Researchers evaluate:

 System performance
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 Water efficiency

 Farmer feedback

 Crop yield impact

 Technical reliability

Launch

The irrigation system is implemented for wider use, including:

 Final system optimization

 User training

 Support system establishment

 Performance monitoring

Respondents and Sampling Procedure

This study identifies rice farmers in Batangan, Valencia City as the main respondents,

in collaboration with agricultural experts and irrigation specialists. Specifically, the following

groups will be directly involved in the sampling procedure to ensure a comprehensive

representation of perspectives and experiences within the agricultural community.

Research Instruments

The questionnaire will be the major instrument used in this study so that we are

secured respondents to certain questions. The questionnaire will be prepared by the

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researcher through reading reference materials and related about the effects of different

psychological factors affecting their learning process. The 4-Point Likert Scale survey

method will be used to employ 4 response options to assess opinions or attitudes. Participants

express their responses of agreement or disagreement with given statements by selecting one

of four choices: (1) Strongly Disagree, (2) Disagree, (3) Agree, (4) Strongly Agree.

PROFILE INFORMATION
Name (Optional)
Respondent Type o Farmers
o Agricultural Expert
o Irrigation Specialist
Age
Gender
Address
PRE-DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS
The following is a checklist survey used in this study. Please check the
response that corresponds on how you feel about each statement:
1 - Strongly Disagree, 2 - Disagree, 3 – Agree, 4 – Strongly Agree

QUESTIONNAIRE 1 2 3 4
1. The requirements for maintaining the
correct water levels during the growth of
the crop are met by the existing irrigation
practices in rice fields.
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2. This could improve the irrigation practices
to a better extent when supported with
real-time data collection (soil moisture,
weather patterns, etc.)
3. Automated irrigation systems could also
minimize irrigation water during dry
climate and during wet climate, which too
will aid in the saving of water.
4. It would help local farmers to control their
irrigation remotely.
5. I would trust an automated system to
manage water levels accurately across
different rice growth stages.
6. Having a mobile app interface would be an
useful application to keep track of the
irrigation system and control it remotely.
7. Better irrigation planning can be obtained
by using predictive analytics for the
different weather patterns.
8. These traditional irrigation methods must
be reformed in adaptation to the
requirements of modern agriculture.
9. I think an IOT gardening system will do
wonders for plants and watering.
10. I am open to adopting new
technologies, such as IOT-based
systems, to improve irrigation and
farming efficiency.

POST-DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS

The following is a checklist survey used in the post-research study. Please check the response
that corresponds on how you feel about each statement:
1- Strongly Disagree, 2 - Disagree, 3 - Agree, 4 – Strongly Agree

QUESTIONNAIRE 1 2 3 4
1. The implemented IOT-based system successfully
controlled water levels per rice growth stage.
2. We found the real time monitoring of soil moisture water
levels to be intuitive.
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3. The ease of irrigation control from the mobile app
through remote access certainly added to the convenience
in managing water supply.

4. Automated alerts about zero gallons were done at a

timely manner and were effective.
5. Irrigation planning was even enhanced with predictive
analytics assessing future water requirements deriving
from weather patterns.

6. Compared with conventional methods, the water savings

found by the IOT-based system was substantial.
7. The accounts brought by system offer me reassurance for
irrigation management.
8. The mobile app interface for the system was intuitive and
intuitive for regulating water levels.

9. I would absolutely recommend the IOT-based solution

for wider adoption, the experience throughout has been
solid across the board.

10. I believe that continued use of this IOT-based

irrigation system will contribute to sustainable water
management and long-term crop health.

APPENDICES

A. LETTER OF APPROVAL

David Larsen S. Ursal, MIT

Hagkol, Barangay Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon
November 11, 2024

To Whom It May Concern,

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We are pleased to inform you that the research study titled as Iot Based Irrigation

System For Rice Cultivation: Optimizing Water Management Across Growth Stages

has got the approval for Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at ACLC

College Of Bukidnon.

This study by Marc Tristann Gequillana, Glone Jean Paradillo, Rodjan Casi is

authorized as it is also in line with our program to further improve agricultural

research, development and innovation for sustainable farmers. This research focuses

on developing an Internet of Things (IoT) based real-time irrigation system

specifically designed for managing water depending on the specific stages of growth

of rice. The smart irrigation system will reduce water wastages, enhance crop

productivity, and provide farmers with tools to remotely monitor and control the

operations benefiting the agriculture community.

The aims of this study have been assessed via peer review, and the approaches

suggested are considered appropriate to achieve these aims. We recognize the

importance of this research, especially toward solving real-world problems for rice

farmers who are struggling with increasingly erratic climate effects, and we endorse

the promise of this work contributing to irrigation modernization.

This means allowing the researcher conduct the said study in Batangan, Valencia

City, Bukidnon, with the condition that no ethical standards and research protocols
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will be put in place. All participants will be treated under research ethics guidelines as

it relates to informed consent and confidentiality.

Sincerely,

David Larsen S. Ursal, MIT

School Director
ACLC College Of Bukidnon

B. Sample Questionnaire

PROFILE INFORMATION
Name (Optional)
Respondent Type o Farmers
o Agricultural Expert
o Irrigation Specialist
Age
Gender
Address
PRE-DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS
The following is a checklist survey used in this study. Please check the
response that corresponds on how you feel about each statement:
1 - Strongly Disagree, 2 - Disagree, 3 – Agree, 4 – Strongly Agree

QUESTIONNAIRE 1 2 3 4
1. The requirements for maintaining the correct
water levels during the growth of the crop are
met by the existing irrigation practices in rice
fields.
2. This could improve the irrigation practices
to a better extent when supported with real-
time data collection (soil moisture, weather
patterns, etc.)
3. Automated irrigation systems could also
minimize irrigation water during dry
climate and during wet climate, which too
will aid in the saving of water.
4. It would help local farmers to control their
irrigation remotely.
College of Information Technology 18
5. I would trust an automated system to
manage water levels accurately across
different rice growth stages.
6. Having a mobile app interface would be an
useful application to keep track of the
irrigation system and control it remotely.
7. Better irrigation planning can be obtained
by using predictive analytics for the
different weather patterns.
8. These traditional irrigation methods must
be reformed in adaptation to the
requirements of modern agriculture.
9. I think an IOT gardening system will do
wonders for plants and watering.
10. I am open to adopting new
technologies, such as IOT-based
systems, to improve irrigation and
farming efficiency.

POST-DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS

The following is a checklist survey used in the post-research study. Please check the response
that corresponds on how you feel about each statement:
1- Strongly Disagree, 2 - Disagree, 3 - Agree, 4 – Strongly Agree

QUESTIONNAIRE 1 2 3 4
11. The implemented IOT-based system successfully
controlled water levels per rice growth stage.
12. We found the real time monitoring of soil moisture water
levels to be intuitive.
13. The ease of irrigation control from the mobile app
through remote access certainly added to the convenience
in managing water supply.

14. Automated alerts about zero gallons were done at a

timely manner and were effective.
15. Irrigation planning was even enhanced with predictive
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analytics assessing future water requirements deriving
from weather patterns.

16. Compared with conventional methods, the water savings

found by the IOT-based system was substantial.
17. The accounts brought by system offer me reassurance for
irrigation management.
18. The mobile app interface for the system was intuitive and
intuitive for regulating water levels.

19. I would absolutely recommend the IOT-based solution

for wider adoption, the experience throughout has been
solid across the board.

20. I believe that continued use of this IOT-based

irrigation system will contribute to sustainable water
management and long-term crop health.

C. System Prototype

1. System Components

A. Sensors

Soil Moisture Sensors: Measures soil moisture levels and sends data to the system to
determine water requirements.

Water Level Sensors: Monitors the water level in the field, ensuring it stays within
optimal limits for each growth stage.

Temperature & Humidity Sensors: Collects data on weather conditions, which can
impact water needs and irrigation frequency.

B. Controller Unit
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Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi): The core processor that collects
data from the sensors, processes information, and triggers irrigation control.

Connectivity Module: Provides internet access (e.g., via Wi-Fi or GSM) to enable
remote monitoring and control.

C. Water Pump and Valves

Automatic Pump System: Controls the water flow based on sensor inputs.

Valves: Regulates water distribution across different zones in the field.

D. Mobile Application

User Interface for Remote Monitoring and Control: Provides farmers with real-
time data on water levels, moisture, temperature, and irrigation status.

Control Panel: Allows the farmer to manually control water levels if needed or
override automation.

Alerts & Notifications: Sends alerts to the user in case of critical levels (e.g., low
water, high moisture).

2. System Interface & Workflow

A. Mobile App Interface

Home Screen: Displays key metrics (e.g., current water level, soil moisture,
temperature).

Irrigation Status: Shows if the irrigation is currently active, paused, or turned off.

Growth Stage Selector: Allows users to set the growth stage (e.g., Seedling,
Vegetative, Reproductive, Ripening), which determines the ideal water level
parameters.

Manual Control Mode: Provides an option to manually start or stop irrigation.

Alerts and Notifications: Displays notifications about water level status, potential
water shortages, or system errors.

B. Sensor Data Display

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Soil Moisture Chart: Visual representation of soil moisture levels over time.

Water Level Monitoring: Current water level and recent historical data.

Weather Data: Real-time temperature and humidity information for the area.

C. Predictive Analytics Module

Forecast Analysis: Based on historical weather patterns, it projects water needs for
the upcoming days.

Irrigation Recommendations: Adjusts irrigation frequency based on upcoming

weather (e.g., pauses irrigation if rain is forecasted).

3. Workflow and Data Flow

1. Data Collection: The sensors in the field measure soil moisture, water levels,
temperature, and humidity.
2. Data Processing and Analysis:

Sensor data is sent to the microcontroller.

The system compares the real-time data with predefined thresholds set for each
growth stage (e.g., high water levels for seedlings, moderate for vegetative).

The predictive analytics module uses weather forecasts to adjust irrigation

schedules.

3. Irrigation Control:

If moisture levels are below the threshold for a growth stage, the system
triggers the pump and valves to release water.

When moisture reaches the optimal level, the system stops irrigation.

If high water levels are detected (e.g., during rainy weather or La Niña), the
system can activate drainage measures or pause irrigation.

4. User Interaction via Mobile App:

The farmer receives real-time updates and alerts about water levels, irrigation
status, and upcoming weather.
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They can override the system, manually adjusting water levels if needed.

The app provides usage reports and water-saving insights.

4. Prototype Diagrams

1. System Block Diagram

Input Layer: Soil moisture sensor, water level sensor, temperature/humidity

sensor

Processing Layer: Microcontroller (data processing and decision-making)

Output Layer: Water pump, valves, mobile app for monitoring and alerts

2. Mobile App Wireframe

Dashboard: Overview of current field metrics (water level, soil moisture)

Controls: Buttons for manual irrigation and setting growth stages

Alerts Panel: Displays notifications about irrigation status and critical alerts

Analytics Section: Graphs and data logs of water usage and irrigation
frequency

D. CURRICULUM VITAE