Solaris Research
Solaris Research
SOLARIS: Sustainable Organic Living with Automated Refine Crop Management and
Intelligent System for Red Onions (Allium Cepa) using Arduino based Plant Fostering Device
PANGANIBAN, Reyniel E.
Student researchers
10 - Faex
March 2024
APPROVAL SHEET
This study entitled “SOLARIS: Sustainable Organic Living with Automated Refine Crop
Management and Intelligent System for Red Onions (Allium Cepa) using Arduino based
Plant Fostering Device” prepared by Alteza, Felicity Vironica, Andalis, Aira Clarissa O.,
Espiritu, Crisjem Bella Beatriz A., Fria, Shainna Marie R., Gava, Nicholai Marie A.,
Panganiban, Reyniel E., Pante, Jashley Mae D., and Perillo, Aydin Joaquim P. in partial
fulfillment of the requirements in Research IV, has been examined and recommended for
acceptance and approval for Oral Examination.
Passed the Final Oral Examination last March 7, 2025, at Naga City Science High School,
Balatas, Naga City, and is hereby accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in
Research for Junior High School this school year 2024-2025.
PANEL OF EXAMINERS
CATHERINE Q. RAMOS, MT I
JHS Coordinator
2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We, the researchers, would like to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to the
To our Grade 9 Research adviser, Ms. Mildred Mae Adorable, for his approval of our
research title as well as for supporting and guiding us throughout the first year of doing our
research paper.
To our Grade 10 first quarter research adviser, Ms. Catherine Quejada-Ramos and To
our second to fourth quarter research adviser, Mr. Domingo J. Vinluan Jr., for helping and
guiding us throughout our research journey this school year. It was a great privilege and honor
To our title defense panelists, Mr. Arnold Hipolito Jr., Mr. Mat Kevin Atole, and Mr.
Dennis Glenn Coronel, Mr. Mark P. Arce, for their advice and suggestions for the
To our respectable consultants, Mr. Dave Borja, Mr. Jonathan Aguilar, Mr. Jerald B.
Peña and Mr. Angelo V. Ramos, for their unwavering commitment, attention to detail, and
professional insights that were instrumental in the completion of this work. Their
To our beloved parents for their unending support especially when it comes to the
financial needs of our group as well as for allowing us to do our research after school and
To our families for their unwavering support, love, and encouragement throughout this
research journey. Their patience, understanding, and constant belief in us have been a source
of strength, motivating us to stay focused and dedicated. This achievement would not have
been possible without their continuous support, and we are truly grateful for their presence in
our lives.
3
To our constant source of inspiration throughout this journey. Whether through their
words of encouragement, motivation, or innovative ideas, you have sparked creativity and
fueled our determination to push forward. Your influence has been a guiding light in the
And most especially, to Almighty God, who is always there to guide us and bless our
research group throughout the processes that we have done for this study. To God be the
Glory!
-The Researchers
4
ABSTRACT
Alteza, Felicity Vironica, Andalis, Aira Clarissa O., Espiritu, Crisjem Bella Beatriz A., Fria, Shainna
Marie R., Gava, Nicholai Marie A., Panganiban, Reyniel E., Pante, Jashley Mae D., and Perillo,
Aydin Joaquim P. “SOLARIS: Sustainable Organic Living with Automated Refine Crop Management
and Intelligent System for Red Onions (Allium Cepa) using Arduino based Plant Fostering Device”
Naga City Science High School, Naga City, S/Y 2024-2025.
The procedure involved designing and assembling the device using an Arduino microcontroller,
solar panels for energy efficiency, and sensors to monitor soil moisture, temperature, and light levels.
The system was programmed to automate watering, light adjustments, and other essential functions to
optimize plant growth. Testing was conducted under controlled and real-life conditions to evaluate
performance, reliability, and energy efficiency.
The results demonstrated that SOLARIS successfully maintained plant health by responding
accurately to environmental changes. The automated system effectively adjusted watering and
lighting, reducing water and energy waste. The device’s use of solar power ensured continuous
operation, proving its capability as a sustainable solution for plant care.
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE
APPROVAL SHEET…………………………………………………………………………...i
ACKNOWLEDGMENT………………………………………………………………………ii
ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………………..iii
TABLE OF CONTENT……………………………………………………………………….iv
LIST OF APPENDICES………………………………………………………………………vi
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………… .1
Research Hypothesis...................................................................................................... 7
Conceptual Framework.................................................................................................. 9
Definition Of Terms..................................................................................................... 12
METHODOLOGY
Research Design........................................................................................................... 19
Research Instruments................................................................................................... 21
Efficiency Formula...................................................................................................... 23
6
Results and Discussion
Bibliography............................................................................................................................ 35
Appendices ….……………………………………………………..…………………………37
7
List of Appendices
8
List of Figures
9
List of Tables
10
INTRODUCTION
The red onion is a cultivar, a sort of more colorful variety of the common onion
(Allium cepa). Botanically speaking, the red and common onions are not so different from one
another. However, from a nutritional point of view, the distinct traits of red onions that make
them so popular indicate specific nutrients with different properties and health effects than
Red onions, like other varieties of onions, generally prefer cool temperatures for
optimal growth. Considering the extreme weather and the Philippines’ state as highly
vulnerable to climate change, has made proper care for red onions difficult. With climate
change making matters worse, heavy rains have battered farming communities, lowering soil
quality, and have caused potential shrinkage of water availability. In result, these poor
environmental conditions have left great impacts on the plant’s ability to thrive.
According to Plants (2017), Onion roots are shallow and not very efficient at taking up
moisture, so they need a steady supply of water to grow without interruption. Although onions
actually recover well from drought and start growing again when watered, it is best to keep
the soil consistently moist until the bulbs enlarge. In consideration, the study aims to provide
biological substrates where energy and matter are captured and transformed by plants,
animals, and microbes. Coarse-textured soils such as sands and loamy sands have very low
moisture holding capacities (with good drainage and aeration) and drain the quickest. Onions
11
are shallow-rooted and grow best on a friable soil with good moisture retention (Voss et al.,
2013). Onions will grow in a wide range of soil types, but excessively dense clay soils
interfere with root growth, while sandy soils require very frequent irrigation. Onions are
once the plants are established they can tolerate higher levels of salinity. Seedbed condition is
critical, particularly if crops are being grown from seed. A fine, consolidated seed zone is
required for maximum germination and good establishment. Onions should be grown on
friable soils, which contain high amounts of organic matter, have good water-infiltration rates,
and good moisture-holding capacity. The soil should not be compacted, and the pH should be
5.8 to 6.6. Sandy loams and muck soils are often used for onion production (Orzolek et al.,
2000).
According to the National Onion Association (n.d), In the world history, Onions may be
one of the earliest cultivated crops because they were less perishable than other foods of the
time, were transportable, were easy to grow, and could be grown in a variety of soils and
climates. In addition, the onion was useful for sustaining human life. Onions prevented thirst
and could be dried and preserved for later consumption when food might be scarce. While the
place and time of the onion’s origin is still a mystery, many documents from very early times
describe its importance as a food and its use in art, medicine, and mummification. In today's
time, onions are still part of our daily lives. Onions not only provide flavor, they also provide
The increasing interest in sustainable farming methods and inventive solutions for
12
urban locales, where space is a premium, there is a rising interest in utilizing Arduino-based
systems.
This study examines the potential of red onion cultivation using the SOLARIS system
in the Philippines to strengthen the economy by increasing local agricultural output, reducing
import dependence, and stabilizing market prices. Incorporating greenhouse farming into this
system is vital, as it enables farmers, particularly in remote areas, to manage and monitor their
crops effectively, even when faced with challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions
and limited water resources. Greenhouses provide a controlled environment that supports crop
production, seed germination, and transplantation, ensuring higher yields and more consistent
results. This research also explores strategies to enhance red onion production efficiency,
strengthen value chains, and improve market access for farmers, making greenhouse farming
an essential tool for sustainable and economical agricultural practices (Agarwal et al., 2021).
This study examines the potential of red onion cultivation using the SOLARIS system in
the Philippines to strengthen the economy by increasing local agricultural output, reducing
import dependence, and stabilizing market prices. It aims to assess the economic benefits of
growing red onions and emphasize agriculture’s role in maintaining price stability, generating
income, and ensuring food security. The research will also explore ways to improve
production efficiency, enhance value chains, and expand market access for red onion farmers.
This study centers around crafting a solar-powered device for fostering plants using
Arduino technology. This device seamlessly integrates automation, solar power, and data
monitoring to create a solution that is both efficient and environmentally conscious. Empirical
studies (Wang et al. 2018) in the International Journal of Agricultural and Biological
13
Engineering, demonstrates that integrated systems combining automation, solar power, and
data monitoring enhance crop yield and resource efficiency in agricultural practices.
This study also has a special feature, The Internet of Things (IOT), Internet of things
is maturing and continues to be the latest, most hyped concept in the IT world. Over the last
decade the term Internet of Things (IoT) has attracted attention by projecting the vision of a
for anything and not only for any one. The Internet of Things can also be considered as a
and things-to-things, which is anything in the world by providing unique identity to each and
every object. IoT describes a world where just about anything can be connected and
communicates in an intelligent fashion that ever before. Most of us think about “being
connected” in terms of electronic devices such as servers, computers, tablets, telephones and
smart phones. In what’s called the In-ternet of Things, sensors and actuators embedded in
networks, often using the same Internet IP that connects the Internet. (Madakam et al., 2015)
energy efficiency, enhancing urban green spaces, encouraging innovation in urban agriculture
and renewable energy. For example, the Journal of Cleaner Production found that integrating
By delving into the workings of this integrated system, the research aims to offer
insights that can inform future advancements in smart agriculture. A case study by Smith et
14
al. in the Journal of Applied Remote Sensing (2021) provides evidence of how automated
highlighted by a report from the World Bank (2020) emphasizing the importance of urban
The cultivation of red onions in the Philippines faces significant challenges due to
climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, and the need for consistent agricultural
efficiently. The research focuses on evaluating the system’s ability to enhance the cultivation
15
b) Automating the precise distribution of resources required by red onions
3. How does the SOLARIS system affect plant growth in the number of shoots,
growth rate, and height of red onions compared to natural planting methods
Research Hypothesis
H01:
A. There is no significant difference in the sprouting rate of red onions when
This study will benefit the onion industry, Farmers, Department of Agriculture,
Department of Science and Technology, Students and employees and future researchers.
Onion industry. Onions are in almost every Filipino dish. The country is facing a
national onion shortage as inflation hikes prices and climate change continues to wreak havoc
on crops. This study offers simple and efficient farming techniques that can provide a greater
pesticides, which leads them to debt, reducing their workload and labor requirements. This
will benefit farmers. More so, The device soil moisture sensors provide the ideal land for
onion seedlings to grow, ensuring farmers will receive a higher crop output.
16
Department of Agriculture. This study findings will contribute to sustainable
agriculture by utilizing solar power, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources, and
This not only introduces efficiency in plant care but also serves as a model for incorporating
technology in agriculture, this study will equip individuals with practical knowledge and
skills, enhancing their competency in emerging fields at the intersection of technology and
agriculture.
Future researchers. It offers a model for exploring and improving upon the project
SOLARIS, encouraging continued innovation in sustainable plant care. By paving the way for
This study focuses on innovating plant fostering systems into an Sustainable Organic
Living with Automated Regeneration and Intelligent System using eco-friendly materials in
order to preserve energy and function effectively and independently. The study will use the
preparation as well as the creation of the final product will be at the residence of one of the
researchers.
17
This study will not cover the effectiveness of the SOLARIS system and plant fostering
device on other plants and will only focus on monitoring the onions growth, protecting
onions from environmental stress, and determining how many onions it can foster. This study
does not consider every aspect that can affect the plant, and it does not cover the nutrients the
plant could get or how healthy the plant would turn out.
18
METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the research design and the data collection procedure.
Research Design
The experimental design will be used in the study. The experimental method involves
the control or manipulation of conditions for the purpose of studying the effects of various
different samples. This design is most appropriate because the study aims to make SOLARIS:
Sustainable Organic Living with Automated Refine Crop Management and Intelligent System for Red
Onions (Allium Cepa) that innovates a plant fostering system that uses environmentally
The independent variable in the study is the amount of water and fertilizer in the
project SOLARIS, while the dependent variable is the onion’s cluster growth and onion’s
weight. The variables that will be kept constant or equal are the type of plant, type of soil,
The materials that will be used to create the device are the following; Red onion seeds,
Arduino Pro mini, ESP32, LM25965 DC to DC, 12v Peristaltic Pump, 8 channel relay, Tamagawa
soldering lead, Stranded wire gauge 22, Capacitive Soil Moisture sensor v1.2, Weatherproof
enclosure IP65 NEMA, 180 pcs m3 nylon standoff, 20x4 LCD I2C, Shrinking tube kit, Female
dc power crow jack, DHT22, BMP280, Drip irrigation watering hose and fittings set,
Agricultural electric water pump 12v dc 3.5l/min, Cable tie, 2m*10m polyethene UV plastic,
30w solar panel+ 20A controller, and JSL 20AH 12V Lead Acid battery. These things will be
19
The onion seedlings will be used for this study that will be bought in plant stores and
plant nurseries located in the city of Naga. The soil needed for the study will be a normal type
of soil. Onions grow well on this type of soil. The soil will be bought from garden shops
located in the city of Naga. The Arduino Pro mini, soil moisture sensors and count down
timer will be bought online due to lack of availability of the sensors locally. For this part an
automatic irrigation module DIY kit will be used for the drippers which will be bought online.
Refer to figure 1 to 3, the research project focuses on a compact cube shaped design
for optimizing the growth of onion plants and monitoring the plant’s conditions. The device
features soil moisture sensors for managing irrigation and optimizing plant growth, making it
automatic by adding a countdown timer. There is also a solar panel placed above the device
for it to be eco friendly. Along with droppers for increasing soil moisture for the plant, The
inches, and a length of 3 feet. Data collection and processing are managed by an Arduino unit
at the front of the device. The device as well as the are all inside a greenhouse to control the
Inside a 6x5m width, length and a height of 6m greenhouse. A 30-liter water tank is
installed as a base. The 30-liter water tank is divided into three parts for different plant-related
liquids. These compartments contain Liquid Fertilizer and Water for separate storage. The
solar panels are placed over the water tank as a source of energy. The other materials included
for installing the base are an Arduino board, PWM charge controller, 12V to 5V USB DC-DC
20
Installation of the soil moisture sensor and countdown timer
In figure 4 and 5, a soil moisture sensor is added to check if the soil is dry. When the
sensor detects dry soil, the dripper turns on to water the plants. A pair of countdown timers are
also installed; each having a different function. The timer counts down from a set time that will
send a command to activate the droppers that will distribute liquid fertilizer to the plants.
Research Instrument
for the production of Red onions in Bicol and as well as to help farmers grow onion crops, the
researchers conducted the experiment inside a greenhouse, where they assessed the efficiency
of the SOLARIS system in maintaining optimal fostering for Red onions by having three
setups of pots that has different way of fostering onion plants. The first pot was fostered by
the device with water only and without fertilizer.. The second pot was fostered by the device
using water and fertilizer. Lastly, the third pot was not fostered, neither by a person nor the
device.
The researchers closely monitored the activity of the device for every 2-3 weeks to
ensure it remains within the range for onion growth. Simultaneously, the researchers focused
on assessing the SOLARIS’s system's proficiency in maintaining the ideal moisture content
for the onion to grow. The automated fostering device will feature advanced soil moisture
control mechanisms that aim to create a stable and conducive environment for onions. By
closely monitoring and analyzing moisture level, the researchers determined the system's
effectiveness in preventing excessive moisture loss or saturation, which can directly impact
21
In figure 6, the device begins with a 5V solar panel, which captures solar energy and
converts it into electrical power. Since a 12V battery serves as the primary energy storage
unit, a step-up converter or charge controller may be required to regulate the voltage from the
solar panel to ensure proper battery charging. The 12V battery functions as a reservoir of
electrical energy, providing continuous power to the system even in the absence of sunlight,
employed. This component is essential for adjusting voltage levels to meet the requirements
of various system components, ensuring stable and efficient operation. Additionally, a Pulse
modulating the duty cycle of electrical signals, the PWM driver optimizes energy
communication and remote monitoring(wifi direct This feature allows users to access
real-time data and control the system remotely, enhancing automation and efficiency.
Additionally, an Arduino Pro Mini is integrated to process data from multiple environmental
sensors. Soil moisture sensors continuously measure soil moisture levels, while a humidity
sensor and a temperature sensor provide additional environmental data. These sensors help
optimize irrigation by considering not only soil moisture but also ambient humidity and
temperature conditions. If the soil moisture content falls below a predefined threshold or
environmental conditions indicate the need for irrigation, the Arduino sends signals to
Power distribution and switching within the system are managed by an 8-channel relay
module, which facilitates the operation of high-power components such as water pumps. To
22
provide the necessary voltage levels for different components, a DC to DC buck converter
steps down the voltage as required, ensuring the stable operation of low-voltage devices such
as the ESP8266 and Arduino. The relay module is responsible for activating the 8 PSI water
pump and the 12V DC water pump, which supply water for irrigation based on real-time
sensor data.
Researchers will collect, analyze, and report observations and data. Any technical difficulties
The data collected from the SOLARIS automatic fostering device will be compared
with traditional methods of fostering red onions to determine and highlight differences in
efficiency. A data table will be implemented to record and quantify soil moisture and the
timing of irrigation cycles. This structured data collection method will provide a
Efficiency Formula
1. Watering Efficiency
The efficiency of water absorption by the onions can be calculated using the
formula: Efficiency (%) water absorbed by onions water applied to the field /
Watering Efficiency (%) = (Total water applied to the field / Actual water absorbed by
onions) × 100
water to the onion roots. It compares the amount of water actually absorbed by the
23
onions to the total amount applied, offering insights into the effectiveness of the
2. Fertilizer Efficiency
the formula: Efficiency (%) in onion yield due to fertilizer onion yield / Fertilizer
Efficiency (%) = (Total onion yield / Increase in onion yield due to fertilizer) × 100
onion yield. By comparing the yield increase due to fertilizer with the total yield, this
metric indicates the fertilizer's role in promoting growth. High efficiency suggests that
the fertilizer type and application method are well-suited to the crop's needs, leading
to better yields.
24
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
This chapter presents the results and discussion deliberated during the research. This
includes the response to the statement of the problems as well as the interpretation of the
gathered data.
During the three-week data gathering period, the water consumption of the onions
were recorded, showing the increasing need of water supply for the onion’s growth. In the
first week, the device managed to distribute the needed nutrients for each setup (water only
and water with fertilizer) twice. In the first distribution, 1200mL was consumed, while in the
second distribution, 1240mL was consumed, adding up to 2440mL or 2.4L in total. In the
second week, the device managed to distribute the needed nutrients for each setup (water only
and water with fertilizer) twice. In the first distribution, 1255mL was consumed, while in the
second distribution, 1270mL was consumed, adding up to 2525mL or 2.5L in total. In the
third week, the device managed to distribute the needed nutrients for each setup (water only
and water with fertilizer) thrice. In the first distribution, 1310mL was consumed, while in the
second distribution, 1360mL was consumed, and in the third or last distribution, 1430mL was
consumed, adding up to 4100mL or 4.1L in total. In conclusion, the system SOLARIS was
efficient in ensuring a reliable and adequate water supply as the 20 liter gallon of water was
not fully consumed for each setup, only about 9 liters was consumed for both setups and all
25
The consistency of the average temperature of 30.80°C, average humidity of 71%, and
system response time of 3.2 seconds was maintained over the three-week period. Monitoring
and adjustments ensured these variables stayed stable, allowing for reliable data collection.
Methods and tools were used to reduce fluctuations, ensuring consistent system performance
The growth of the onions that were treated naturally have considerable differences
from the growth of the onions treated with the system's help. The number of shoots that were
naturally planted was tracked, and the average length of the shoots was also observed. In the
first week, 15 shoots were recorded, with an average length of 2.0 inches. In the second week,
24 shoots were recorded, with an average length of 2.9 inches. By the third week, 30 shoots
were recorded, with an average length of 3.6 inches. This shows that this setup is less effective
and less efficient for the growth of the onions from the setups that were treated with the
system's help.
The growth of the onions that were only treated with water have considerable
differences from the growth of the onions treated with fertilizer. The number of shoots of the
onions in this setup was tracked, and the average length of the shoots was also observed. In
the first week, 17 shoots were recorded, with an average length of 3.1 inches. In the second
week, 22 shoots were recorded, with an average length of 3.9 inches. In the third week, 26
shoots were recorded, with an average length of 4.1 inches. This shows that this setup is not as
26
effective and efficient as the setup treated with fertilizer, nonetheless, more effective and
The growth of the onions that were treated with water and fertilizer have considerable
differences from the other two setups (water only and natural planting). The number of shoots
of the onions in this setup was tracked, and the average length of the shoots was also
observed. In the first week, 29 shoots were recorded, with an average length of 5.5 inches. In
the second week, 38 shoots were recorded, with an average length of 7.2 inches. In the third
week, 45 shoots were recorded, with an average length of 8.4 inches. This shows that the
fertilizer significantly improved onion growth compared to using only water and natural
planting.
27
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
This chapter presents the research findings and discussions, addressing the problem
The researcher evaluated the system’s ability to enhance the cultivation of red onions
by addressing the key factors of temperature and humidity regulation, as well as ensuring a
Statement of the Problem #1: How efficient is the system SOLARIS in maintaining
consistent temperature and humidity levels conducive to red onion growth and ensuring a
a) Maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels conducive to red onion
growth:
Although specific data on temperature and humidity isn't given, the system
appears to create a stable environment for the onions. It adjusts the water
distribution to meet the plants' needs, which suggests that it likely helps
The system successfully provided the onions with the right amount of water
28
iii) Week 3: 4.1L of water.
The system used about 9 liters of water for both setups over thAutomating the
e three weeks, which is well below the 20 liters available. This shows that the
Statement of the Problem #2: How does the Plant fostering device functional in terms of
maximizing energy efficiency while maintaining optimal functionality and automating the
these conditions, the system was able to minimize fluctuations, ensuring stable
performance. This indicates that the device operates efficiently, using only the
overconsumption or waste.
The system responded quickly with an average response time of just 3.2
seconds. This quick response allows the device to automatically adjust and
distribute the right amounts of resources (such as water and nutrients) to the
onions when needed. By ensuring these variables remain stable, the device
efficiently delivers the precise resources required for the red onions' growth.
29
Statement of the Problem #3: How does the SOLARIS system affect plant growth in the
number of shoots, growth rate, and height of red onions compared to natural planting
methods?
the number of shoots. In the first week, there were 15 shoots; by the
● Water Only: The onions treated with water only had more shoots. In the
third week.
● Water with Fertilizer (SOLARIS System): The onions treated with both
water and fertilizer showed the greatest growth in the number of shoots.
In the first week, 29 shoots were recorded, and by the third week, this
increased to 45 shoots.
● Natural Planting: The growth rate of shoots was slow, with an average
length of 2.0 inches in the first week, increasing to 3.6 inches by the
third week.
● Water Only: The onions grown with water showed a moderate growth
rate. The average shoot length started at 3.1 inches in week one and
● Water with Fertilizer (SOLARIS System): The onions treated with both
water and fertilizer had the fastest growth. The average shoot length
was 5.5 inches in the first week and increased to 8.4 inches by the third
week.
30
c) Height of Onions:
● Water Only: The height of the onions treated with water only reached
treated with both water and fertilizer was the tallest, reaching 8.4
31
CONCLUSION
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the SOLARIS system in optimizing
the growth of red onions under controlled conditions. The findings revealed that the system
effectively regulated environmental factors, contributing positively to plant growth. Over the
three-week period, the system maintained a consistent water flow of 60 L/min, ensuring
water supply reliability at 60 hours. Adjustments for humidity and soil moisture were
implemented, which helped maintain the optimal growing environment for the plants.
Temperature was kept steady at 30.8°C (87.4°F), and humidity remained consistent at 71%,
with the system showing a quick response time of 3.2 seconds in maintaining these
parameters. The system also demonstrated stable water distribution. In both setups inside
the greenhouse, average water flow increased each week, with a total of 2440mL in Week 1,
2525mL in Week 2, and 4100mL in Week 3, with system adjustments focusing on humidity
The growth of red onions across three setups demonstrated the effectiveness of the
SOLARIS system. In Setup 1 (natural planting), the number of shoots increased from 15 to
30, and the average shoot length grew from 2.0 inches to 3.6 inches. In Setup 2 (water only),
the number of shoots grew from 17 to 26, with the average shoot length expanding from 3.1
inches to 4.1 inches. Setup 3 (water with fertilizer) showed the most significant improvement,
with the number of shoots increasing from 29 to 45, and the average shoot length growing
from 5.5 inches to 8.4 inches, highlighting the added benefit of using fertilizer.
Overall, the SOLARIS system demonstrated strong potential in promoting plant growth by
maintaining controlled and consistent environmental conditions. While there were occasional
fluctuations in equipment efficiency and response time, these did not significantly impact the
positive results. The study concludes that the SOLARIS system is effective in enhancing red
onion growth, and with further refinements in precision and system optimization, it has the
32
potential to provide even more reliable and consistent results for plant growth in future
applications.
33
RECOMMENDATIONS
determine the optimal light spectrum for red onion growth. Enhancing nutrient
delivery by refining the irrigation system to ensure even distribution of water and
environmental controls to regulate temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels can help
minimize fluctuations that may affect plant development. Increasing trial duration and
sample size is advised to obtain more comprehensive data on the long-term effects of
the SOLARIS system on red onion growth. Frequent calibration of sensors and
data reliability. Testing different soil compositions or hydroponic solutions should also
be considered to identify the most effective medium for plant growth under the
SOLARIS system. Future research should explore how external factors, such as
34
Bibliography
Cell Saviors. (n.d.). How to connect solar panels to batteries and inverters. Retrieved
from https://cellsaviors.com/blog/connect-solar-panels
Healing Waters Media. (2021, October 27). Solar Pumping explained: How do
Solar-Powered Water Pumps work? HWI. Retrieved from
https://healingwaters.org/how-do-solar-powered-water-pumps-work/
Hutchinson, D. (2024, January 2). The continuing struggle for onion farmers in the
Philippines.
PlantwisePlus Blog.
https://blog.plantwise.org/2023/02/14/the-continuing-struggle-for-onion-farmers-in-th
e-philippines
JMS VLogLife. (2022, February 9). Solar powered water pump | DIY [Video].
YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntopoMIUPIA
John C RV. (2019, June 20). HOW TO INSTALL A LAWN SPRINKLER PUMP or
any type of Irrigation [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJBB7isi7Mk
Silvestrin, A. (2022, July 11). Automated plant care technologies: How do they work?
KORU ONE. Retrieved from
https://www.plantkoru.com/blogs/news-stories/automated-plant-care-technologies-ho
w-do-they-work
TESUP Official. (2021, April 3). How to connect a solar panel and solar charge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkScrAip4p4
35
Truini, J. (2023, November 16). How to Install an In-Ground Sprinkler System. This
Old House. Retrieved from
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/landscaping/21016605/how-to-install-in-ground-sprinkl
ers#:~:text=Sprinkler%20System%20Installation%20in%2010%20Steps%201%20Ste
p,8%3A%20Roll%20Out%20the%20Irrigation%20System
Yang, M. (2023, January 12). “It’s like gold”: Onions now cost more than meat in the
Philippines. NPR.
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/11/1141520962/onions-now-cost-more-than-meat-in-the-
philippines
36
APPENDICES
37
Appendix A:
38
Appendix B:
1 pack
Red onion seeds ₱50
3 pieces
Arduino Pro mini ₱750
2 pieces
ESP32 ₱600
4 pieces
LM25965 DC to DC ₱200
39
3 pieces
12v Peristaltic Pump ₱750
2 pieces
8 channel relay ₱500
1 piece
Tamagawa soldering lead ₱250
1 roll
Stranded wire gauge 22 ₱500
9 pieces
Capacitive Soil Moisture sensor ₱720
v1.2
2 pieces
Weatherproof enclosure IP65 ₱560
NEMA
40
1 set
180 pcs m3 nylon standoff ₱170
1 piece
20x4 LCD I2C ₱280
1 piece
Shrinking tube kit ₱200
1 piece
Female dc power crow jack ₱35
1 piece
DHT22 ₱250
41
2 pieces
BMP280 ₱150
2 set
Drip irrigation watering hose and ₱900
fittings set
3 pieces
Agricultural electric water pump ₱540
12v dc 3.5l/min
1 set
Cable tie ₱150
1 pcs
2m*10m polyethene UV plastic ₱460
42
1 set
30w solar panel+ 20A controller ₱850
1 pcs
JSL 20AH 12V Lead Acid battery ₱1000
1 set
Green House ₱5000
TOTAL: ₱14,815
43
44
Appendix C:
Sensor Data Collection, Soil Moisture Control, and Web Display Algorithm
1. Start
2. Measure Soil Moisture: Detect the current moisture content using the soil
moisture sensor.
4. Stop
1. Start
2. Initialize Sensors:
45
Main Loop
• Atmospheric Pressure:
• Soil Moisture:
2. Update Webpage:
• Prepare Data:
• Serve Webpage:
• Continuously repeat to keep the webpage updated with the latest sensor data.
5. Stop
46
47
Appendix D:
48
49
Appendix E:
#include <WiFi.h>
#include <DHT.h>
#include <ESPAsyncWebServer.h>
#define DHTΡΙΝ 4
Adafruit_BMP085_Unified bmp;
AsyncWebServer server(80);
50
const int relay Pin2 = 26; // GPIO26 for Pump 2
// Relay states
void setupSensors() {
dht.begin();
if (lbmp.begin()) {
while (1); } }
void setupSoftAP() {
WiFi.softAP(apSSID, apPassword);
Serial.println(WiFi.softAPIP()); }
String handleRoot() {
// Read sensors
51
sensors_event_t event; bmp.getEvent(&event);
// Activate drippers
digitalWrite(relayPin1, HIGH);
relayState1= true;
} else {
// Deactivate drippers
relayState1 = false; }
html +="container {max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; background: #fff;
border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); }"
html += "button {background-color: #007BFF; color: #fff; border: none; padding: 10px 20px;
font-size: 16px; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; }"
52
html += "<p><strong>Humidity:</strong> + String(humidity)%</p>";
content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">";
html +="container {max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; background: #fff;
html += "button {background-color: #007BFF; color: #fff; border: none; padding: 10px 20px;
53
html += "<p><strong>Temperature:</strong> + String(temperature) +*"C</p>";
html += "</form>";
html += "</form>";
html += "</form>";
54
html += "</div></body></html>";
return html;
if (request->hasParam("action")) {
if (action == "toggle") {
relayState1 = !relayState1;
request->redirect("/");
if (request->hasParam("action")) {
if (action == "toggle") {
relayState2 = !relayState2;
55
request->redirect("/");
if (request->hasParam("action")) {
if (action == "toggle") {
relayState3 = !relayState3;
request->redirect("/");
void setup() {
Serial.begin(115200);
pinMode(relayPin1, OUTPUT);
pinMode(relayPin2, OUTPUT);
setupSensors();
setupSoftAP();
56
// Serve the root page
});
server.begin();
void loop() {
57
Appendix F:
the greenhouse)
Total
Week 1 Distribution
1240mL
D2
1255mL
Week 2 D1 2525mL Soil moisture
1270mL
D2
1310mL
Week 3 D1 4100mL Soil moisture
1360mL
D2
D3 1430mL
Total: 9065mL or 9L
58
Table 2: Maintaining Consistent Temperature and Humidity
59
1 29 Shoots 5.5 inches
60
Appendix G:
Statistical Explanation
= 31.034% = 30.909%
Week 2-3
= 18.421% = 16.667%
Week 1-3
= 55.172% = 52.727%
Water Only
= 29.412% = 25.806%
61
Week 2-3
= 18.182% = 5.128%
Week 1-3
= 52.941% = 32.258%
Natural Planting
Week 1- 2 45%
PI = 30 - 24 / 24 x 100 = 45%
= 25% = 7 / 29 x100
Week 1 - 3 = 24.138%
= 15 / 15 x100 = 4 / 5 x 100
= 100% = 80%
Appendix H:
62
Figures of SOLARIS
63
Figure 3. Top View of SOLARIS 3D Design
64
Figure 4. Circuit Diagram of SOLARIS (With Fertilizer)
65
Figure 6. Flow Diagram of SOLARIS
66
67