Development of Microcontroller Based Hydroponics System for a

Hydroponically Grown Lactuca Sativa (Lettuce)

A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of Electronics Engineering Department

College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology
De La Salle University—Dasmariñas
Dasmariñas, City

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering

Christine R. Del Rosario

Michelle Ann S. Fernandez

2018
 Table of Contents
Chapter 1....................................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Background of the Study ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Objectives of the Study ....................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Significance and the Expected Output .......................................................................................... 5
1.4 Scope and Delimitation ................................................................................................................. 6
1.5 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................................ 6
1.6 Definition of Terms ............................................................................................................................. 7
Chapter 2....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Review of Related Literature ........................................................................................................................ 8
2.1 Related Literature ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.1 Foreign Literature ........................................................................................................................ 8
2.1.2 Local Literature .......................................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Related Studies ........................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 Foreign Studies........................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Local Studies............................................................................................................................... 11
Chapter 3..................................................................................................................................................... 12
Research Methodology ............................................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Methodological Framework .............................................................................................................. 12
3.2 Gathering of Data.............................................................................................................................. 13
3.2.1. Literature Survey ....................................................................................................................... 13
3.2.2. Survey........................................................................................................................................ 14
3.3 Research Design ................................................................................................................................ 14
3.3.1 System Architecture ................................................................................................................... 14
3.3.2 Hardware Design ........................................................................................................................ 15
3.4. Testing .............................................................................................................................................. 17
3.4.1. System Operation ..................................................................................................................... 18
3.4.2. System Functionality ................................................................................................................. 20
3.4.3. System Performance ................................................................................................................. 20
3.5. Proposed Prototype Design ............................................................................................................. 21
BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................................................ 22
 Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

In the Philippines, one of the major sources of livelihood and in rural households
is farming. Farming systems in the country is complex, broad and aims to promote
efficient production and a steady source of income. Which cause unwanted
consequences on the environment, which can be seen in the form of soil erosion, water
pollution, groundwater depletion, loss of natural habitats, and loss of biological diversity.
Initiatives from various sectors to lessen the adverse environmental impacts of farming
systems and to protect the agricultural production bases are in place in terms of policies,
programs, and action projects.(Briones, 2005)

One way to improve conventional farming and overpriced organic produce is by

using the hydroponics system in urban areas. Hydroponics is an innovative technology
which allows people to grow plants without soil. Plants are placed in a growth medium,
such as clay balls or perlite, and are fed with nutrients dissolved directly into the water
in which their roots are suspended (Lee, 2015). This helps growers avoid many plant
diseases caused by soil-borne pathogens.

As said by SirAnimesh (2016), a hydroponics system can produce up to 6-8 times

more yield than conventional farming for a given area. Hydroponically grown foods are
more delicious and are more nutritional, one can change the properties of the food,
monitor what goes into the food and pollute less. Hydroponics uses 70 to 90 percent less
water than conventional growing does.

The research by B. M. Jinendra, et. al, states that the use of Nutrient Film
Technique (NFT) is more economical and environmental friendly than any types of
hydroponics systems. This system provides opportunities for maximum use of fertilizer,

1
excellent water conservation, and minimal use of materials and precise control of
nutrients.

Even though a hydroponics system has so many advantages, there are actually a
few disadvantages as well. Managing a hydroponics system will take a lot of time to manage.
One has to monitor and balance the pH, electroconductivity and nutrient levels on a daily basis for
plant productivity. It’s also important to ensure that environmental conditions stay within
an optimal zone in the system.

The pH level of the nutrient solution affects the availability of the nutrients to
plants. Accordingly, its adjustment must be done daily due to the lower buffering capacity
of soilless systems (Urrestarazu, 2004).The changes in the pH of a nutrient solution
depends in the magnitude of nutrient uptake by plants which is in terms of the balance
of anions over cations. When the anions are up taken in higher concentrations than
cations, for example nitrate, the plant excretes OH- or HCO3 - anions, to balance the
electrical charges inside, which produces increasing in the pH value. This process is called
physiological alkalinity (Marschner, 1995).To correct the pH, chemical adjustment is used,
namely the addition of acids to reduce the pH value. The usage of nitric, sulphuric or
phosphoric acid, and such acids can be used either individually or combined to regulate
the pH.

Remain unmonitored pH level of the nutrient solution will likely result in a nutrient
deficiency for the plants, if not corrected this will eventually lead to unhealthy plant
growth and poor productivity. The total ionic concentration of a nutrient solution regulates
the growth, development and production of plants (T.Asao, 2012). The Electrical
conductivity of the nutrient solution can be used as a good indicator of the amounts of
available ions to the plants in the root zone (T.Asao, 2012).

Electrical conductivity (EC) is modified by plants as they absorb nutrients and water
from the nutrient solution.EC is used as an indicator of the strength of a solution. In
hydroponics all nutrients are made of mineral salts, which are dissolved into water, and

2
the strength of the nutrient solutions can be detected by an electrical conductivity (EC)
meter. The higher the salt concentration, the higher the level of EC. In NFT systems, the
EC of the recirculating solution will usually rise with time due to evaporation and by
nutrient uptake of the plants. The solution usually becomes toxic, and the plants will
suffer and eventually dieif the EC gets too high. Brun et al. (2001) reported recycling
systems based on EC control, consisting of adding a water complement to the drainage
to decrease the EC and a complement nutrient solution to obtain the desired EC.

In an NFT system, “it is essential that the relative concentrations of nutrients in

the solution are kept approximately equal to the crop uptake ratios, to minimize
accumulation or depletion of some nutrients. Regular addition of nutrients to recover the
depleted amounts is essential to maintain the proper balance.” (B. M. Jinendra, et. al,
2004).

For most commonly grown hydroponic crops, an optimal pH range is between 5.5
and 6.5. Commercial growers that use automatic controllers that regularly dose acid into
recirculating systems to maintain this precise level often use a narrower range of 5.8 to
6 for most crops. The recommended pH range for Lettuce is 5.8-6.2. with the optimum
of 6.

One can use a pH sensor to test the system but using this type of sensor will not
produce the optimum results. Since maintaining a stable and consistent pH is difficult.
Three major factors tend to disrupt the stability of the pH sensor in any hydroponic system.
On reason is that the pH of the water used to dilute the nutrients because the behavior of
tap water is complex. Tap water contains dissolved and slightly alkaline calcium and/or
magnesium salts. In this case, absorption of CO2 from the air makes predicting the pH
even more challenging. Second reason, is the biochemical processes in the nutrient
solution. Nutrient absorption also leads to changes in pH. When a plant absorbs a lot of
potassium ions, it gives out hydrogen ions in return. The result is a net decrease in pH.
The situation reverses when the plant absorbs a lot of nitrate ions and gives out hydroxyl
ions to compensate, thus increasing the pH (Bar-Yosef, GanmoreNeumann, Imas, and

3
Kafkafi, 1997; Ryan, P.R. and Delhaize, E., 2001). The higher the rate of nutrient
absorption, the more dramatic the change in pH.

Hydroponics is an extremely useful technique used for growing plants, but is

heavily dependent on monitoring the pH and EC of the nutrient solution being used. With
the proper measurement and control of pH and EC one can ensure a healthy yield for the
plants grown.

According to B. M. Jinendra, et. al, their automatic system for pH and EC control
the accuracy for both parameters could be set to a higher accuracy to correct the
deviation of 0.1 mS/cm reading for electroconductivity in their research. Their research
focused on the comparison between a system with a regulated and non-regulated pH and
EC in a hydroponics system that grows a lettuce plant.

In this study, the researchers will implement a study which aims to develop a
microcontroller based Hydroponics that can accurately, precisely, and efficiently control
the chemical parameters namely, pH and electroconductivity in an automated
Hydroponics system.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this research is to design control and drive circuits that
will automate the control of the chemical parameter of a hydroponically grown lettuce
(lactuca sativa).

The specific objectives are:

1. Design control circuits using a microcontroller that can automate the

hydroponics system via a consistent delivery and fast dosage of pH and EC
control regulators.
2. Construct linear control valve to control the flow of solution.

4
 3. Design and construct drive current that will control the pump.
4. Interface sensors and integrate the linear control valve of pump to the
controller.
5. Program the controller to read real time data and respond to it by sending
corrective signals to the pump and linear control valve.
6. Evaluate the performance of the equipment through gathered data.

1.3 Significance and the Expected Output

The output of this research study is expected to collaborate with hydroponics

growers in the industry in the aspect of pH and EC controlling mechanism by offering an
accurate, precise and efficient automated control of the nutrient environment. Through
this research, the output will improve an existing study of automatic pH and EC control
and make it more effective by utilizing different resources and equipment that can create
a hydroponics system with minimum labor cost for achieving high yield.

This research will assist growers and help future practitioners of hydroponics upon
an effective way of monitoring the pH and EC through the development of a dosing
mechanism that can control the flow of the needed nutrients, acid and base to the system.
The researchers would also implement a way for the user to view in real time the pH and
EC fluctuations and necessary regulations in the system. With that, it contributes towards
the technological innovation of the hydroponics in the Philippines as it adds to their
experience competence.

5
1.4 Scope and Delimitation

The study will focus on the design and development of a microcontroller based
Hydroponic System for a Hydroponically Grown Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa). The system will
allow the practitioners of hydroponics to efficiently control the dosage of the nutrients
needed by a plant, view the fluctuations of the controlled parameters in real time, and
achieve a nutritious and high yielding plant with a minimum labor process. For the
demonstration of the design and features of the system in this study, the researchers will
be using a microcontroller that is interface to a computer which will show the data points
for the pH and EC regulation of the system for a period of time in a visual graph.

The study is targeted towards who have knowledge of hydroponics system.

Different kinds of equipment is utilized in the hydroponics system which needs
maintenance and manual calibration from time to time.

1.5 Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

• growth of • Design of the NFT • Development of

plants system Microcontroller Based
• pH and Ec • Development of control Hydroponics System for
circuits for the a Hydroponically Grown
automation of control Lactuca Sativa
and sensing for ph and (Lettuce)
Ec control
• Design of a driver that
can control the pump
• Integration of sensors
and pump to the arduino
mincrocontroller for 6
digital data gathering
• Testing, evaluation and
comparison of data
1.6 Definition of Terms

Hydroponics – technology used to grow plants in a nutrient solution

NFT (Nutrient Film technique) – a hydroponic technique where the nutrient
solution needed for plant growth is re-circulated past the bare roots of plants.
Nutrient Solution - main source of nutrition of a hydroponically grown plants
pH (Potential of Hydrogen) - used to determine the acidity or basicity of an
aqueous solution by the use of approximation in logarithmic scale.
EC (Electro conductivity) -detect the strength of the nutrient solution
Precision - to get the exactness of something
Accuracy - the degree of closeness of measurements of a data to that of the data's
true value.
Efficiency - to get the most out of an output from a given amount of input resources
Arduino - An open - source microcontroller consisting of an I/O board and an
integrated development environment that can be run on a computer by the use of a
programming language.
Fluctuations - nonuniform rise and fall

7
 Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature

This chapter covers the review on related literature concerning the topic about
automated pH and EC control system and the essential technologies that will be used. It
also includes the discussion on the study related to the proposed system. Those that
were included in this chapter helps in familiarizing information that are relevant and
similar to the present study.

2.1 Related Literature

2.1.1 Foreign Literature

2.1.1.1 Gro-Tank GT Nutriculture

Gro-Tanks are known for its non-usage of growing medium in its system. The
system is set up to have a constant supply of water and nutrients directly to the roots
combined with unlimited access to oxygen which means plants are healthier, faster
growing and can produce up to 4x more yield than using conventional soil methods. The
unlimited access of oxygen results from the placement of the plants root on the planting
channel.

Nutrient solution is constantly pumped up from the reservoir to the ‘channel’ and
flows over the roots of the plants back into the reservoir ready to be passed over the
roots again. The key features of using Gro-Tank are:

 Proven results - up to 4x greater yield than conventional growing methods.

8
  Healthier plants – plants are never under-fed or over-watered and there is no
build up of salts in the root zone.
 Maximize space - Gro-Tanks are just 20cm tall and there's a system for every
tent size!
 Very little medium used – the only growing medium used is the medium the
plants were started in. This means there's less chance of disease and less waste
material to transport and dispose of.

2.1.1.2 Hydropods

The Hydropods Controllers and App gives user remote access to monitor sensor
data in real time and control any connected devices through a phone or computer. This
system utilizes a rule based system that includes sensor triggers, timers, and schedules
that can automate the grow process in one controller. The key features are:
 Accurate digital temperature & humidity sensor and CO2 sensor in one controller.
 Automation of climate control that constantly monitor and adjust according to a
set of rules.
 Data logging that let users view the history of the grow room sensor which can
be accessed online.
 Easily set high and low rules and run smart schedules that can react to changing
environment factors.
 Remote cameras on the garden.

9
 2.1.2 Local Literature

2.1.2.1 SNAP Technology

One of the emerging technology of hydroponics at the Philippines is the SNAP

technology developed by Primitivo Jose Santos and Eureka Teresa Ocampo. SNAP -- an
acronym for Simple Nutrient Addtion Program which was developed at the University of
the Philippines as Los Banos’ (UPLB) Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) is one of the
famous hydroponics in the country. This system utilizes a low cost hydroponics system
that is suitable for producing different crops. The main features of SNAP to the other
forms of hydroponics system is the SNAP’s complete nutrient solution. The nutrient
solution that they developed contains all the necessary nutrients that the plants need.

This system uses styrofoam boxes and cups, vegetable seeds, coco coir or saw
dust, water and a liquid complete fertilizer to create vegetable garden in a household.
The system considers practical preparation for the nutrient solution in a drum which is
the distributed the to the individual growing box and the usage of the left-over solution
for replenishing.

2.2 Related Studies

2.2.1 Foreign Studies

2.2.1.1 Performance assessment of automatic pH and Ec monitoring

and control system for hydroponically grown lettuce

The study conducted by B. M. Jinendra et. All, assess the performance of pH and
Ec monitoring and achieve a range of f 1.5-2.0 mS/cm for the hydroponically grown

10
lettuce plants. Their work is intimately related with the researcher’s study as their work
will be the basis of accuracy for the pH and EC control of the researcher’s present study.

The study assess the performance of the automatic pH and EC monitoring and
control system for hydroponics, with the objective of creating a precisely controlled
nutrient environment with minimum labor cost for achieving high yield.

2.2.1.2 Automated pH Monitoring System

A study by Partridge (2013), utilizes the hydroponics system by automatically

checking and maintaining the pH levels of nutrient enriched water solution. The study
was accomplish by the use of a pH sensor interfaced with a PIC microcontroller. The
study focused on the design of an integrated circuit to automatically test the pH of the
nutrient enriched water source used in soil-less agriculture techniques. The stability of
the system was calculated with the help of the microcontroller. Based on their findings,
one could implement an unlimited amount of nodes that can be used within any system
or parallel systems because of its easy implementation. In the end, the system was not
able to be accurately calibrated which did not allow for accurate sensor readings to
monitor the pH of the nutrient enriched solution.

2.2.2 Local Studies

2.1.2.1 Automated Monitoring Controlling Scheme for Indoor

Hydroponic System

A relevant study conducted by Electronics and Communications Engineering

students Abril, Garcia, Gaygon and Valderamaof De La Salle University – Dasmariñas. In
their study, they successfully controlled automatically the pH, solution level and light cycle
by the use of an appropriate microcontroller which is PIC16f877a. The system composed

11
of different modules that monitor and regulate the system. The critical module that was
considered was the pH module consisting of an MCU which interfaces the readymade PH
meter into the circuit. The LCD, pH meter, keypad, light, solenoid valve are interfaced
with each other so that an operation is sent to the MCU which will control the system as
specified in their study.

Chapter 3

Research Methodology

This chapter presents the different methods to be used in order to accomplish the
research. This includes methodological framework, gathering of data, program flowchart,
lists of hardware components, methods of research, proposed prototype design, and
research instruments and testing methodologies.

3.1 Methodological Framework

Study the Arduino

Study and integrate the
Analyze the concept of an microcontroller for the
automation of pH and Ec
NFT system implementation of the
control in an NFT system
automatic data gathering

Build the source code for Build an automatic pH

Build the prototype.
the program. and Ec control

Compare the accuracy,

precision and efficiency of
Test the prototype
the system to the
previous study

12
 Figure 3.1.1: Proposed Methodological Framework

For this study, the researchers’ first step will be the planning of the system. The
planning of the system will include analyzation of pH and EC control for an NFT system.
The data collection and identification of the hardware and software requirements will also
be done. Next will be the design process which will include the design and development
of the system. The design will compose of building the source code needed in the
microcontroller and implementing the necessary concepts upon building the prototype.
Then, the implementation of the study will occur. This will include the testing of the
prototype designed and developed, and the gathering of the results of the tests
conducted. Lastly, there will be the analyzation of the performance of the system based
on the data’s accuracy and the conclusion of the study.

3.2 Gathering of Data

This section introduces the method of how researches gather appropriate and
adequate data for the research.

3.2.1. Literature Survey

To gather more information about the research study, the researchers read
through previous researches and studies relevant to the topic. The researchers
also read different related literatures concerning the technologies to be used which
includes topics about pH and EC controller, programmable peristaltic pumps and
its applications to Arduino.

13
 3.2.2. Survey

The target population of the researchers are people who have adequate
knowledge for hydroponic systems. The researchers will use convenience sampling
which is a type of non-probability sampling method that depends on collecting
data from population members who are conveniently accessible to take part in
study (Dudovskiy, 2016). Mahihirapan maghanap ng hydrogrowers

3.3 Research Design

3.3.1 System Architecture

-gawing senso, control

valve, triac

14
 Figure 3.3. System Architecture

As shown in Figure 3.3, Monitor, pH meter, EC meter, stepper motor, peristaltic

pump, flow sensor and mixer will all connect to the Arduino. Through the source code
that will be created, Arduino will be able to process all the data from the input and will
then generate a controller that can regulate the pH and EC efficiently.

3.3.2 Hardware Design

The following are the components that the researchers will use in the hardware.
The pictures below are for model purposes only to distinguish the said materials.

3.3.2.1 pH meter

A pH meter is an instrument used to measure acidity or basicity of a solution which

is also known as pH. pH is the unit of measure that describes the degree of acidity or
basicity. Wherein it is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. In this study, a pH meter will be
used to measure the acidity and the basicity of the solution we will be using for the
system.

3.3.2.2 EC meter

An EC meter (electrical conductivity meter), is used in hydroponic gardening to

measure the electrical conductivity of nutrient solutions to allow adjustment of nutrients,
salts, and other elements for healthier plant growth. In this study, an EC meter will be
used to measure the electro-conductivity of the solution in the water we will be using for
the system.

3.3.2.3 Acid and Base Reagent

15
 Solutions are classified as acidic or basic based on their hydrogen ion concentration
relative to pure water. Acidic solutions have a higher H+ concentration than water, while
basic (alkaline) solutions have a lower H+ concentration.

3.3.2.4 Peristaltic Pump

A Peristaltic pump is a mechanical pump in which pressure is provided by the

movement of a constriction along a tube, similar to biological peristalsis. In this study,
the peristaltic pump will be used to pump the water to the reservoir.

3.3.2.5 Motor Drive

An electric motor and other parts of a mechanical system for operating a machine
or machines. In this study, the motor drive will be used to drive the stepper motor.

3.3.2.6 Stepper Motor

A stepper motor is a special type of electric motor that moves in increments, or

steps, rather than turning smoothly as a conventional motor does. The size of the
increment is measured in degrees and can vary depending on the application. In this
study, a stepper motor will be used for the peristaltic pump.

3.3.2.7 Switch Mode Power Supply

A switched-mode power supply (SMPS) is an electronic circuit that converts power

using switching devices that are turned on and off at high frequencies, and storage
components such as inductors or capacitors to supply power when the switching device
is in its non-conduction state.

3.3.2.8 Arduino

Arduino is a physical programmable circuit board with integrated development

environment. In this study, Arduino will be used to program the sensors that we will be
using.

16
 3.3.2.9 Mixer

A device that blends or mixes substances. In this study, a mixer will be used to
mix the substances we will be using.

3.3.2.10 Solenoid valve

A solenoid valve is an electromechanical device used for controlling liquid or gas

flow. In this study, a solenoid valve will be used as a flow sensor which will control the
flow of the water in the system.

3.3.2.11 Computer

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data which has

the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. In this study, a computer will be used to
see the data our system will provide. Also, it will be used to program the sensors to the
arduino.

3.4. Testing

This study shall be tested to assess the accuracy of the prototype that will be
developed.

17
3.4.1. System Operation

Figure 3.4. Proposed Process Flow

18
 The system starts when a user turn on the power switch. The system will then
enter an initial setup phase where the LCD will turn on. The system will then load the
calibrated values for the pH and Ec. Next, the system will measure the pH and Ec of the
base water that have no nutrients. The system then will store this value and add it as an
offset to the EC and pH thresholds used in the tests. This step will measure the
conductance of the water used and determine the acidity and basicity that will ensure the
accurate measurement for the pH and EC after nutrients are added. The next step that
the system will undergo is to load the threshold values of the pH range and Ec range for
the system. These values will be stored as fixed variables. The researcher will set the
threshold value in the range of 5.8 to 6.2 for the pH and a range of f 1.5 mS/cm to 3.55
mS/cm for the Ec.

Next step will consist of a sensor test for pH and EC parameters. After each test
the sensor values are translated into usable values. This is needed because the values
obtained from the sensors are not the values used in the threshold calculations. For
example, the pH sensor returns millivolt values that need to be translated into pH values
on the pH scale of 0-14. This translation can be achieved by calibrating the sensors
beforehand. For example, taking the reading of the pH sensor in two different liquids of
known pH will create a linear relationship between the two. The derived equation can
then be used in the translation calculation. The pH correction will activate the peristaltic
pumps that add pH down or nutrient liquid. If the pH is too high, the pH down peristaltic
pump will activate and disburse a diluted sodium hydroxide down into the reservoir. If
the pH is too low, the peristaltic pump will disburse a phosphoric acid into the reservoir.
The amount of liquid the peristaltic pumps disburse will be calibrated beforehand. This
will give an accurate measure of the relationship between the time each pump is on and
the amount of pH adjustment. Upon completion of the pH threshold check, the EC
threshold check follows the same steps. If the EC is below the minimum threshold, the
peristaltic nutrient pump disburses nutrients. The addition of water is done for an EC
which is above the maximum threshold value. After both pH an EC threshold tests, all
sensor values are sent to the computer by the use of a serial communication with the

19
microcontroller. After this event, the system loops back, the system will load the threshold
values and move into another power test and start the process again.

3.4.2. System Functionality

To test the functionality of the system, the data of the pH and Ec will be compared
to the previous study. The researcher’s will perform 20 trials to test the accuracy of the
system. The data will compose of the variation in the measure pH and Ec for three weeks
which is the time to needed to grow the lettuce plant. To test whether the system is
efficient, the deviation of the system must be limited only to the accepted deviation. The
system also must also automatically correct any error as soon as the system senses a
fluctuation in the parameters. The system is said to be functional when it did what it is
supposed to do, as mentioned and describe above. Every trial must be recorded for
comparison with the manual and automated results to check whether the prototype work
as per the user needs.

3.4.3. System Performance

To test the functionality of the prototype, the user must be able to see the
fluctuation of the Ec corrected and adjusted accordingly if the deviation was 0.2 m/cm
from the set range. The user must also be able to see that the pH is corrected when the
system deviates by 1.5 of the optimum.

To test whether the system is efficient, the deviation of the system must not past
the accepted deviation. The system must also automatically correct it as soon as the
system senses a fluctuation in the parameters.

20
3.5. Proposed Prototype Design

Figure 3.5.1 Proposed NFT system

The Figure 3.5.1 shows the design for the NFT which is composed of a drum configured
to have 3 stages. The bottom stage will accommodate the incoming flow of water, middle
stage is for the reservoir where the necessary mixing and dosing mechanism will happen
and the top stage is reserved for the plant’s root.

Figure 3.5.2 Proposed pH and Ec controller

The Figure 3.5.2 shows the design for the pH and Ec controller which is composed of the
microcontroller interfaced to an LCD. This will accommodate the customer’s calibration,
on/off function, set point and measure function.

21
BIBLIOGRAPHY

Briones, N. (2005). Environmental Sustainability Issues in Philippine Agriculture, 2(1&2).

Brun, R.; Settembrino, A. &Couve, C. (2001). Recycling of Nutrient Solutions for Rose
(Rosa hybrida) in soilless culture. Acta Horticulturae, Vol.554, No.1, (Jun 2001), pp. 183-
192..ISSN 0567-7572

Dudovskiy, John. (2016). “The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Dissertation in Business

Studies: A Step by Step Approach”. Retrieved from https://research-
methodology.net/sampling-in-primary-data-collection/convenience-
sampling/#_ftnref1

Marschner, H. (1995). Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants, Academic Press, ISBN 0-12-
473542-8, New York, U. S. A.

SirAnimesh. Home Hydroponics Using Quickbird. (2016). Instructables.com. Retrieved 1

May 2018, from http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-Hydroponics-Using-Quickbird/

T.Asao(2012). Hydroponics - A Standard Methodology for Plant Biological Researches.

1ST Edition. Intech. SBN 978-953-51-0386-8, Rijeka, Croatia

Simply Hydroponics - Aero Hydro. (2018). Simplyhydro.com. Retrieved 29 April 2018,

from http://www.simplyhydro.com/aero_hydro.htm

Urrestarazu, M. (2004). Tratado de Cultivo sin Suelo. Mundi-prensa, ISBN 84-8476-139-

8, Madrid, España

pH Meter. (2018). Sea.omega.com. Retrieved 2 May 2018, from

https://sea.omega.com/ph/prodinfo/ph-meter.html

What is an EC Meter? - Definition from MaximumYield. (2018). Maximumyield.com.

Retrieved 2 May 2018, from https://www.maximumyield.com/definition/3308/ec-meter

22
Acids, bases, pH, and buffers. (2018). Khan Academy. Retrieved 2 May 2018, from
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/water-acids-and-bases/acids-bases-and-
ph/a/acids-bases-ph-and-bufffers

peristaltic pump | Definition of peristaltic pump in English by Oxford Dictionaries.

(2018). Oxford Dictionaries | English. Retrieved 2 May 2018, from
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/peristaltic_pump

Motor drive definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary.

(2018). Collinsdictionary.com. Retrieved 2 May 2018, from
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/motor-drive

What is stepper motor? - Definition from WhatIs.com. (2018). WhatIs.com. Retrieved 2

May 2018, from https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/stepper-motor

food mixer. (2018). TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved 2 May 2018, from

https://www.thefreedictionary.com/food+mixer

Solenoid Valve Definition. (2018). Solenoid-valve-info.com. Retrieved 2 May 2018, from

http://www.solenoid-valve-info.com/solenoid-valve-definition.html

What is a Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS)? - Definition from Techopedia.

(2018). Techopedia.com. Retrieved 2 May 2018, from
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/12378/switched-mode-power-supply-smps

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