Rice plant color detector and nitrogen monitoring device Reynalyn Joyce M. Baqui... [et. al]

Thesis Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering University of Rizal System-Morong. 2018

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This study rice plant color detector and nitrogen monitoring device was conducted primarily to develop and design a device that could be a substitute to the Leaf Color Chart that could perform more efficiently and to evaluate the level of acceptability of the device in terms of accuracy, functionality, performance efficiency, portability, and user - friendliness. The study was conducted at the University of Rizal System - Morong Campus during the school year 2018 - 2019 and was tested on the fields on the nearby towns. The researchers used modified questionnaire checklist as a n instrument to measure the acceptability of the developed device. Thirty-four (34) respondents consisting of four experts, twenty students from College of Agriculture of URS -Tanay Campus and ten farmers. The device was evaluated by experts because of their specialization matters for further development and improvement of the device, its operation, functions and purpose. The researchers used the developmental and descriptive methods of research in conducting the study. The device is consisting of a color sensor, an Arduino pro-mini, lcd screen push button, on-off switch, a lithium rechargeable and dc voltage step up adjustable boost converter module. Arduino Sketch 1.8.5 is the application software that is used to program the device's system. The device detects the greenness of the leaf that may be one in four results that is yellow green, light green, green and dark green that indicates the health of the plant depending on nitrogen deficiency of the plant. The summary of findings shows the result of acceptability in terms of accuracy, functionality, performance efficiency, portability and user-friendliness as perceived by the respondents. Functionally ranked first with an average weighted mean of 4.61, while Performance efficiency ranked lowest with the computed weighted mean 4.51. Generally, the device was rated 'very much accepted'. In conclusion, the device was develop based on its functions and design. It works more efficient than the leaf color chart for it sense the greenness of the leaf and also monitors the nitrogen deficiency of the rice plant. The future researchers may further design and develop the device with a more precise sensor, if available it will be the best to upgrade the sensor to a component that will able to detect the exact nitrogen concentration of the plant. Refining the device system is also encouraged for this device also aims to contribute to the rise of precision agriculture.