afe

1. DECLARATION OF THESIS / UNDERGRADUATE PROJECT PAPER
Author’s full name : NIK SYARIFAH NURHIDAYAH BINTI NIK FAUZI
Date of Birth : 23 OGOS 1992
Title : AN AUTOMATIC FERTIGATION SYSTEM USING LABVIEW AND ARDUINO
Academic Session : 2014/2015
I declare that this thesis is classified as:
CONFIDENTIAL (Containing confidential information under the Official Secret
Act 1972)*
RESTRICTED (Containing restricted information as specified by the
organisation where research was done)*

OPEN ACCESS I agree that my thesis be published and accessed online (full
text)
I acknowledged that Universiti Teknologi Malaysia reserves the right as follows:
1. The thesis is the property of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
2. The Library of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia has the right to make copies for the
academic purposes.
Certified by:
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE OF SUPERVISOR
920823-03-5784
Mr. Nasarudin bin Ahmad
(NEW IC NO/PASSPORT) NAME OF SUPERVISOR
Date: 28 JUNE 2015 Date: 28 JUNE 2015
PSZ 19:16 (Pind. 1/13)
NOTES: * If the thesis is CONFIDENTAL or RESTRICTED, please attach the letter from the
organisation concerned stating the reason/s and duration for the
confidentiality or restriction.
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

2. ii
28 June 2015
“I declare that I have read this final year project report and in my opinion, this final
year project report is sufficient in terms of scope and quality for the purpose to be
awarded the Degree of Bachelor Engineering (Electrical – Instrumentation &
Control)”
Signature : _____________________
Name of Supervisor : Mr. Nasarudin bin Ahmad
Date : _____________________

3. iii
AN AUTOMATIC FERTIGATION SYSTEM USING LABVIEW AND ARDUINO
NIK SYARIFAH NURHIDAYAH BT NIK FAUZI
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the
Requirements for the award of the bachelor of
Engineering (Electrical – Instrumentation & Control)
Faculty of Electrical Engineering
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
JUNE 2015

4. iv
I declare that this final year project report entitled “An Automatic Fertigation System
using Labview and Arduino” is the result of my own research except as cited in the
references. The final year project has not been accepted for any degree and is not
concurrently submitted in candidature of any other degree.
Signature : __________________________________________
Name : NIK SYARIFAH NURHIDAYAH BT NIK FAUZI
Date : __________________________________________
28 JUNE 2015

5. v
Specially dedicated to my beloved parents, siblings and my classmates SKEI students
for all the support, encouragement and motivation given.
May Allah bless all of you.

6. vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude towards my only supervisor, Mr.
Nasarudin bin Ahmad, who guided me from the beginning until the end of this
project. His guidance, supervision and encouragement from him are really impressed
me.
Second, I would like to express my appreciation towards my beloved family,
which understand me and the moral support from them that give me strength to
finish my thesis and degree. Without them, I am not sure if I can finish my study.
Lastly, thanks to everyone that involved in helping me either direct or
indirect in my final year project in every aspect throughout the whole process. Thank
you.

7. vii
ABSTRACT
Nowadays, the development in science and technology give beneficial
towards our government economy. One of the sectors that contribute to our economy
is agriculture which in need the improvement of science and technology from time to
time such as in irrigation system. Our local cultivators either gardeners or farmers
(small-scale cultivators) usually use manual system in their works for examples to
irrigate and fertilize their plants. This manual system should be a problem even they
are just a small-scale cultivators because it is very tiring and cost a lot of time in
planting. Moreover, the current fertigation systems which available in our market is
very expensive and it is not affordable for small-scale cultivators to own it. One of
the objectives of the project is to design a system that would help small-scale
cultivators in irrigation and fertilization which is affordable to them. In order to
replace expensive controllers in current available systems, the Arduino Uno will be
used in this project as it is an affordable microcontroller. The Arduino Uno will be
programmed to analyse some signals from sensors such as pH, moisture,
temperature, and rain. A pump is used to pump the fertilizer and water into the
irrigation system. This project enhanced to help the small-scale cultivators and will
be increase the yield of the crops then will increase government economy.

8. viii
ABSTRAK
Pada masa kini, perkembangan dalam bidang sains dan teknologi memberi
manfaat kepada ekonomi kerajaan kita. Salah satu sektor yang menyumbang kepada
ekonomi kita adalah dalam bidang pertanian yang memerlukan peningkatan sains
dan teknologi dari semasa ke semasa seperti dalam sistem pengairan. Penanam sama
ada tukang kebun atau petani (penanam kecil) tempatan kita biasanya menggunakan
sistem manual dalam kerja-kerja mereka contohnya untuk mengairi dan
menyuburkan tumbuh-tumbuhan mereka. Sistem manual sepatutnya menjadi
masalah walaupun mereka hanya petani berskala kecil kerana ia adalah sangat
memenatkan dan memerlukan kos masa yang lama dalam penanaman. Selain itu,
sistem fertigasi semasa yang terdapat di pasaran kita sangat mahal dan tidak mampu
dimiliki oleh petani berskala kecil untuk memilikinya. Salah satu daripada objektif
projek ini adalah untuk mereka bentuk satu sistem yang akan membantu petani
berskala kecil dalam pengairan dan pembajaan yang berpatutan kepada mereka.
Dalam usaha untuk menggantikan pengawal mahal dalam sistem yang sedia ada,
Arduino Uno akan digunakan dalam projek ini kerana ia adalah pengawal mikro
yang berpatutan. Arduino Uno akan diprogramkan untuk menganalisis beberapa
isyarat daripada sensor seperti pH, kelembapan, suhu, dan hujan. Pam digunakan
untuk mengepam air dan baja ke dalam sistem pengairan. Projek ini dapat membantu
petani berskala kecil dan akan meningkatkan hasil tanaman seterusnya meningkatkan
ekonomi negara.

9. ix
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
DECLARATION iv
DEDICATION v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT vi
ABSTRACT vii
ABSTRAK viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ix
LIST OF TABLES xi
LIST OF FIGURES xii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xiii
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background Study 1
1.2 Problem Statement 2
1.3 Objectives 4
1.4 Scope 4
2 LITERATURE REVIEW 5
2.1 Introduction 5
2.2 Advantages of Fertigation 6
2.3 Types of Fertigation 6
2.4 Fertilizer Selection 7
2.5 Fertigation Schedule 8
2.6 System Available in Fertigation System 8
3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 11
3.1 Introduction 11
3.2 System Overview 11

10. x
3.2.1 Block Diagram 11
3.2.2 Project Algorithm 12
3.3 Hardware Implementation 13
3.3.1 Microcontroller Selection 13
3.3.2 Switching and Sensor Interfacing
Circuit
15
3.3.3 Sensors 17
3.4 Software Implementation 19
3.4.1 Labview Interface for Arduino
(LIFA)
19
3.4.2 Labview Panels 20
3.4.3 Designing Labview for Fertigation
System
21
4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION 24
4.1 Introduction 24
4.1.1 Front Panel for Labview Interfacing
for Arduino
25
4.2 Discussion 26
5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 27
5.1 Conclusion 27
5.2 Recommendations 28
6 PROJECT MANAGEMENT 29
6.1 Introduction 29
6.2 Project Schedule 29
6.3 Cost Management 30
REFERENCES 33

11. xi
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE
3.1 Arduino Uno Specification 14
6.1 Gantt Chart for Semester 1 30
6.2 Gantt Chart for Semester 2 31
6.3 Overall Cost 32

12. xii
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NO. TITLE PAGE
1.1 Micro 400 Fertilizer Mixer 2
1.2 Multicom Fertilizer Mixer 3
3.1 Automatic Fertigation System Block Diagram 12
3.2 Algorithm of the System 13
3.3 Arduino Uno Microcontroller 14
3.4 Atmel ATmega328 Pins 15
3.5 Schematic Diagram Circuit 15
3.6 Switching and Sensors Interfacing Circuit 16
3.7 Moisture Sensor 17
3.8 pH Probe 18
3.9 Rain Sensor 18
3.10 Temperature Sensor Module 19
3.11 Front Panel for Sensors 20
3.12 Block Diagram of Labview 21
3.13 Front Panel for Sensors 21
3.14 Block Diagram of Sensors 22
3.15 Front Panel of Controlling Relays 23
3.16 Block Diagram of Controlling Relay 23
4.1 Attachment of Sensors and Pumps to the Circuit 24
4.2 The Reading of Sensors on Front Panel of Labview 25
4.3 The Control Panel of ON/ OFF Pumps 25
4.4 LED are ON 26

13. xiii
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
LIFA - Labview Interface for Arduino
GUI - Graphical User Interface

14. 1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Fertigation is a process of applying nutrients towards the crops involved an
automatic irrigation system [1]. A combination of words, „fertilizer‟ and „irrigation‟
produced a word of fertigation [2]. By using fertigation system, the delivery of the
nutrients towards the crops can be done in the exact quantities and appropriate time
according to the crops need [3]. Fertigation is very useful to farmers. The efficient
management of water and fertilizer is a major concern in many cropping system that
allows farmers to maximise their productivity while saving the nutrients [4]. This
system can operate 24 hours per week for intensive farming.
Fertigation may use in the open farming area either small or large scale area.
The importance of fertigation is to grow plants which will satisfy the consumers in
order to get a high market value crop. Other than that, to avoid the unhealthy plant
growth, this will lead to dead plants because of insufficient or excessive of nutrients
(water and fertilizer). This fertigation also may reduce the cost of labour or
manpower.
There are a few fertigation systems that was already available in the market
such as Micro 400 Fertilizer Mixer, Multicom Fertilizer Mixer and G3000 Nutrients
Injector System, but they are too expensive. This fertigation are normally invested by
the large-scale cultivator although it seems expensive. Furthermore, small-scale

15. 2
cultivator will not invest in this fertigation because they will suffer the lost profit due
to the maintenance cost.
Moreover, one of the disadvantages of the available fertigation system is, it
cannot control the exact amount of nutrients needed by the plants. Therefore, the
implementation of fertigation system which is cheap, reliable and efficient controller
will be in needs towards the better crop production.
1.2 Problem Statement
There are many fertigation systems available in the market such as Micro400,
Multicom Fertilizer Mixer and G3000. Micro 400 is a GVI System product based in
Denmark. It is operated as an automatic operation with pH control and electric
conductivity (EC) which it controlled by EC and pH sensors. The system operates
with full high and low alarm makes it able to notify and warning about soil
conditions to cultivator. The nutrients are applied to the crops in fully demands as it
handled 4 tanks solutions. The 16 valves are used to fully control the system allows
to supply the nutrients and water for a large farm by Micro400. However, the
systems is not very accurate as it does not used weather parameters in controlling
fertigation system and the cost of this system is very expensive.
Figure 1.1: Micro 400 Fertilizer Mixer

16. 3
The Multicom Fertilizer Mixer is also a GVI System product. The different
between Micro400 and Multicom are the design of the Multicom which sophiscated
control and reliability. Besides, the Multicom is accurate and easy to use. The
objectives of the Multicom design are; for cultivators who wants the flexibility, the
cultivators that want to control their crops nutrients and for those who requiring
recirculation facilities. However, it also does not have weather sensors to control the
system.
Figure 1.2: Multicom Fertilizer Mixer
It is useful to implement a system which is more affordable as the price for
these fertigation systems is too expensive, especially for those small-scale
cultivators. Besides, the current fertigation system cannot control the exact amount of
nutrients that need to supply to the crops. This will lead to wasteful of nutrient
supply and the crops may grow unhealthy. Last but not least, the random used of the
type of fertilizer for the crops may lead to death.

17. 4
1.3 Research Objectives
The objectives of this project include:
1. To implement an intelligent system which improve plant growth and crops
production.
 A system which is intelligent that enhanced the farmers in production of crops
that increase the yields of the crops.
2. To develop a cheap, reliable and efficient controller for fertigation system.
 As the current fertigation system available in our market is very expensive, a
cheap, reliable and efficient controller for fertigation system need to be develops.
3. To control the amount of fertilizer supply to the crops based on weather and soil
conditions.
 There are more improvement can be made on the current fertigation system, one
of them are a system which can control the amount of fertilizer supply based on
weather and soil condition.
1.4 Scope
The scope for this project consists of three parts which are microcontroller,
interface and sensors. The three parts of the project will focus on:
1. Using small, cheap and reliable Arduino UNO microcontroller in order to
control a fertigation system.
2. Using labview sofware as interfacing with Arduino.
3. Using temperature, pH, humidity, water and moisture sensors for sensing
environment conditions.

18. 5
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
In Malaysia, rainfalls is the one of the water sources for irrigation of the crops
and there are about 3000mm rainfalls in 200 days per year [5]. However, the rainfalls
are limited and uncontrollable hence, fertigation is one of the alternatives to irrigate
crops created by cultivators [6]. In the past 15 years, fertigation system increased
rapidly from time to time. The development of automatic fertigation system will be a
greatest advanced technology towards the agriculture. Fertigation system was
designed and installed to supply nutrients directly to the crops root and the efficiency
of fertigation depends on complex and diverse information (weather, soil, and water
source) [7]. So, the knowledge of controlling the information are beneficial as to
achieve the optimum crops yield [8, 9].

19. 6
There are two types of fertigation system which are sprinkler-fertigation
system and drip-fertigation system. The drip - fertigation method is more efficient
compared to sprinkler-fertigation method for growing crops. This is because; drip-
fertigation will supply the fertilizer towards the soil that contains roots of the plants.
This is also due to deeper absorption of water into the soil. However, sprinkler-
fertigation system is much more suitable for lawn of grass. For this system, the
fertilizer is supplied through irrigation pipe. The sprinkler will sprinkle the water
containing the nutrients around the crops. This is why it is suitable for lawn of grass,
so that the solution of nutrients will be not wasted.
2.2 Advantages of Fertigation
There are many advantages in fertigation system as below:
i. Supply the exact amout of nutrients needed by the crops at specific time.
ii. Allow of nutrients to be applied directly toward the root of the crops.
iii. Nutrients solutions can easily customized or modified for any plant growth
stage or species.
iv. Minimize wasteful of fertilizer due to unseasonal weather.
v. May reduced the crop damages due to pests or disease.
vi. Reduced the labour or manpower.
vii. Helps to maximize crops yield while obtaining high efficiencies of fertilizer
and water use [10].
2.3 Types of Fertigation
There are two types of fertigation which are drip fertigation system and
sprinkler fertigation system. Both of this system has its own advantages and
disadvantages. However, the drip fertigation system is the best system compared to
the sprinkler fertigation system.

20. 7
The drip fertigation system is a modern irrigation method which water and
nutrients are delivered directly into the root of the plants. The fertilizers are supplied
through the pipe system which connected to the tracker. The trickle will drip the
water supplied onto the soil. This method is very efficient as only the soil that
contains the roots of the plants will be supplied with water and nutrients. Besides, the
fertilizer absorbs deeper into the soil.
Meanwhile, the sprinkler fertigation also supplied the fertilizer through a pipe
system. But, the use of sprinkler will replace the trailer; which used in the drip
fertigation system. The sprinkler will sprinkle the water containing the nutrients
around the plant as the water with pressure flow through it. This method is not
efficient for growing crops due to the waste of solution when it is sprinkled far from
the roots.
2.4 Fertilizer Selection
According to Kafkafi and Kant (2005), there are some considerations in
choosing the suitable fertilizer for fertigation system. The difference types of plants
require the difference nutrients need and as plant grow older, its need more fertilizer.
The soil has its own nutrients contents. For acidic soil, it did not have
calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. While for alkaline soil, the
absorption of iron, boron, copper, zinc and manganese are hard for plants. This
means, the different type of soil will require the different type of fertilizers.
The source of water are important for the plants and it is a medium in
transferring the fertilizers. The difference quality of water either low level of
nutrients or high level of nutrients are considered.
Another importance factor in fertigation is the differences in solubility
between the types of fertilizer. According to Kafkafi and Kant (2005), the solubility
of the fertilizer will be decreased if there are many types of fertilizers been dissolute

21. 8
together in a tank, hence the fertigation system cannot be executed. Besides, the
effect of the solubility of fertilizer is the temperature.
There are possibilities of fertilizer do not solute or remain solid in the tank
solution. This is due to exposure of the system in the open field. The nutrient
sources, acid and bases are placed in the separated tanks to overcme the problem.
Injection of all solution when needed by the plants can be control by computer or
controller. Though, the system is very expensive due to the valves and injection
pumps.
2.5 Fertigation Schedule
A fertigation schedule depends on soil characteristics and fertilizer
requirements of the plants. Plants consume nutrients based on their age. The older
plants need more nutrients than their earlier stage. Through drip irrigation system,
the crops will get the optimum amounts of water and fertilizer which supplied
directly toward the root zones.
The frequency of fertilizer supplied depends on soil type, system design, and
length of growing season. For plants grown on sand dunes, several irrigations per
week might be needed, while only one or two irrigations per week are needed on
heavy clay soils. The fertigation frequency also depends on the size of the root
volume, small size requires more frequent fertigation.
2.6 System Available in Fertigation System
Fertigation system is developed in order to maximize cultivators profit by
minimum the costs of production of crops. Besides, it depends on the cost of
fertigation system and the profits, income from the crops economic value. More

22. 9
efforts need to be done to produce more profitable crops with lowest cost of
fertigation system.
There is an automatic irrigation system consists of simple timer and switch
since the 20th century. The system involved in operating in specific time, but do not
consider soil and weather condition. Hence, improvement of the system was found
from time to time.
The irrigation technique is important to control the fertigation system. Soil
moisture sensing unit development by Sweety R. Nandukar and Vijaya R. Thool.
This sensor can optimally control the water supplies towards the soils. Traditional
time base irrigation technique has been improved by the introduction of this method
and helps in conservation of time and energy [11].
Controller is the most important part in fertigation. The PIC16F877A
microcontroller is used by Baljit Kaur and Dilip Kumar (2013). EC and pH reading
of the plants can be measured using this microcontroller [12]. It will analyze the
feedback values from the sensors, soil characteristic, water quality and suitable place
for plants to grow. In this system, solenoid valve and fertilizers will mix together in
the tank according to percentages needed. Introduction of a closed loop feedback
system by Baljit Kaur and Dilip Kumar (2013) is to maintain the value of pH and EC
of the soil using a few types of fertilizers.
In 2007, Cheng Wang, Chunjang Zhao, Xin Zhang and Xiaojun Qiaoare have
discussed about Precise Irrigation-Fertigation Machine using MSP430F149. It was
developed to conserve water and energy then produce the better crops yield [13]. The
system consist of fertilizer mixer, set of pumps and feedback closed loop of EC and
pH which measure the fertilizer and soils reading [2].
Saiful Farhan M. Samsuri, Robiah Ahmad and Mohd Hussein (2010) have
developed nutrient solution mixing process on time-based drip fertigation system
[14]. In order to obtain desired solution, EC value will set the timer accordingly. The
fertilizer pumps which are pump A and pump B are controlled by the timer. Then,

23. 10
water level sensor are place in solution tank to control solenoid valve hence allow the
water to flow. The water flow will stop by solenoid valve when water are reached the
upper level then desired solution are ready in solution tank.
A controller for automated variable rate fertilizer applicator developed by Ji
Jianloi, Wang Xiu, Ma Wei, Mao Yijin and Guo Jianhua (2010). The four inputs
which are feedback from sensors, tractor speed, fertilizer applicator volume and
parameter, and GPS/ GIS/ PC will analyse by the controller hence controlled the
hydraulic control valve and send the serial data towards LCD screen.
In conclusion, this project will develop a fertigation system that different
from others researcher. This project are focus on state objectives which are using a
small cheap, and reliable microcontroller, Arduino Uno and may measure or control
the amount of fertilizer that need to supply for the crops based on weather and soil
condition.

24. 11
CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
There are a few important tasks that need to be done in fertigation in order
successfully executed. The tasks include of analyse environment condition,
controlling nutrients need by the crops, mixing nutrients in the solution tank and
pumping them into an irrigation line.
The automatic fertigation system involved of hardware implementation,
software implementation and prototype testing. Arduino Uno is used in this system
as the main microcontroller.
3.2 System Overview
3.2.1 Block Diagram
In this project, a microcontroller is used which is Arduino Uno that is small,
cheap and reliable controller. A few sensors are used to sense weather and soil
conditions such as pH probe, moisture sensor, temperature sensor and rain sensor.
Then three pumps are used to irrigate the water and fertilizer solutions to the crops.
Lastly, a software which is Labview but able to interface with Arduino will be used
in this project. The Figure 3.1 shows the Automatic Fertigation System Block
Diagram.

25. 12
Figure 3.1: Automatic Fertigation System Block Diagram
3.3.2 Project Algorithm
The flowchart in Figure 3.2 summarizes the steps for the algorithm
implementation in this project. The return criterion in this project refers to the
continuous process performed in this fertigation system. First the system will
initialize the process by entering the age and type of the plants. The system will read
the specific recorded data. Then the sensors will sense the parameter conditions of
the plant (pH, soil moisture, temperature, and rain condition). If the sensed
parameters are not same, the system will calculate the water and fertilizer needed by
the plants.

26. 13
Figure 3.2: Algorithm of the System
3.3 Hardware Implementation
There are a few part involved in hardware implementation which were
selection of microcontroller, designation of switching circuit, connection the sensors
and water pumps to microcontroller. Hardware implementation was very important
in this project as it will be run all the specific tasks and followed the algorithm.
3.3.1 Microcontroller Selection
One of the objectives for this project is to develop a cheap, reliable and
efficient controller for the fertigation system. The selection of the microcontroller is
important to achieve the objectives. For the project, Arduino Uno microcontroller
was used in the automatic fertigation system. Besides, this controller was chosen as
easy to program and user friendly.

27. 14
Figure 3.3: Arduino Uno microcontroller
Arduino Uno is based on the ATmega328 come as microcontroller board
which has 14 digital input or output pins, 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz ceramic
resonator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. It is
able to be placed outdoor and suitable to be used as Automatic Fertigation System.
This microcontroller will run smoothly, easy to program and communicate well with
the instruction set because it has an open source platform. Table 3.1 shows other
specifications design for Arduino Uno.
Digital outputs 14 ports (6 PWM output)
Analog input pins 6 pins
Flash memory (ATmega328) 32K Bytes (0.5kB used by bootloader)
Clock speed 16 MHz
EEPROM (ATmega328) 1K Bytes
SRAM (ATmega328) 2K Bytes
Table 3.1: Arduino Uno Specifications

28. 15
Figure 3.4: Atmel ATmega328 pins
3.3.2 Switching and Sensor Interfacing Circuit
A switching circuit are designed in order to control the system via
microcontroller. The microcontroller is connected to the circuit and able to receive
signals from the sensors to sense environment condition. Then, feedback signals will
send the signals to switch ON or OFF the pumps. The following Figure 3.5 shows
the schematic diagram circuit for An Automatic Fertigation System using Labview
and Arduino.
Figure 3.5: Schematic Diagram Circuit

29. 16
Three relays are used in this circuit to control the pumps and 240V AC power
supplies are used. The used of 2N2222 transistors are important in switching
voltages supplies towards the relays. Current will flow from collector (C) transistor
to emitter (E) transistor are forward biased when the signal are received from digital
output port of Arduino Uno. The pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal of Arduino
are used to drive LED[15].
Figure 3.6 shown circuit design of all components that used in this system.
The components were soldered together into a donut board.
Figure 3.6: Switching and Sensors Interfacing Circuit
Terminal blocks were soldered together that function as to attach or detach
pumps whenever required. Terminal blocks also are connected to 240V AC power
source. Then, the light emitting diodes (LEDs) are works as indicator in the system
which pumps are ON as LED ON or either wise. All the sensors are attached into the
donut board using PCB connectors. The analog input ports from the microcontroller
will receive the feedback signals from those sensors.
The type of relays used in this system is Songle SRD single pole double
throw (SPDT). The Arduino Uno was connected to the donut board by using pin

30. 17
header in order to attach or detach the microcontroller easily. The last component
was a switch, which solder as a safe measures to the 240V AC power source.
3.3.3 Sensors
In order to complete this system, some sensors such as temperature, rain, pH
and moisture sensors are used. There are some important parameters that need to be
checked for this system which are soils and weather condition. The use of sensors
will measure and transfer the information of environment condition to the Arduino
Uno. The accurate input signal from the sensors allows the controller to execute the
solution mixing ratio accurately then may provide the optimum nutrients towards the
crops.
Figure 3.7: Moisture Sensor
Figure 3.7 are a moisture sensor device which able to measure the
percentages of water contains in soils. An Automatic Fertigation System using
Labview and Arduino should be able to sense the reading of the soils moisture so
that the system will provide the water based on how much water needed by the soils.
The electrical conductivity principle is used by the moisture sensor, which there is
electrical current flow through water. The electrical current is increase when the
percentage of water in soil is high. The amount of water needed by the soil was able
to analyse by the microcontroller when the system is ON and the sensors will keep
updating the fertigation cycles.
The other sensor used was pH sensor, to measure the characteristic of the soils
either alkaline or acidic. This measurement is important for crops in other to

31. 18
acknowledge if they are having high quality of soil. Therefore, pH sensor will measure
the pH value of soil from value 1 until 14.
There are a lot of pH sensors available in the market that comes with difference
in range and accuracy. The cost factor will be a reason to choose the type of pH sensor.
As the good one will cost a lot of money, the following pH sensor are chosen.
Figure 3.8: pH Probe
Figure 3.8 showed the pH probe used in this system. This type of pH sensor
was not very accurate in measuring the large range of ph value, however this sensor
still may measure pH value from 3.5 to 8.
A rain sensor is used in this system for rainy condition where it might be help
to conserve water as to replace the water source. The pump of water tank will not
activate when the water sensor detect the rain. Therefore, there is no need to waste
water as the crops get water source from the rain. The water sensor is placed on the
open field so that the rain may drop at the wafer surface of the sensor.
Figure 3.9: Rain Sensor

32. 19
Hot weather condition is one of the parameter that considered for this system.
For this condition, a temperature sensor as Figure 3.10 is used to measure the hot
weather and send the signal to the microcontroller. The amount of water to irrigate
the crops is at minimum value and high frequency fertigation so that the water
supply will not waste to hot weather.
Figure 3.10: Temperature Sensor Module
3.4 Software Implementation
Graphical programming languages allow a natural, intuitive man-machine
interaction. As a result, graphical programming has gain much popularity over the
past several years, primarily because many scientists and engineers have experienced
improvements in programming due to understanding in graphical programming tools
[16].
3.4.1 Labview Interface for Arduino (LIFA)
In this system, Labview is the main software used. Labview interfacing with
arduino allows users to get data from Arduino microcontroller and the data
processed by Labview Graphical Programming environment. Labview is Laboratory
Virtual Instrumentation Engineering Workbench which is a graphical programming
language. It was released in 1986 by National Instruments.
LIFA is the main part for this system as the data and control system will do
by it. Labview is chosen as the software for this system because it is easy to
implement as it is graphical programming. Furthermore, Labview supports in GUI

33. 20
building, Labview use dataflow paradigm and automatic memory management. The
interest on visual programming make the Labview as the chosen software [17]. GUI
based system allow users to set monitoring parameter, to read value from sensor, to
acquire data and to display important parameter [18]. Other than that, Labview is
suitable for An Automatic Fertigation System as it have multiple functions.
The set up procedure for Labview Interface for Arduino (LIFA) as below:
1. Install Labview (the installer provided by supervisor)
2. Install the NI-VISA drivers
3. Install JKI VI Package Manager (VIPM) Community Edition
4. Install Labview Interface for Arduino (LIFA)
5. Connect Arduino Uno microcontroller to the laptop
6. Load the LIFA to Arduino Uno
3.4.2 Labview Panels
The execution of program followed the connector wires by linking the
process nodes together. All of each routine or function is stored in virtual instrument
(VI). The Labview consists of three main components which are front panel, block
diagram and a connector panel. The panels are showed in Figure 3.11 and Figure
3.12.
Figure 3.11: Front Panel of Labview

34. 21
Figure 3.12 : Block Diagram of Labview
The front panel contain inputs and controls which displayed at a run time
while block diagram is a place for edit the code and represented graphically. The last
panel which is connector panel helps in interface of VI when imbedded as a sub-VI
[19]. Front panel of VI is the same in the web browser window as it is on the local
computer. Only one user can control the VI, while others can observe the experiment
from the VI or web cam live video [20].
3.4.3 Designing Labview for Fertigation System
The main part of this project is interfacing of Labview with Arduino. The
designing block diagram and front panel is developed using Labview software. The
design is built in order to monitor and control the automatic fertigation system.
Figure 3.13: Front panel for Sensors

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Figure 3.13 shows the front panels for sensors. This panel will shows the user
six waveform graphs that indicate the reading value from the sensors. There is also 3
meters used in this system which are thermometer, moisture meter and water meter.
From this, user are able to monitor the environment condition comfortably. Belows
is the block diagram of sensors that shows in Figure 3.14.
Figure 3.14: Block diagram of Sensors
The next procedure is to design block diagram shows in Figure 3.6 for
controlling the relays. The digital output pins of Arduino is interface with the output
port of Labview. As showns on Figure 3.15, the three button are used to controll the
relays. The buttons functioned as the switch in order to swicth ON or OFF the relays.

36. 23
Figure 3.15: Front panel of Controlling Relays
Figure 3.16: Block diagram of Controlling Relay

37. 24
CHAPTER 4
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Introduction
In this section, the result of the „An Automatic Fertigation System using
Labview and Arduino will be presented. The system consist of two parts which were
software and hardware that combine together to form an affordable controller that
helps farmers and cultivators. The design of the system also can be applied to large
scale fertigation, however the irrigation pump should be upgrade. The Figure 4.1
below showed the whole circuit connection.
Figure 4.1: Attachment of Sensors and Pump to the Circuit

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4.1.1 Front and Block Diagram Panel of Labview Interfacing for Arduino
Figure 4.2 shows the reading of the sensors is illustrate by using LIFA. The
sensors will sense the soils and weather condition and the reading of the sensors can
be seen on the Labview front panel.
Figure 4.2: The reading of sensors on front panel of Labview
There are six waveform chart that showed the reading of sensors detect by
the sensors and can be seen on the monitor. There are also thermometer, moisture
meter and rain meter. Once the sensors operate, the feedback data can be seen using
Labview interfacing for Arduino.
Figure 4.3: The control panel of ON/ OFF pumps

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Figure 4.3 shows the ON three fertigation pumps. Three switch buttons are
used as the system using three relays. As the buttons are switch ON we can see the
three led are also turn ON and the relays are switch ON for fertigation system. This
shown that the arduino successful for interfacing with arduino. Figure 4.4 belows
show the three led ON.
Figure 4.4: LED are ON
4.2 Discussion
There are some importants part that need to be consider in Labview interface
for Arduino (LIFA). The close.vi (STOP button) always need to run. The compiler
must make sure to run the close.vi in order to protect the connection between
Labview and Arduino when working with LIFA. In other words, the compiler shoud
always to click ON the STOP button after the system done executing.
Two different panels were used in the fertigation system. One panels was for
sensors reading and the other one for fertigation pumps as easy to design the block
diagram of Labview and easy to detect error. However, the both panels may be
combine together so that it is easy for the users to monitor the system.

40. 27
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion
An Automatic Fertigation Sytem using Labview and Arduino have achieved
desired objectives. The implementation of Arduino Uno microcontroller is able to
improve plant growth and crop production. Besides, the affordable microcontroller
manages to help farmers in many ways such as save their time and reduce the labour.
Analog inputs that receive feedback signal from the sensors are able to read
by the Arduino Uno and would display in front panel of Labview. Due to this, the
reliable and efficient system have successfully control the amount of fertilizer supply
to the crops based on weather and soil conditions. The use of Labview interfacing for
arduino makes the system more friendly and easy to control.
Three pumps which are important in this fertigation system are able to
activate them via interfacing of Arduino and Labview. Moreover, the system may
easily to monitor and control through a computer.

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5.2 Recommendations
There are some improvement should be made to An Automatic Fertigation
System using Arduino and Labview in order to have perfect system. First, the system
should have graphical user interface that able to record the feedback data when
sensors sense the environment condition. This may be helpful towards growth crops
analysis and the production of crops may increase.
Second, this system can be operated only for small-scale area. The new high
performance for fertigation should be invested in order to irrigate in large-scale area
by changing in current fertigation pump into a high performance pump. Other than
that, if DC pump is used, more variable flow rates may be to control compared to
AC pump.
Besides, the improvement also should be made in type of microcontroller
used. The Arduino Uno has 5 analog input and 14 digital output ports. The high
numbers of input and output port may be used for large scale fertigation system. Last
but not least, the system should invest the Global System for Mobile (GSM) module in
the fertigation system. The development of this GSM will make the system able to
monitor and control from far.

42. 29
CHAPTER 6
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
6.1 Introduction
The development of An Automatic Fertigation System using Arduino and
Labview consists of many tasks. The project need to accomplish within two
semesters and the planning should be done wisely in order to finish the project.
Moreover, the project involved two parts, time and cost management. Cost
management should plan well in order to implement and develop the affordable
fertigation system.
6.2 Project Schedule
Table below showed the time management involved for the whole semester.
Table 6.1 describes the Gantt chart for first semester while Table 6.2 describes the
Gantt chart for the second semester.

43. 30
N
O
DESCRIPTION W
3
W
4
W
5
W
6
W
7
W
8
W
9
W
10
W
11
W
12
W
13
W
14
W
15
1 FYP Briefing
2 Student is
assigned to their
supervisor
3 Discuss with
supervisor of
the suitable
topic
4 Write project
proposal and
submit
5 Study on
labview and
fertigation
6 Project
planning and
designing
7 Preparation of
slide for FYP 1
seminar
8 Preparation of
report for FYP
1
9 FYP 1 report
submission
Table 6.1: Gantt Chart for Semester 1
An Automatic Fertigation System was chosen after several meeting and
discussion with supervisor. The writing for literature review takes 2 weeks and the
study related to the project had been worked for 4 weeks.

44. 31
In second semester, the designing of circuit, soldered the components into
donut board were done. Other than that, the design of Labview circuit was done in 2
weeks and the Labview interfacing with the arduino were tested. The Gantt chart is
showed in Table 6.2.
N
O
DESCRIPTION W
3
W
4
W
5
W
6
W
7
W
8
W
9
W
10
W
11
W
12
W
13
W
14
W
15
1 Literature
review
2 Software
upgrading and
improvement
3 Build labview
for plant
4 Submission of
progress FYP 2
5 Analyse and
investigate
experiment
result
6 Thesis writing
and journal
7 Preparation of
FYP 2 seminar
8 Final thesis draft
and journal
submission
9 Thesis
Submission
(hardcover and
CD softcopy)
Table 6.2: Gantt Chart for Semester 2

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6.3 Cost Management
The cost management is very important in the Automatic Fertigation System
because the cost should be at very affordable cost as possible in order to achieve the
objective which is „To develop a cheap, reliable and efficient controller for fertigation
system‟. The total cost for this system is RM 217.48 and shows in Table 6.3.
Table 6.3: Overall cost

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