In the heart of Malaysia, a groundbreaking IoT-driven smart gardening system is revolutionizing the way we monitor and care for herbal plants. This innovative system, developed by Nor Iskandar Abdul Ghafar from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, is a game-changer for the agriculture sector, particularly for those involved in herbal plant cultivation.
The system, detailed in a recent study published in the ‘JOIV: International Journal on Informatics Visualization’, leverages the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide real-time monitoring of herbal plants. It’s a significant leap from traditional herbal home gardens, which often struggle with proper monitoring due to the sensitivity of these plants.
At the core of this system is a NodeMCU ESP32 controller, paired with a soil moisture sensor and a DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor. These components work together to collect and transmit data, which can be accessed via mobile phones and web browsers through the Blynk platform. This real-time data access is a boon for gardeners and farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions about plant care.
The system was tested on four types of herbal plants: Aloe Barbadensis miller, Salvia Rosmarimus, Clinacanthus nutans, and Curcuma. The results were insightful, demonstrating the impact of weather conditions on these plants. For instance, the highest temperature recorded on a sunny day was 30°C, while the lowest was 26°C. On rainy days, the highest temperature was 28°C, and the lowest was 24°C. Similarly, humidity levels varied significantly between sunny and rainy days.
One of the most notable findings was the effect of weather conditions on soil moisture. On sunny days, the high temperatures caused the soil moisture data to be lost, indicating a significant loss of water content. However, on rainy days, the low temperatures and high humidity levels helped the plants retain their water content.
“This research has significantly improved the agriculture sector in monitoring herbal plants and moving from traditional planting with an IoT system concept,” said Nor Iskandar Abdul Ghafar, the lead author of the study. This statement underscores the potential of this system to transform the agriculture sector, making it more efficient and productive.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. By providing real-time data on plant conditions, this system can help farmers optimize their resources, reduce waste, and increase yields. It’s a step towards precision agriculture, a trend that’s gaining traction in the industry.
Moreover, this research opens up new avenues for future developments. As Nor Iskandar Abdul Ghafar puts it, “This is just the beginning. The potential of IoT in agriculture is vast, and we’re only scratching the surface.” Indeed, this system could be expanded to monitor a wider range of plants and environmental conditions, further enhancing its utility.
In conclusion, this IoT smart gardening system is a testament to the power of technology in transforming traditional practices. It’s a shining example of how innovation can drive progress in the agriculture sector, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.