This study presents the design, development, and evaluation of an automated greenhouse system for lettuce (Lactuca sativa) production, implemented at KAMALIG–Central Luzon State University (CLSU). The project aimed to improve greenhouse farming efficiency by integrating environmental sensors and a mobile-based hydroponics management platform. Using IoT-enabled automation and real-time remote monitoring, the setup controlled temperature, humidity, nutrient concentration, and pH levels for optimal plant growth. Results indicate substantial improvements in crop yield, resource utilization, and labor efficiency compared to traditional farming methods. These findings support the adoption of smart agricultural systems to advance sustainable and productive controlled-environment farming practices.
Keywords: Smart farming, IoT, Hydroponics, Lettuce, Greenhouse automation, Blynk, Mobile monitoring
Greenhouse agriculture enables year-round crop production with controlled microclimates, leading to higher quality produce and more efficient resource use. Manual management of temperature, humidity, nutrients, and pH is labor-intensive and error-prone, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Advances in precision agriculture and IoT-enabled automation provide opportunities to remotely monitor and regulate growing conditions, potentially increasing yield stability and reducing labor costs. The present work applies these concepts to a Central Luzon State University greenhouse, implementing an automated mobile-based hydroponics system to optimize lettuce production and demonstrate a scalable model for small to medium-scale farms. By integrating real-time sensors and mobile monitoring, the system allows for timely adjustments to environmental conditions, minimizing crop stress and resource wastage. This approach also provides a practical framework for farmers to adopt modern, data-driven techniques in controlled-environment agriculture.
Objectives of the Study
This study aims to create a system capable of controlling and monitoring the environmental conditions inside the greenhouse, specifically focusing on temperature, humidity, nutrient solution levels, and pH. To achieve this, the project seeks to develop and install a unified platform that integrates sensors for temperature, humidity, nutrients, and pH, allowing continuous monitoring, control, and data recording of these parameters. Additionally, a mobile-based monitoring system using the Blynk application is designed to provide users with real-time access to greenhouse conditions. The study also aims to compare the performance of traditional and automated setups in terms of lettuce yield and resource usage, using the PreDiC greenhouse at KAMALIG-CLSU and the PreDiC Farm greenhouse as evaluation sites.
