International Journal of Electronics and Computer Applications

Abstract

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Indian economy, yet traditional farming methods often suffer from inefficiencies, particularly in fertilizer application. The Automated Fertilizer Dispensing System for Crops aims to address these challenges by integrating embedded systems technology to automate the fertilizer dispensing process, reducing human intervention and optimizing resource utilization. This system is particularly designed for hydroponic farming, where precise nutrient delivery is critical for crop health and yield. The proposed system leverages a PIC18F452 microcontroller, which controls solenoid valves to dispense fertilizers in precise ratios based on real-time environmental conditions detected by a DHT-11 temperature and humidity sensor. A flow sensor monitors the fertilizer mixture, ensuring accurate dispensing as per pre-configured crop-specific requirements. The system provides a user-friendly interface via an LCD display and keypad, allowing farmers to input desired fertilizer ratios and monitor real-time data. Additionally, the system minimizes overuse of fertilizers, thereby reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Through automation, this project aims to enhance efficiency, reduce labour costs, and improve crop productivity while ensuring optimal nutrient distribution. Future advancements may include IoT-based remote monitoring and AI-driven adaptive fertilization techniques to further refine the precision and adaptability of the system across different farming conditions.