Prototype Design of Solar Soil Moisture Controller to be used as an Alternative Energy for Agriculture Against the Growth of Vegetables in Khao Kho District, Phetchabun Province
Keywords:
Moisture control prototype, Drip Irrigation, Renewable Energy, Solar energyAbstract
This research aimed to design two moisture control prototypes. The first prototype humidity control unit is covered with a single layer of transparent plastic sheet all around without a humidity control system. This is different from the second prototype humidity control unit, which is covered with transparent plastic panels all around and covered with side and top mesh filters. Including an exhaust fan, humidity control, and solar cell installation for applying in vegetable cultivation of agriculturist’s group at Sado Phong sub-district, Khao Kha district, Phetchabun province in which this area faced the problem in deficient of electricity for farming. The development of these moisture control prototypes with solar energy was for renewable energy in drip irrigation for agriculture. The study compared the appropriate temperature and moisture for vegetable growth. The results of the study found that prototype 1 had average growing rate at 86% which was less than the prototype 2 with average at 92%. The best variable for plant growth was the temperature at 21 – 28 °C and the suitable moisture value was at –17 to –25 centibar which the growth rate of vegetable was able to 93 – 96%. When compared the growth rate of the old methods agriculturalists, the growth rate was at 55 – 72% which was obviously less than planting by these two prototypes which its growth rate was at 74 – 96%. Nevertheless, in applying moisture control prototypes, agriculturists can cultivate their products for 850 kilogram per rai each time, comparing with the old method of farming, agriculturists can cultivate their products for 500 kilogram per rai. From transferring of moisture control technology to agriculturists, the average score of satisfaction was at 4.35 and the standard deviation was 0.66 with the level of opinion was in the high rank.
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