Automated Control System for Rauvolfia Serpentina Growth Optimization

The research investigates effective light conditions for the growth of Rauwolfia serpentina, a flower renowned for its medicinal properties. The study meticulously examines the impact of controlling LED grow lights' intensity during both germination and growth phases. To facilitate this investigation, specialized plant nurseries were simulated using the Proteus software and MikroC programming compiler. These nurseries featured black canvas enclosures, PVC pipes, and a PIC16F877A microcontroller equipped with sensors for precise monitoring. By comparing growth outcomes under natural sunlight with those achieved using LED lights with varying exposure durations, the group assessed the plant's efficiency. Notably, the micro controller also controls water pumps, coolers, and a sunroof motor, enhancing environmental control and automation. The controller also features a display used to display the current conditions and status for easier monitoring for the users. The main sensor for the project is the LDR or light dependent resistor which detects how much light is hitting the plants. The findings contribute significantly to the field of controlled environment agriculture, particularly in the context of pharmaceutical plant cultivation.