Development and Testing of an Automated Computer-Controlled System for Plant production by Cutting

Abstract

Propagation by cuttings is very important for fruit trees production. High quality and high rooting ratio are of primary importance on
rooting from cutting. This depends on temperature and humidity of the rooting media as well as other factors; such as, type of cutting, time
of cutting collecting, and age of mother plant. Moisture and temperature of rooting media has to be controlled at desired level needed by
rooting. In this study, a computer-controlled system for rooting based on hot water piping was developed and tested. The system included a
main desktop computer, a PLC unit, a soil moisture sensor, a temperature sensor, a solenoid valve, a sprinkle irrigation line, and nozzle. A
software program was developed using SIMATIC WinCC Flexible to coordinate and monitor the operation. The sensors tips were inserted
and located approximately in rooting zone of cuttings. Sensor measurements are recorded with the datalogger. The computer-controlled
system was able to continuously monitor temperature and soil moisture levels, start heating and irrigation in time when required, and stop the
operation when reached the desired levels. Automated rooting system was able to perform all the functions required and was successful
keeping the temperature and humidity at set-up levels.