A Dual-Layer Environmental Control Prototype Using ESP32 and SONOFF for Small-Scale Mushroom Farming

Abstract

This study presents the design and preliminary evaluation of a hybrid IoT-based temperature control system that integrates ESP32 and SONOFF technologies for cloud-enabled environmental regulation in small-scale community mushroom farming. Maintaining stable temperature conditions during the incubation and fruiting phases is critical for optimal yield, yet many rural growers continue to rely on manual misting practices that are labour-intensive and prone to inconsistency. Guided by the Design Thinking framework, the system was developed through iterative, user-centered phases to address the practical challenges of low-connectivity cultivation environments. The ESP32 microcontroller enables real-time local temperature monitoring and manual pump control, while the SONOFF smart switch and THS01 sensor configured via the eWeLink cloud platform support automated misting based on adjustable temperature thresholds. Preliminary testing in a 3×3 m mushroom house under simulated conditions demonstrated that the system maintained target temperature ranges for over 85% of operational time, reducing daily fluctuations from above 6 °C to within ±2 °C. Farmers involved in system demonstrations reported improved environmental control, reduced manual workload, and increased confidence in the cultivation process. The dual-mode architecture, combining offline and cloud-based automation, offers a robust and scalable model suitable for resource-limited farming contexts. This integration of low-cost, accessible IoT components has the potential to digitally empower smallholder growers, promote sustainable smart agriculture, and support digital transformation in rural TVET ecosystems.