Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the related studies and literature that serves as the

benchmark in the design and development of the system.

2.2 Agricultural Crops Profile of the Philippines

In Philippine agriculture, rice is a key staple with two separate planting

seasons; the wet season from April to August, with a peak of June and July; and

the dry season from September to February, with peaks of November and

December (Gutierrez et al., 2019). Gross value added (GVA) for agricultural crops

contracted by 1.8 percent in 2016; rice also contracted by 4.3 percent. This

followed a significant 17.6 percent drop in rice gross value added in 2015,

contributing to agriculture's diminishing role in the country’s Gross Domestic

Product (GDP) (Agricultural Indicator System, 2016). The rice production was

resilient, with 2020 production increasing by 0.6 percent to 7.54 million metric tons

despite challenges such as the pandemic and severe weather (Department of

Agriculture, 2020). However, by 2022, the value of agricultural production had

contracted again, with crops declining by 1.6 percent and rice dropping by 1.9

percent (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2022). A report from Philippine Statistics

Authority projected a further decline in rice yields, with output expected to decrease

by 1.4 percent compared to the previous year, bringing the yield per hectare down

to 4.36.

Bird-related damage to crops is classified under biotic constraints, which

also encompass weeds, diseases, insects, termites, and rodents. In irrigated

lowland rice production, birds and weeds are particularly significant constraints

(Rodenburg et al., 2014). According to the International Rice Research Institute,

around 70 bird species are commonly found in rice fields across Southeast Asia

but in the Philippines, only five species are known to specifically target rice crops.

This group includes the Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Mayang Simbahan) and the

Chestnut Munia (Mayang Pula), both belonging to the Lonchura species and

collectively referred to as Philippine weavers (Bienvenido, 2014). These are

considered pests due to their habit of feeding on crops like rice and sorghum. Field

observations reveal that the main diet of these birds consists of rice and seeds.

Feeding begins just after dawn until about 10:00 A.M. and at about 3:00 P.M. to

dusk (Caliboso, n.d.). During the seeding, ripening and harvest stages of rice,

these birds are a serious threat to rice crops by landing on the plants, perching on

nearby structures, or scavenging leftover grains on the ground (Tababa, 2023). A

study from Kuantan Singingi, Indonesia, showed that the white headed munia

(Lonchura maja) caused the most damage to rice panicles at 46.09%, the white

rumped munia (Lonchura striata) at 40.07% and baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus)

at 20% (Seprido et al., 2023).

2.3 Bird Deterrent Systems

Bird deterrent systems employ a variety of methods to mitigate bird-related

nuisances in agricultural, commercial, and industrial environments. These systems

leverage different deterrent strategies, such as lasers and sound emissions, each

with distinct power consumption requirements and varying suitability for

deployment across diverse contexts.

Among the advanced laser-based bird deterrent systems are the AVIX

Autonomic Laser Bird Repellent and the Agrilaser Autonomic. Both utilize Class

3B green lasers with power outputs ranging between 5 to 500 milliwatts, providing

an effective yet non-harmful means of repelling birds. The AVIX Autonomic offers

16 flexible movement patterns and up to 250 waypoints, helping to cover large

areas while reducing the likelihood of bird habituation. However, its reliance on a

constant power supply—whether from traditional adapters or solar setups—poses

challenges for installation in areas with limited access to electricity. On the other

hand, the Agrilaser Autonomic covers a much larger area, up to 12 square

kilometers, with a laser range of 2,500 meters. However, it operates continuously

based on pre-configured settings without direct bird detection capabilities. Both

systems have been shown to reduce bird presence by 70-90%, making them highly

suitable for large sites, such as airports and agricultural fields. Despite their

effectiveness, both systems share limitations, including high initial costs, regular

maintenance requirements, and dependence on reliable power sources. While the

AVIX Autonomic offers greater flexibility in movement patterns, the Agrilaser

Autonomic covers larger areas but lacks adaptability in detection (Bird Control

Group, 2024)

Sound-based systems, such as Ultrasonic Bird Repellers, employ high-

frequency sounds around 20 kHz, which are inaudible to humans but distressing

to birds (LazyPro, 2023). These non-lethal and environmentally friendly systems

offer species-specific solutions but are heavily influenced by environmental

factors. In open areas with available food or water sources, their effectiveness may

decrease, leading to bird habituation. Moreover, it should be noted that Ultrasonic

Bird Repellers remain in the prototype stage, and their widespread commercial

implementation has yet to be achieved.

Another sound-based system is presented in the study "Development of an

Electronic Bird Repellent System using Sound Emission" by Yauri et al. (2023).

Powered by a 5V battery, this system emits intermittent sounds and can operate

continuously for up to 30 days. However, its effectiveness may diminish over time

as birds adapt, and the study did not specify the sound frequency and decibel

levels, making it difficult to gauge the system's full potential. Like the Ultrasonic

Bird Repeller, this system remains in the prototype stage, requiring further

development before large-scale deployment.

In contrast, the "Design and Implementation of Bird Control System Using

Bird Distress Sound" employs bird distress calls combined with IR and PIR sensors

to enhance detection and coverage. The system, which typically transmits bird

distress calls at around 20 kHz, has demonstrated an 85% success rate in

deterring birds from rice fields (Elia & Shanisha, 2023). This approach highlights

the advantages of using sound-based deterrents that mimic natural threats.

However, similar to other sound-based prototypes, this system remains in the

development phase, with improvements needed before large-scale adoption.

Additionally, concerns over long-term efficacy persist, as birds may eventually

become accustomed to distress signals, reducing their effectiveness over time.

According to the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG)

(2023), sound pressure levels above 110 dB are considered uncomfortable for

humans, and levels above 130 dB can cause pain. However, research by Smith et

al. (2019) indicates that the most effective frequencies for deterring birds, range

between 8 to 12 kHz, with a sound level of around 105 decibels, which remains

safe for human hearing. Studies by Poh et al. (2011) and Rishniw et al. (2015)

have further demonstrated that sound levels of 90 to 105 decibels can effectively

deter species like common mynas and house sparrows. These findings underscore

the importance of selecting appropriate sound levels and frequencies for specific

bird species to maximize deterrence.

More advanced systems, such as "Scarecrowbot: Robotic Agri-scarecrow

using Computer Vision and Machine Learning," combine motion and sound

emission to scare away birds. This system operates at frequencies ranging from

15 to 18 kHz at 100 decibels and achieves high detection accuracy within a 10-

meter radius. However, the researchers acknowledge that Scarecrowbot is still in

the prototype phase, with further refinement necessary before it can be widely
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implemented. Additionally, they recommend powering the system with solar

energy to enhance its sustainability (Anasco et al., 2023).

A more comprehensive approach to bird control is found in the MERLIN™

Bird Control Radar System, which provides continuous monitoring and automatic

activation of bird deterrent devices within user-defined zones. Utilizing Doppler

radar sensors (X- and S-band), MERLIN detects bird activity and triggers a variety

of non-lethal deterrents, such as bioacoustic sounds, propane gas cannons, and

programmable Class 3B lasers. MERLIN has proven to be highly effective, with a

97.5% success rate at industrial sites like oil sands facilities, achieving zero bird

mortality in 2010 and 2011. However, recent data on its performance is limited,

raising questions about its long-term effectiveness. While radar-based detection

systems are reliable across various weather conditions, their implementation and

maintenance can be costly. As an alternative, integrating more cost-effective

technologies, such as computer vision, may provide precise detection and tracking

capabilities. Future advancements could focus on reducing system costs and

enhancing adaptability, especially in remote locations (DeTect Inc., n.d.).

To sum up, bird repellent systems use various methods, such as lasers and

sound emissions, to mitigate bird-related issues in agriculture and industry. Laser-

based systems like the AVIX Autonomic and Agrilaser Autonomic, which employ

Class 3B green lasers (5 to 500 milliwatts), have been shown to reduce bird

presence by 70-90% across areas as large as 12 square kilometers. Studies

indicate that sound frequencies between 8 and 20 kHz at 90 to 105 decibels,

particularly when combined with distress calls, are highly effective for bird

deterrence. However, birds tend to habituate to lower frequencies over time. This

research focuses on the 18-20 kHz range, which is less prone to habituation while

still within birds' hearing capacity. Additionally, sound levels above 110 decibels

are considered uncomfortable for humans, based on findings by the Institute for

Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, 2023), making this range a choice

for sustainable deterrence. By combining Class 3B lasers with 18-20 kHz distress

calls, the system aims to achieve optimal long-term bird deterrence. While

comprehensive solutions like the MERLIN™ Bird Control Radar are available, their

high cost and complexity make this study's focus on a computer vision-based bird

detection system a more efficient and cost-effective alternative.

2.4 Conclusion

Rice is a critical staple in Philippine agriculture, with two planting seasons:

the wet season from April to August and the dry season from September to

February, peaking in June-July and November-December, respectively. Despite

some resilience, rice production has faced challenges, including contractions in

Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2015 and 2016, further declines in 2022, and

projections for reduced yields in 2024. Bird-related damage is a major biotic

constraint, particularly in lowland irrigated rice fields. Five bird species in the

Philippines, including the Eurasian Tree Sparrow and Chestnut Munia, are
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significant pests, targeting rice crops during ripening and harvest stages. Studies

from Indonesia show that species like the white-headed munia and baya weaver

can cause extensive crop damage.

To address this, bird repellent systems employing lasers and sound

emissions have been shown to be effective. Laser systems, such as the AVIX

Autonomic, can reduce bird presence by up to 90%, while sound frequencies in

the 18-20 kHz range, paired with distress calls, provide a sustainable deterrence

option without causing habituation in birds. This research proposes combining

Class 3B lasers with sound frequencies in a computer vision-based bird detection

system with a range of 10 meters radius, offering a solution to protect crops from

bird damage and ensure better long-term productivity in Philippine agriculture.