Smart System for Bicarbonate Control in Irrigation for Hydroponic Precision Farming

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Improving agricultural sustainability is a critical global challenge.
• Economic constraints often limit the adoption of advanced technologies in agriculture.
• Hydroponic systems require precise nutrient solution management for optimal plant growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present an auto-calibrated pH sensor for hydroponic agriculture.
• To automate the detection and adjustment of pH imbalances in nutrient solutions.
• To integrate this sensor into a wireless sensor network for greenhouse control.

Main Methods:

• The sensor utilizes a pH probe and micropumps for sequential liquid solution delivery, ensuring continuous calibration.
• An auto-calibrated pH sensor is connected to a wireless node, forming part of a larger wireless sensor network (WSN).
• Data is transmitted wirelessly to a database for analysis and accessible via a web-based interface.

Main Results:

• The designed auto-calibrated pH sensor effectively detects and adjusts pH levels in hydroponic nutrient solutions.
• The wireless sensor network successfully monitors multiple hydroponic supports, transmitting data for analysis.
• A user-friendly web interface allows farmers to access real-time data and alerts on desktop or mobile devices.

Conclusions:

• The developed auto-calibrated pH sensor and WSN offer a low-cost, effective solution for sustainable hydroponic agriculture.
• Automated pH monitoring and adjustment improve nutrient solution management, potentially increasing crop yields.
• The system provides valuable data insights for farmers, enabling timely interventions and optimized greenhouse management.