Automatic Management of Nutrient Solution for Hydroponics-Construction of Multi-ion Stat

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Plant Science
• Automation Systems

Background:

• Plant factories require precise control of nutrient solutions for optimal crop production.
• Existing fertilization management systems can be complex and costly.
• Automated nutrient control is essential for improving efficiency and yield in controlled environment agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an automated fertilization control system for plant factories.
• To enhance nutrient management by integrating programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and ion-selective electrodes (ISEs).
• To establish an efficient and cost-effective system for maintaining optimal nutrient concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Constructed an automatic management system using a PLC and ISEs for nitrate, phosphate, and potassium ions.
• Monitored nutrient component concentrations in the culture solution using ISEs.
• Implemented automated addition of concentrated nutrient solutions via solenoid valves when concentrations fell below a set threshold (0.1 - 2.0 mM).

Main Results:

• The developed system effectively monitored and controlled nutrient concentrations in real-time.
• Automated fertilization maintained nutrient levels within the optimal range for plant growth.
• The system operated without computers or pumps, simplifying construction and reducing costs.
• Three independent control systems operated simultaneously without interference.

Conclusions:

• The automated fertilization system provides a simple yet effective solution for improving plant factory management.
• Precise control of nutrient levels using PLCs and ISEs is achievable and beneficial for hydroponic cultivation.
• This technology offers a pathway to more efficient and sustainable plant production in controlled environments.