Smart Monitoring and Control of Hydroponic Systems Using IoT Solutions
Tahmina Akter, Tanjim Mahmud, Rishita Chakma, Nippon Datta, Mohammad Shahadat Hossain, Karl Andersson
Abstract
Hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil, offers a viable solution for agricultural production in areas with limited space or adverse soil conditions. This soil-less cultivation method circumvents the lengthy decomposition process associated with traditional soil-based agriculture, reducing the risk of disease and the associated costs. This study introduces a sophisticated Internet of Things (IoT) framework designed to optimize the monitoring and management of hydroponic systems. The core of this system is a suite of multimodal sensors that continuously measure critical environmental and nutritional parameters such as temperature, humidity, nutrient levels, pH, and water levels. These sensors are integrated with a microcontroller that collects and transmits data to a cloud-based platform for storage and further analysis. Furthermore, an interactive website allows users to access this data remotely and adjust the system settings based on real-time information. The system also incorporates an automated control mechanism that adjusts the environment of the hydroponic system based on sensor inputs and predefined algorithms, ensuring optimal plant growth conditions. By providing a comprehensive and adaptive approach to hydroponic management, this IoT-based system enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of hydroponic farming, making it adaptable to various setups and scalable for different operational sizes. This study demonstrates the potential of integrating advanced technologies like IoT into agricultural practices to enhance productivity and sustainability.