Design of an Automated Irrigation and Lighting System for a Two-Tier Nutrient Film Technique Hydroponics
Authors: Israel Angelo L. Alipon, Katrina Ysabel G. Espiritu, Adrian Genevie G. Janairo, Kimberly F. Luna, Aaron Fred S. Savellano, Mary Grace Ann C. Bautista
Abstract
Precision agriculture strives to provide the needs of plants so they can grow with excellent health and yield. Light and nutrients are major parameters that affect plant growth. Several research on hydroponics focus on either the lighting system or the nutrient system but do not consider the correlation of both light and nutrients to plant development. In this research, a design of an automated fertigation system that monitors the photoperiod and nutrient consumption based on a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) system was observed. The PID system was used to control the conductivity and acidity of the solution by opening a solenoid valve which adds nutrients, base, acid, or water to the reservoir of the hydroponics system. The light system was controlled to run the photoperiod needed by the plant. Nutrient consumption was measured based on the electrical conductivity at the start and end of the hydroponics system. The results of the design showed that the light was set at a 16-hour photoperiod and the PID system maintained the nutrient parameters within the recommended levels with several reading deviations that were caused by the accumulation of residue, lack of air circulation, lack of water agitation, and water leveling. The plants were managed for efficient growth by monitoring parameters in the hydroponic system where stabilized nutrient consumption was observed at 0.4S/m to 0.6S/m.