Development of an Automated Control System for Laboratory Hydroponic Cultivation

In recent years, the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient agricultural solutions has driven the widespread adoption of innovative techniques. Hydroponics, a soil-free cultivation method that uses aqueous nutrient solutions, offers several advantages, such as more efficient water usage, higher planting density, and the ability to grow in controlled environments. However, the success of hydroponic cultivation largely depends on maintaining optimal growing conditions, which requires precise monitoring and control of variables like temperature, humidity, pH, and nutrient concentration. In this context, automation plays a critical role. Integrating automated control systems can significantly enhance operational efficiency and crop quality while reducing human intervention and minimizing the potential for errors. This work aims to design and develop an automated control system for hydroponic cultivation that incorporates various sensors for real-time data collection and utilizes control algorithms to regulate environmental conditions automatically. The system can continuously monitor key growth parameters, ensuring an ideal environment for plant growth. The research focuses on developing a laboratory prototype to demonstrate its effectiveness and scalability.