Development of an IoT based automated aeroponic system

Abstract

Food production remains a critical global challenge due to the rising human population, which is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050. Aeroponics, a soilless farming technique where plant roots are suspended in air and supplied with nutrient-laden mist, offers a promising solution for food demand. This study focuses on the development and evaluation of an IoT-based automated aeroponic system at the KCAEFT Campus in Tavanur, aiming to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness in Palak cultivation. The developed system consists of key components, including a growth chamber, misting units, PVC fittings, and storage tanks for nutrient and water solutions. Automation was achieved through a microcontroller-based control system integrated with a GSM module and various sensors, such as pH, EC, TDS, liquid temperature, DHT22 for humidity and temperature, and level sensors for monitoring and control. The system continuously collects and transmits real-time data to the ThingSpeak IoT platform every 10 minutes, enabling remote monitoring and control. Automated activation of fans, foggers, and atomizers effectively regulates the growing environment, maintaining an optimal chamber temperature of 23°C–27°C and relative humidity of 75%–95% throughout the crop cycle. Key nutrient solution parameters, including total dissolved solids (TDS) between 250–950 ppm, electrical conductivity (EC) from 0.5–2.4 dS m⁻¹, and an average pH of 6.5, were effectively regulated. Light intensity within the polyhouse fluctuated between 520.46 lux and 35,612.33 lux, supporting healthy plant growth. Performance evaluation of the system for Palak cultivation showed a yield of 9.29 kg in 80 days in the cultivation area of about 2.88 square meters (i.e. 32.28 t•ha-1). The water use efficiency was recorded at 66.88 kg/m³, and nutrient use efficiency at 2.86 kg per kg of nutrients used. The system demonstrated a benefit-cost ratio of 1.19 and outperformed aeroponic methods in plant growth and yield. The study concludes that integrating IoT into aeroponics enhances precision farming by facilitating real-time monitoring and automation of nutrient and water delivery, leading to improved resource efficiency and sustainable crop production. The research showcases the system's ability to tackle key issues like water scarcity, limited farmland, and food security, especially in urban and indoor farming.