Arduino controlled hydrophonic system

Introduction

Grow strawberries, strawberry. Strawberry plants are hermaphroditic.

IoT Home growing system

Hydrophonics

Two irrigation categories

1. Sub-irrigation systems: nutrient solution is supplied from below and roots absorb moisture upward
2. Top-irrigation systems: nutrient solution is applied from above through drip emitters or sprayers

• Static solution
• Continuous-flow solution
  • NFT (nutrient film technique)
• Ebb and flow (flood and drain)
  • Typical flood rates:
  • Small systems: 2–6 L/min
  • Medium systems: 6–15 L/min
  • Larger systems: 15–30+ L/min
  • flood for ~2–5 min then let drain

Substrates

• Rock wool
• Expanded clay aggregate
• Coconut coir
• Growstones
• Perlite / Vermiculite
• Wood fiber

Aerophonics

Aquaphonics

• combines aquaculture with hydrophonics

Theory

Continuous flow or pump timer

Timer (ebb and flow?)

• promotes oxygenation
• prevents root saturation
• Simulates natural wet-dry cycles

Continuous flow

• Constant supply of nutrients
• May reduce oxygen availability to roots
• Increases energy consumption.

For an absorbent growing medium with low needs plants 3-5 cycles a day.

1.

The following is a short version of https://www.instructables.com/Arduino-Controlled-Smart-Hydroponic-Modular-System/ by Innovart Studio.

ESP32 instead of arduino: Easier to upload data into a web server.

Structure

• PVC pipes (100 mm, 40mm), connectors, pump (12V, 23W)
• Tank in which the water of the system falls

Parameters:

• Air temperature and humidity
• Amount of light
• Water temperature
• pH
• Conductivity [water / tds (total dissolved solids) probe] (see Arduino Automated watering system)
• Time

Actuators

• Water pump (fountain pump, hydrophonic sump pump, aquarium pump). ~15 L/min = 900 L/h.
• Growing light
• Nutrient feeder from a fish feeder. (N, K, P)

pH measurements

If probe stays in reservoir:

• Weekly:
  1. Clean with mild acid cleaning solution
  2. Recalibrate
• Monthly:
  1. Inspect for coating or cloudiness
• Every 6–12 months:
  1. Expect replacement (hobby grade)

References

https://www.instructables.com/Arduino-Controlled-Smart-Hydroponic-Modular-System/

https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4532/4/2/17

• Electrical conductivity. Passive components. Stainless-steel electrodes