Development of Nutrient Film Techniques on Solar-Powered Internet of Things Devices for Aeroponic Planting

Abstract

Cultivation by replacing soil media with charcoal or other media, known as the hydroponic method, is now very popular. This hydroponic cultivation method then developed further into an aeroponic one, namely the cultivation of plants in the air without using any soil at all. This method aims to use water optimally, maximize the use of space, and reduce the human resources involved in its management because it is equipped with automatic control equipment. However, aeroponic cultivation techniques are very dependent on electric power, so if the power source is cut off, the system cannot work. Similarly, in the process of plant care. Control devices must be properly arranged in such a way as to ensure the plant gets nutrients from the roots so that the growth process can occur properly. This study aims to provide solutions to overcome the problems experienced by plant cultivators with this aeroponic system. The proposed solution is to create a nutrient film technique (NFT) on a solar-powered control device to spray nutrient solution on the plant roots on a regular basis. This controller device was developed using ESP32 so that the device can work automatically and can still be monitored by factory managers from anywhere and anytime by utilizing internet of things technology. This module utilizes temperature sensors, proximity sensors, and water quality sensors to support the automation of aeroponic plant cultivation. Based on the test results, it was found that each sensor works well with a small error: the temperature sensor has a reading accuracy rate of 96.54%, the proximity sensor is 97.2%, and the nutrition sensor is 96.8%. Based on the permissible error standard, which is a maximum of 5%, the performance of this aeroponic cultivation control device deserves to be in the proper category.