IoT-enabled smart hydroponic system using nutrient film technique for precision agriculture

Abstract

The study aims to develop an internet of things (IoT)-enabled automated hydroponic system using the nutrient film technique (NFT) to optimize plant growth with minimal human intervention. The system integrates sensors, microcontrollers, and cloud-based monitoring to maintain optimal conditions for crops. The system utilizes Arduino Uno, ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, and sensors including pH, TDS, DHT11 and water level sensors. Data collected from these sensors is processed in real time, allowing automated adjustments through relay-controlled water and nutrient pumps. The system transmits data to the ThingSpeak IoT platform, enabling remote monitoring and predictive analytics. The proposed hydroponic system ensures stable environmental conditions, improving plant growth efficiency. Key parameters such as pH, TDS levels and humidity are maintained within optimal ranges. The automated system reduces manual intervention, enhances water and nutrient efficiency, and increases yield consistency compared to traditional farming methods. The IoT-based NFT hydroponic system demonstrates significant potential in urban agriculture and controlled environment farming. By leveraging automation, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-based monitoring, it provides a scalable and sustainable solution for precision farming. Future advancements may include AI-based predictive analytics, solar-powered energy solutions, and robotic automation for further optimization.