In the heart of Indonesia, a team of researchers led by Nur Rohman from the Department of Electrical Engineering at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta is tackling a pressing global issue: the shrinking of agricultural land. As urban areas expand, farmland is increasingly being repurposed for buildings, offices, and shopping centers. Rohman and his team are exploring hydroponics as a viable solution to this challenge, and their recent study, published in *Engineering Proceedings* (translated as “Proceedings of Engineering”), is making waves in the agritech community.
Hydroponic farming, a method of growing plants without soil, relies heavily on the quality of water and nutrients. “Monitoring and controlling water quality continuously is crucial,” Rohman emphasizes. “Ideally, this should be done in real-time and through automated processes whenever possible.” This is where their innovative system comes into play. By employing an Arduino Mega microcontroller alongside a range of sensors, the team has developed an automated water quality control system that could revolutionize hydroponic farming.
The system measures various parameters of water quality using sensors, which then inform actuator control commands. The processed data is also transmitted to a Wi-Fi module, allowing farmers to monitor the conditions remotely via their smartphones. “This real-time monitoring and control can significantly improve the efficiency and productivity of hydroponic farms,” Rohman explains.
The research involved rigorous testing, including response-time tests for each sensor, disturbance tests, and field tests. The system performed the automation process as intended, demonstrating its potential for commercial applications. “The implications for the energy sector are also noteworthy,” Rohman adds. “Automated systems like this can reduce energy consumption by optimizing resource use, making hydroponic farming more sustainable and cost-effective.”
The study’s findings could shape future developments in the field of hydroponics and beyond. As urbanization continues to encroach on agricultural land, innovative solutions like this automated water quality control system will be crucial. By enabling real-time monitoring and control, farmers can ensure optimal growing conditions, leading to higher yields and more efficient use of resources.
This research not only addresses the immediate challenge of shrinking farmland but also paves the way for more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change and urbanization, such advancements in agritech will be essential in ensuring food security and sustainability. Rohman’s work is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing global challenges, and it offers a glimpse into the future of farming.