In the heart of Indonesia, a nation where agriculture is the lifeblood of many communities, a technological revolution is taking root. Researchers have developed an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) based system that promises to transform hydroponic farming, making it more efficient and accessible. This system, designed to monitor water nutrients and pH levels in real-time, could significantly boost productivity and ease the workload of farmers.
The system, developed by Tri Agusti Farma from Politeknik Manufaktur Negeri Bangka Belitung and published in the Journal of Innovation Information Technology and Application, leverages a suite of sensors to monitor crucial parameters. “The use of a TDS sensor to measure nutrient levels, a pH meter to gauge water acidity, and DHT22 and DSB18B20 sensors to monitor temperature and humidity allows for comprehensive, real-time data collection,” explains Farma. This data is then displayed on an LCD and sent to a dashboard and WhatsApp, ensuring farmers are always informed.
The implications for the agriculture sector are substantial. Hydroponic farming, which involves growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution instead of soil, is known for its efficiency and high yields. However, maintaining the right nutrient balance and pH levels can be challenging. This IoT-based system automates the monitoring process, freeing farmers from the time-consuming task of manual checks. “This system can make hydroponic farming more accessible and less daunting, especially for small-scale farmers,” says Farma.
The commercial impact of this technology could be profound. By ensuring optimal growing conditions, the system can help farmers maximize their yields and improve the quality of their crops. This could lead to increased profits and enhanced food security, a critical factor in a country like Indonesia where agriculture plays a pivotal role in the economy.
Moreover, the system’s real-time notifications mean that farmers can quickly address any issues, preventing potential crop losses. This proactive approach could revolutionize farming practices, making them more responsive and adaptive to the plants’ needs.
The research method employed, R and D (Research and Development) with the ADDIE (analyze, design, develop, implement, evaluate) model, ensures that the system is not only innovative but also practical and user-friendly. The high validation scores from IoT experts and farmers underscore the system’s potential. “The IoT expert validation value was 0.91, indicating the system is very appropriate, and the farmer effectiveness validation value was 0.85, showing it is very effective,” Farma notes.
Looking ahead, this research could pave the way for further advancements in agricultural technology. The integration of IoT in farming practices is still in its infancy, and systems like this could set the stage for more sophisticated, automated farming techniques. As the technology evolves, it could become a cornerstone of modern agriculture, helping to feed the growing global population sustainably and efficiently.
In the words of Farma, “This system is just the beginning. The future of agriculture lies in technology, and IoT is at the forefront of this revolution.” With such innovative solutions, the future of farming looks not only bright but also highly connected and data-driven.