1.1 Introduction
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, utilizing a water-based nutrient solution that supplies essential minerals directly to the plant roots. According to Resh (2013), hydroponics provides an efficient and controlled environment for plant growth, enabling higher yields and faster growth rates compared to traditional soil farming. In recent years, the integration of automation and mechatronics in hydroponics has led to the development of intelligent systems such as the Automatic Hydroponic Plant Grow Pot, designed to optimize plant cultivation through minimal human intervention.
The automatic hydroponic grow pot is a compact, self-regulating system equipped with sensors, microcontrollers, and actuators that monitor and control environmental parameters such as pH, temperature, humidity, water level, and nutrient concentration. This innovation is grounded in the principles of precision agriculture, which aims to enhance crop productivity and resource efficiency by applying technological solutions to farming processes (Zhang et al., 2002).
This chapter will address the background information that motivated this study, the challenges that prompted it, its aim, and its objectives as a preface to subsequent sections of the study. Additional factors include the study's significance, scope, limitations, and the definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Historically, hydroponics dates back to ancient civilizations, with early references found in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the floating gardens of the Aztecs, which demonstrated the use of soilless cultivation techniques. However, the scientific foundation for modern hydroponics was established in the 19th century when researchers began experimenting with growing plants in nutrient solutions. According to Resh (2013), hydroponics as a formal agricultural practice began to gain recognition in the 1930s when Dr. William F. Gericke of the University of California demonstrated that crops could be grown on a commercial scale using water-based nutrient systems.
In recent years, the demand for smart agriculture and sustainable food production has driven widespread interest in home-based and urban hydroponic systems. As Mansour and Al-Ghobari (2018) affirmed, automatic hydroponic plant grow pots offer a promising solution for food production in limited spaces, especially in urban settings where traditional farming is not feasible (Mansour and Al-Ghobari, 2018). Hydroponics, a branch of soilless agriculture, has emerged as a vital solution to the global challenges of food security, land degradation, and climate change. According to Resh (2013), hydroponics enables the cultivation of plants in a nutrient-rich water solution without the need for soil, providing controlled environmental conditions that enhance plant growth and yield (Resh, 2013).
The integration of automation into hydroponics is a recent advancement aimed at improving the efficiency and ease of managing such systems. According to Zhang et al. (2002), precision agriculture technologies such as sensors, microcontrollers, and automation tools play a crucial role in enhancing productivity by reducing human error and allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustments. They stated that these innovations can help address the limitations of manual hydroponic systems, such as inconsistent nutrient delivery, improper pH levels, and delayed responses to plant needs. Mansour and Al-Ghobari (2018) affirmed that the use of automated hydroponic systems has the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices by ensuring consistent plant care, minimizing labor requirements, and improving resource management. They also reported that such systems can be adapted to different crops and scaled according to user needs, making them suitable for both domestic and commercial applications (Mansour and Al-Ghobari, 2018). The development of microcontroller-based systems, especially those using Arduino and IoT technology, has facilitated the creation of intelligent grow pots capable of monitoring variables such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and nutrient levels. According to Singh et al. (2020), these systems can be configured to autonomously respond to environmental changes, thereby ensuring optimal growing conditions with minimal user intervention.
The core objective of this project is to design and implement a mechatronic system that automates the hydroponic growth process, ensuring optimal plant development while reducing labor and resource wastage. The integration of automation in hydroponics addresses key challenges faced in conventional agriculture, including land scarcity, and water shortages. This study is set against the backdrop of increasing global demand for sustainable, resource-efficient agricultural systems and the growing need for accessible, automated hydroponic solutions in both rural and urban settings.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the accessibility students or users in low-income settings or remote areas may not always afford or carry dedicated devices. The cost of scientific calculators, especially branded ones with extended features, is relatively high for many learners in developing countries, making them less accessible to a broader audience (Olabode & Oni, 2015). In addition, most scientific calculators are standalone devices, which makes them less convenient in a digitally connected world where mobile devices and computers dominate. As a result, users often find it cumbersome to switch between devices while studying, or performing laboratory analysis.
In addition, existing mobile-based calculator applications sometimes suffer from poor user interface design, limited functionality, or platform restrictions. These applications may lack real-time expression evaluation, support for algebraic syntax, or interactive features that enhance usability. Users may also face difficulties when trying to solve slightly advanced mathematical functions, such as logarithmic, or exponential operations, due to interface confusion or lack of intuitive controls (Ajayi, 2020).
Furthermore, there is a need to reduce the dependency on physical devices by leveraging modern computing techniques that provide digital alternatives. A well-designed scientific calculator implemented using programming languages and graphical user interfaces not only promotes learning but also enhances the understanding of computational logic, especially for students in computer science and engineering fields. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to design and implement a simple scientific calculator that is both functional and user-friendly, addresses the gaps in existing tools, and contributes to improved accessibility and learning outcomes.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to develop an automated hydroponic system that utilizes sensors and control technologies for efficient and sustainable plant cultivation. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To design a hydroponic plant grow pot integrated with sensors to monitor environmental parameters such as pH, humidity, and temperature.
- To implement an automated control system using a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) to regulate water and nutrient delivery.
- To evaluate the performance of the automated hydroponic system in enhancing plant growth and minimizing resource wastage.
- To create a user-friendly interface for monitoring and data logging of plant growth conditions.
- To assess the system's applicability in urban and small-scale farming, especially in resource-limited environments.
1.5 Significance of Study
The deployment of the proposed automatic hydroponic plant grow pot will have significance for various stakeholders:
- Farmers will benefit from reduced labor requirements and increased yield due to optimized growing conditions.
- Urban residents will have access to a compact and efficient means of producing fresh vegetables in limited spaces.
- Environmentalists will appreciate the system’s water conservation and soil-free design, which will help reduce land degradation and water waste.
- Educational institutions will use the system as a teaching and research tool, which will enhance the learning experience for students in agricultural and engineering disciplines.
- Policy makers and governments will find in it a sustainable food production model that will support food security initiatives in densely populated regions.
1.6 Project Justification
This project will bridge the gap between traditional farming and smart agriculture by introducing an automated, efficient, and scalable hydroponic system. It will respond to the increasing need for sustainable farming practices in urban areas and offer a practical solution to food production challenges where land and water resources are limited. The system will also serve as a cost-effective and educational prototype for individuals and organizations interested in urban agriculture and automation technologies.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The scope of this study covers the design, development, and performance evaluation of an Automatic Hydroponic Plant Grow Pot using an embedded control system within Lagos State, specifically targeting urban dwellers and institutions like Yaba College of Technology. The system will focus on growing leafy vegetables and herbs.
The limitations of the study include dependence on electricity, which may affect consistent system operation; limited financial resources, which may restrict system scalability; and restricted access to advanced sensors and components. Additionally, user feedback may be delayed due to limited awareness of hydroponic technology among potential participants.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Hydroponics:
Hydroponics refers to the process of growing plants in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution without using soil. According to Resh (2013), it enables direct nutrient absorption by plant roots, resulting in faster growth and higher yields.
Automation:
Automation is the use of control systems such as computers or microcontrollers to operate equipment with minimal human intervention. As stated by Zhang et al. (2002), automation enhances precision and efficiency in agricultural processes.
Microcontroller:
A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit programmed to perform specific tasks such as data collection and system control. In this study, it is the central processing unit of the hydroponic system (Singh et al., 2020).
Sensors:
Sensors are electronic components used to detect changes in environmental parameters such as temperature, pH, and humidity. These sensors provide real-time data that inform the system’s automated responses (Mansour & Al-Ghobari, 2018).
pH Sensor:
A pH sensor measures the acidity or alkalinity of the nutrient solution in the hydroponic system. Maintaining the correct pH is essential for optimal nutrient absorption by plants.
IoT (Internet of Things):
IoT refers to the network of physical devices that communicate and exchange data over the internet. In this study, IoT enables remote monitoring and control of the hydroponic system (Zhang et al., 2002).
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