Automated Aeroponic Farming

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 10 Issue: 05 | May 2023 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2023, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 8.226 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1266
Automated Aeroponic Farming
Ishita Singh1, Shreya Sinha 2, Palak Singh 3,Santosh Dubey4 (Asst. Prof.)
1,2,3B.Tech., Dept. of Electronics & Communication Engr., United College of Engr. & Research, U.P., India
4 Asst. Prof., Dept. of Electronics & Communication Engr., United College of Engr. & Research, U.P., India
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Abstract - Aeroponic farming offers numerous advantages
over traditional farming, focusing on enhancing agricultural
efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. This
innovative approach involves the utilization of an automatic
system to closely monitor plant growth. The automated
aeroponic system operates on the principles of the Internet of
Things (IoT). Temperature measurementsoftherootchamber
and the required light intensity for the shoot system are
captured using sensors. Actuators are managed by a control
system. The sensor data is transmitted through the internet to
a server, enabling convenient monitoring for users. The
system's prototype has been successfully implemented, and it
effectively provides access to all sensor data on the cloud.
Key Words: Aeroponics, growing chamber, monitoring
system, control system, sensors
1. INTRODUCTION
Aeroponics is an innovative technique used in bothresearch
and commercial crop production, where plant roots are
suspended in the air andperiodicallysprayedwitha nutrient
solution. This method offers numerous advantages over
traditional agriculture,includingreducedwaterand nutrient
consumption, enhancedgrowthrate,increasedplantdensity,
and improved irrigation system quality.
It is crucial to continuously monitor the consumption and
level of the nutrient solution, as well as ensure the proper
functioning of pumps. Failure to do so could leadtocroploss
due to insufficient nutrient supply. Therefore, effective data
transmission is of utmost importance in the monitoring and
control of aeroponic growing chambers.
This paper presents an alternative approach that utilizes
sensors and Wi-Fi technology formonitoringandcontrolling
aeroponic systems.Byimplementingthismethod,itbecomes
easier to remotely monitor and manage aeroponic systems
from any location, reducing the risk of crop failure and
ensuring optimal plant growth.
2. Research Methodology
The base control unit microcontroller chosen for this
aeroponic system is the Node MCU. This microcontroller
offers efficient interfacing capabilities with the sensing
devices and supports Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless data
collection and transmission to the ThingSpeak portal.
The setup of the aeroponic greenhouse box includes a pump
that is connected to the box, supplying water spray through
pipes inside. Thisarrangementensurestheadequatedelivery
of water and nutrients to the suspended plant roots.
Two types of sensors are utilized in this system. The first is
the DS18B20 temperature sensor, which is water-resistant
and measures the ambient temperature in the surrounding
environment. This data provides crucial information about
the temperature conditions within the aeroponic setup.
The second sensor employed is the LDR (Light Dependent
Resistor) sensor, which measures the intensity of light inlux.
This sensor enables monitoring the amount of light received
by the plants, which is crucial for their growth and
development.
The Node MCU microcontroller gathers the data from both
the temperaturesensorand the LDRsensor. It then transfers
these data points to the ThingSpeak portal through its Wi-Fi
capabilities. This allows for centralized storage and
monitoring of the collected data, providing valuable insights
for analysis and control of the aeroponic system.
3. Components/ Software Used
3.1 ESP8266
The ESP8266 is an affordable Wi-Fi chip developed by
Espressif Systems. It can be used asa standalone device or as
a UART to Wi-Fi adaptor, enabling other microcontrollers to
connect to Wi-Fi networks. For instance, it can be connected
to an Arduino board, addingWi-FicapabilitiestotheArduino.
Its practical application is often as a standalone device.
With the ESP8266, you can control inputs and outputs
similar to an Arduino, but with added Wi-Fi capabilities.This
feature allows projects to be brought online, making it ideal
for home automation and Internet of Things (IoT)
applications. The ESP8266 has gained popularity due to
several key factors:
1. Low-cost: ESP8266 boards are available at a starting price
of $3 or even less, depending on the specific model.
2. Low-power: The ESP8266 consumes minimal power
compared to other microcontrollersandcanenterdeepsleep
mode to further reduce power consumption.

3. Wi-Fi capabilities: The ESP8266 can create its own Wi-Fi
network (access point) or connect to existingWi-Finetworks
(station) to access the internet. This allows it to interact with
online services, make HTTP requests, save data to the cloud,
and even act as a web server for remote control and
monitoring.
4. Compatibility with the Arduino programming language:
ThosefamiliarwithprogrammingArduinoboardscanusethe
same programming style for the ESP8266, simplifying the
transition.
5. Compatibility with MicroPython: TheESP8266 can also be
programmed with MicroPython firmware, which is a Python
3 implementation designed for microcontrollers and
embedded systems.
These features, coupled with the ESP8266's affordability
and versatility, have contributed to its popularity in the
maker and IoT communities.
3.2 DS18B20
The DS18B20 is a temperature sensor manufactured by
Maxim Integrated. It is designed to becompatiblewithawide
range of microcontrollers and can communicate using the 1-
Wire protocol. By employing the 1-Wire interface, the
microcontroller can establish communication with the
DS18B20 sensor and retrieve temperature data.
The 1-Wire bus, which is used to interface with the
DS18B20, requiresminimalhardwarecomponents,makingit
a simple and convenient solution. The data pin of the
DS18B20 sensor is connected to an IO (input/output) port of
the microcontroller. This direct connection enables the
microcontroller to exchange datawiththesensorusingthe1-
Wire protocol.
Through this straightforward hardware interface, the
microcontroller can effectively communicate with the
DS18B20 temperature sensor and retrieve accurate
temperature readings for further processing and analysis.
The simplicityandcompatibilityoftheDS18B20sensormake
it a popular choice for temperature sensing applications in
various projects and systems.
3.3 LDR Sensor
The Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) is a unique type of
resistor that operates based on the photoconductivity
principle, which means its resistance varies in response to
the intensity of light. As the name suggests, the resistance of
an LDR decreases as the light intensity increases. This
characteristic makes it ideal for applications where light
sensitivity is required, such as light sensors, light meters,
automatic streetlights, and other light-controlled systems.
LDRs are commonly available in various dimensions,
including 5mm, 8mm, 12mm, and 25mm sizes. These
different sizes provideflexibility in choosing the appropriate
LDR for specific applications based on factors like space
constraints or desired sensitivity.
By utilizing the photoconductivity property of LDRs,
engineers and hobbyists can incorporate these components
into their projects to enable light-based functionality. The
versatility and availability ofLDRsmakethemwidelyutilized
in numerous fields, ranging from electronic circuits and
automation systems to environmental monitoring and
photography equipment.
The functioning of aLight DependentResistor(LDR)relies
on the principle of photoconductivity. Whenlightilluminates
the photoconductive material of the LDR, the material
absorbs its energy. Consequently,theelectronspresentinthe
valence band of the materialbecomeexcitedandtransitionto
the conduction band, resultinginanincreaseinthematerial's
conductivity proportional to the light intensity.
For this process to occur, the energy carried by the incident
light must exceed thebandgapenergyofthephotoconductive
material. Only then can the electronsbesufficientlyexcitedto
move from the valence band to the conduction band.
In a dark environment, an LDR exhibits the highest
resistance, typically around 10^12 Ohms. As the light
intensity increases, the resistance of the LDR decreases. This
change in resistance allows the LDR to function as a light
sensor, with its resistance serving as an indication of the
intensity of light falling on it.

The inverse relationshipbetweentheresistanceoftheLDR
and the intensity of light enables its use in various
applications, including light-dependent circuits, automatic
control systems, and light measurement devices.
3.4 NTP Server
The NTP server, or Network Time Protocol server, is
responsible for responding to time requests from clients on
the network. When a client requests the current time, the
NTP server provides time samples that can be used to
synchronize the client's local clock.
By synchronizing the local clock with the NTP server,
clients can ensure that their timekeeping is accurate and
consistent. This is particularly important in systems where
precise time synchronization is required, such as in network
infrastructure, distributed systems, or applications that rely
on time-sensitive operations.
The default value for both domain members and stand-
alone clients is typically set to 1. This value represents the
large sample skew for logging, measured in seconds. It helps
to identify any significant discrepancies in time samples and
allows for monitoring and troubleshooting purposes.
By utilizing an NTP server, organizations and individuals
can maintain synchronized and accurate time across their
network, ensuring smooth operations and reliable time-
based functionalities.
4. Working
In this aeroponic system, the fan is programmed to switch
ON when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold,
helping to regulate the temperature within the growing
environment. Additionally, an LED light is activated when
the intensity of light, measured in lux, drops below a
specified level. The relay is used to interface with AC
components, enabling the control of these devices.
To provide adequate lighting for plant growth when natural
light is insufficient, programmable LED light strips are
utilized. These LED lights fulfill the light requirements
necessary for plant growth based on the readings from the
light sensor.
The timing and duration of water spray control are managed
using a timer, which synchronizes with an NTP (Network
Time Protocol) server. This allows for precise control and
division of the watering cycles.
For the nutrient solution used in this project, an organic
nutrient base in liquid form is obtained from general plant
market shops. These products are labeled with instructions
on the appropriate water-to-nutrient mixing ratios for
gardening purposes. Alternatively, individuals can create
their own nutrient solution by accurately mixing specific
chemical compounds in proper measurements. Chemical
stores typically carry solid crystalline forms of essential
elements such as phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, and other
necessary macronutrients and micronutrients. These
nutrient salts serve as the foundation for creating a
customized fertilizer solution.
Fig -1: Block Diagram of Aeroponic System
In this circuit the grounds of esp8266, Relay and 9-volt
battery has been connected together to provide separate
power supply to relay since this relay requires 5 volt to
operate and maximum output of voltage from esp8266 pins
is 3.3 volt only. The positive side of battery has been
connected to the JD-VCC pin of the relay after removing its
jumper cap.
The NTP Server is a networking protocol for clock
synchronization between embedded systems or computers.
We have used NTP Client library to get timing of spray
solution. It belongs to TCP/IP suite.TheNTPclientinitializes
request for timing. To control the time interval of spraying
solution we have used Arduino-timer library. We can set the
timer using this library to switch the motor on and off after
fixed intervals. Thus, NTP shows timing at which the motor
is on or not.

Fig -2: Circuit Diagram of Aeroponic System
4.1 Monitoring Growth of eggplant
Eggplant, also known as brinjal, is a purple-colored
vegetable commonly found in Indian households. Itrequires
a light intensity of approximately 2000 lux for optimal
growth. We maintained the root chamber temperature
between 22 to 30 degrees Celsius to provide the ideal
conditions for the plant's development. Insufficientlightcan
lead to reduced fruit weight in eggplants.
The first picture showcases thestemoftheplantreceiving
light from adjustable LED strips. The intensity of these LEDs
can be controlled by adjusting the supplied voltage. While
we used white light in this setup, specialized RGB lights
designed for indoor plant growthareavailableinthemarket.
Eggplants can grow well even with white light, but certain
other plants require colored lights, particularlyredand blue,
for optimal growth.
In the second picture, we observe the plant's roots being
nourished with a water nutrientsolutionthroughsprinklers.
The number of sprinklers can be adjusted according to
specific requirements. For our setup, we employeda regular
DC water motor capable of handling two sprinklers. The DC
motor is connected via a relay switch for effective control.
The water used contains an organic nutrient liquid solution
that encompasses all the essential elements necessary for
plant growth. The composition of thissolutioncan bealtered
in the future based on specific needs. Our organic solution
comprises both micro and macro nutrients, with a pH range
of 6.0 to 8.0. Additionally, the solution incorporates bio
enzymes, which can be adjusted to achieve optimal growth
conditions.
Fig -3: Shoot System
Fig -4: Spraying System
In the provided image, we can observe the indoor setup of
an aeroponic plant chamber. To monitor the root
temperature, a water-resistant temperature sensor,
specifically the DS18B20, hasbeen incorporated.Thissensor
is designed to withstand exposure towaterasitcontinuously
senses the temperature of the root chamber, which is
constantly sprayed with a water solution.
To regulate the temperature within the chamber, a DC
cooling fan is employed. When the temperaturesurpasses30
degrees Celsius, the fan is activated. This DC cooling fan is
readily available in the market and is connected to a relayfor
switching purposes. During the night when the temperature
naturally drops, the fan typically remains inactive.
By leveraging software solutions, this system has been
cost-effective, reducing the need for additional hardware

components. The esp8266, a Wi-Fi module, serves as the
main controller, eliminating the necessity for a separate
controller and thereby saving on hardware costs.
Additionally, instead of using a Real-Time Clock (RTC)
module for time display, the system utilizes an NTP server to
obtain accurate time information.
4.2 Circuit Description
To power the different components of the circuit,atotalof
four batteries are utilized. Additionally, a power supply is
provided to the esp8266 module through USB. Among the
batteries, a single 9-volt battery is dedicated to supplying
external power to the relay, accomplished by connectingitto
the JD-VCC pin. To establish a common ground connection,
the esp8266, relay, and battery grounds are interconnected.
For the switching functionality, three relay channels are
employed, and they are connected to digital pins on the
esp8266 module. This configuration allows for control and
operation based on the project's specific requirements and
desired functionality.
Fig -5: Aeroponic Chamber
In the circuit setup, separate batteries are allocatedto
power the LED lights, DC water pump, and DC fan, ensuring
each component has its dedicated power source. The LDR
sensor is responsible for detecting light intensity and
communicates with the microcontroller through an analog
pin (A0), allowing the microcontroller to read the sensor's
output. Similarly, the DS18B20 sensor, which measures
temperature, utilizes one of the available PWM pins on the
microcontroller to transmit temperature data.
To control the various devices in the circuit, a relay is
employed and connected to digital pins on the
microcontroller. This enables the microcontroller to switch
the devices on or off based on specificconditionsorprogram
logic.
An NTP (Network Time Protocol) server serves as a cloud-
based system that provides accurate timing information. It
offers libraries that can be utilized freely in projects,
eliminating the need for a separate RTC (Real-Time Clock)
module and reducing circuit complexity. Since the circuit is
continuously connected to Wi-Fi, it can easily establish a
connection with the NTP server at all times. By leveraging
the NTP server's resources,thecircuitcanobtainprecise and
synchronized time data, ensuring accurate timing
functionality without the need for additional hardware.
4.3 ThingSpeak data collection
We have implemented two data fields in ouraeroponic
farming channel: Light Intensity and Root Temperature. Our
objective is to collect data continuously until the fruitsreach
their full size, enabling us to determine the most favourable
growing conditions for our plants in future cycles.
Additionally, this data will be invaluable for conducting
comparative studies between eggplants grown in aeroponic
chambers and traditional soil-based methods.
Fig -6: Data on ThingSpeak
In today's data-driven era, the cloud-based collection of
this data proves exceptionally advantageous for analysis
purposes. Moreover, it presents opportunities for AI/ML
projects to derive insights on optimizing root temperature,
light intensity, and nutrient content to enhance the health
and weight of the eggplant fruits.

The quality and yield of eggplant are heavily influenced by
these critical factors. Through careful analysis of the
collected data, we can gain valuable knowledge on how to
manipulate and optimize these variables to ensure the
production of healthier and more robust fruits.
5. Future Enhancement
A water quality meter is a valuable tool for optimizing
nutrient solutions in plant cultivation. It enables
measurement of important parameters such as Total
Dissolved Solids (TDS),pHlevel,Electrical Conductivity(EC),
and the availability of various nutrients in the water. By
monitoring and analyzing these values, adjustments can be
made to create customized nutrient solutions that promote
optimal plant growth and productivity.
Image processing techniques combined with AI/ML
algorithms offer additional benefits in plant health
management. By analyzing images of plant leaves, AI
algorithms can assess their quality and provide insights on
improving plant health. It can detect and identifydiseasesor
deficiencies based on leaf color, pigmentation, and overall
appearance. This information can guide farmers in taking
appropriate actions to address these issues, such as
adjusting nutrient levels or applying targeted treatments.
In the field of biopharmaceutical farming, the aeroponic
system holds promise. Ongoing research focusesonutilizing
aeroponic systems for cultivating medicinal plants,
especially in space environments. The controlled
environment provided by aeroponics allows for precise
nutrient delivery and optimal growing conditions, ensuring
the production of high-quality medicinal plants.
Vertical farming techniques can be effectively integrated
with aeroponic systems to maximize productivity in limited
spaces. By implementing aeroponic systems in tall towers,
multiple plants can be grown in a compact area,significantly
increasing the overall yield.Thisapproach,knownasvertical
farming, has gained popularity for its ability to utilize
vertical space efficiently and produce large quantities of
crops.
Implementing aeroponics and advanced technologies like
AI/ML in agriculture opens up opportunities for sustainable
and high-yield farming practices.Itallowsforprecisecontrol
over nutrient solutions, earlydetectionofplantdiseases,and
efficient use of space. As research and development
continue, these systems have the potential to revolutionize
farming and contribute to the production of a wide range of
crops in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly
manner.
6. CONCLUSIONS
The implementation of indoor aeroponic farming indeed
offers numerous advantages. It allows for efficient
cultivation of plants without the need for large land areas,
making it a viable solution for increasing food productivity
to meet the demands of a growing population. Moreover, it
provides a cost-effective approach to farming, as the
investment required for settingupsucha systemisrelatively
low, with an estimated cost of around INR 2000. This
affordability makes it feasible to implement aeroponic
farming in households, enabling individuals to grow their
own fresh produce.
One significant benefit of indoor aeroponic farming is the
reduced risk of plant diseases and pests commonly
associated with soil-basedcultivation.Byeliminatingthe use
of soil, the spread of soil-borne pathogens and pests can be
mitigated, resulting in healthier plants. This method also
offers resilience during drought conditions, as the plants
receive a controlled supply of water and nutrients, reducing
dependence on traditional irrigation systems.
Aeroponic farming contributes to environmental
sustainabilitybyminimizing fertilizer runoffintowaterways.
In traditional farming, excess fertilizers can wash away into
rivers and streams, causing water pollution. However, in
aeroponic systems, the nutrient solution is contained within
the chamber, allowing for efficient recycling and minimizing
wastage. Additionally, the system conserves water by
collecting and reusing the water that drips from the roots,
reducing overall water consumption.
Commercial-scale aeroponic farming has proven successful
in several countries, and entrepreneurs in India can also
explore the potential of this method for large-scale
production. By implementing aeroponics, farmers can
achieve higher yields in shorter durations compared to
traditional farming methods. This accelerated growth rate,
coupled with the ability to control growing conditions,
presents an attractiveopportunityforenhancingagricultural
productivity.
In conclusion, indoor aeroponic farming offers a range of
benefits, including increased food productivity, reduced
water and fertilizer wastage, improved plant health, and the
ability to cultivate crops in areas with limited space or
adverse environmental conditions. With its low cost,
scalability, and potential for high yields, this method holds
promise for revolutionizing agricultureand meetingthefood
requirements of a growing population in a sustainable and
economical manner.
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