Development of Fertigation Monitoring System

The hydroponic growth method involves growing plants in water and supplying the plants with nutrients directly to their root system. Hydroponic farmers can directly monitor important variables that influence plant growth such as pH, nitrates, phosphates, and conductivity. Since hydroponic plants are connected by a continuous irrigation system, if a problem occurs in the system it affects all of the plants in that\ud system, which may have devastating effects on the crop. Therefore, it is important to constantly monitor the nutrient medium in the hydroponic system to make sure conditions are optimal for healthy plant growth. Seacoast Science is developing a fertigation monitoring system (FERM-Sys) to be installed at Dramm and Echter (Encinitas, CA). This system will allow farmers to accurately track components in\ud their water and maximize their resources. The goal of this project was help Seacoast Science develop the FERM-Sys from the electronic components to the individual nutrient monitoring (INM) unit. This was done by building the INM units, testing the electrodes, and adjusting the different electronic components involved. The pH and conductivity calibration test showed that these electrodes were functioning properly through multiple tests. The nitrate electrode calibration test showed unfavorable results due to the short circuiting of the probes. Fixing the nitrate probes from short-circuiting and further long-term testing must be accomplished before the system can be installed at a hydroponic farm.Biotechnolog