IoT‐Based Smart Fertigation Scheduling and Wireless Microclimate Monitoring for a Greenhouse Dutch Bucket Hydroponic System
Murtaza Hasan, Adarsha Gopalakrishna Bhat, Vinod Kumar S, Mahesh R, Anjani Kumar Yadav, Athira Saji, Bharath G, Shinde Ankita PrakashABSTRACT
Precision irrigation and fertigation using IoT‐based decision‐making tools have proven effective in optimizing real‐time nutrient solutions for agricultural production. IoT is essential for real‐time sensor monitoring and for wirelessly activating fertigation and irrigation systems. Soilless or hydroponic culture presents a viable alternative to traditional soil‐based cultivation. This study evaluated an IoT‐based fertigation system for soilless Dutch bucket hydroponic cucumber production in field experiments conducted from August to October 2023 and 2024. Two treatments were compared: conventional soil‐based cultivation (Drip irrigation at 100% ETc) and IoT‐enabled Dutch bucket hydroponics. The system monitored crop microclimate and automated fertigation, applying nutrients when EC was ≤ 2.5 dS/m and turning off at ≥ 4 dS/m. Crop performance parameters were assessed, including plant height, leaf area, root volume, yield and water productivity. Results showed that the IoT‐enabled hydroponic system produced significantly higher yields than traditional soil‐based cultivation. Yield and water productivity increased by 7% and 53%, respectively, with 12% less irrigation water. While testing under protected cultivation, the system's waterproof design indicates its suitability for outdoor conditions. The IoT system effectively records and displays environmental and fertigation data via the cloud, enabling fully automated fertigation and minimizing human intervention.