Design of a Water-Efficient Sand-Based Hydroponic System through Capillary Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

As the world progresses into the 21st century, water scarcity necessitates innovative water conservation and sustainable approaches to agriculture. This paper presents a novel sand-based hydroponic system that leverages capillary action to enhance watering and water retention efficiency, offering a cost-effective and water-efficient solution for sustainable plant growth. To study the physical characteristics (particle size distribution, capillarity, pore radius, uniformity coefficient, water retention) of the growth medium, a comprehensive particle study of three samples was conducted. Subsequently, a practical trial was employed to validate the proposed approach, which demonstrated promising results for large-scale adoption and use. Furthermore, the study explores potential extensions of the system, including the addition of essential nutrients to the water and investigating alternative set-ups for enhanced versatility and efficiency. By combining theoretical scientific analysis and practical experimentation, this research contributes to the advancement of sustainable agricultural and gardening practices and offers a viable path to mitigate water scarcity and food insecurity challenges.