DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMATED PH CONTROLLER SYSTEM FOR NFT HYDROPONIC

Abstract

In a hydroponics system, pH level is one of the most important parameters that affect the way plants respond to a hydroponic nutrient solution. The range of pH levels depends on the type of plants in the hydroponic system. The plant can uptake nutrients efficiently if the nutrient solution needs to be consistently controlled within the pH range. It is important to ensure a balanced pH level in nutrient solutions to maintain the proper growth of plants. Therefore, the pH level in the nutrient solution will automatically be controlled in this Arduino-based system. A mini NFT hydroponic system was used as a project set up to measure the performance of a pH sensor. Utilizing the pH sensor, will measure the pH level of the nutrient solution and send the data to Arduino. Then, the Arduino will receive, process and send the output signal to the peristaltic pump to transfer the pH adjuster solution into the nutrient solution tank until the desired pH level is achieved. The data of the pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC) and temperature of the nutrient solution for the Amaranth plant growing period of 23 days are collected. The result obtained shows that the system is capable of automatically maintaining the pH level in the nutrient solution.Keywords: Amaranth round leaf, Arduino, temperature, EC value