IoT-Enabled Intelligent Hydroponic System for Smart Indoor Farming and Real-Time Environmental Monitoring

Abstract

With the rising emphasis on sustainable agriculture, hydroponic farming has become a highly efficient alternative to traditional methods, enabling soil-less cultivation while significantly reducing water usage and enhancing nutrient management. This project introduces an IoT-enabled, solar-powered hydroponic indoor farming and plant growth chamber designed to maintain a controlled environment that promotes optimal plant development. The system is powered by a solar-based energy supply and integrates the ESP32 microcontroller to facilitate real-time monitoring and automated operations. Core components include sensors for temperature, humidity, water level, and nutrient concentration, along with a 16x2 LCD display, a buzzer for alert notifications, and an AC water pump for automated irrigation. It features two operational modes: Manual and Automatic. In Manual Mode, users can remotely control the irrigation pump via an IoT platform. In Automatic Mode, the system independently regulates water and nutrient delivery based on continuous sensor input. All sensor data is transmitted to an IoT cloud platform for remote monitoring and analysis. By utilizing solar power, the system ensures energy efficiency and promotes sustainability by minimizing reliance on conventional electricity sources. Automated control of environmental parameters fosters ideal growing conditions, improving crop yield and maximizing resource efficiency. This smart hydroponic system reduces the need for manual intervention, enhances the use of water and nutrients, and supports eco-friendly indoor farming practices.