EGC177_C7_Sustainable Monitoring system for vertical farming

ProblemStatement:

How can we design a smart technology solution in vertical farming that will help to maintain the crop yield at its optimal growing conditions so that the crop production will increase?​

Objectives:

Vertical farming is a practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers or inclined surfaces. It often incorporates controlled environment such as buildings and warehouses. The purpose of vertical farming is to increase crop yield, reduce the land space required for traditional horizontal farming methods and minimise environmental impacts. Ensuring consistent light intensity across all levels of vertical farm can be challenging. Plants at lower levels may receive less light, leading to uneven growth. Besides that, achieving and maintaining soil moisture at specific units for a singular plant type, precise control and monitoring is essential for successful vertical farming operations. Hence, we can implement a light intensity and soil moisture monitoring system to maintain optimal growing conditions.

Concept:

Our project will be using innovative technological tools such as M5Stack, Earth unit to monitor moisture level, RGB unit for ambient light and Light unit for light intensity.

Light intensity monitoring system:

Due to the vertical organization of vertical farming, lower-level plants potentially receiving inadequate sunlight compared to those at higher levels. This may lead to uneven growth of crops. Additionally, different crops have distinct light requirements. Monitoring light intensity is crucial for ensuring that plants receive the optimal amount of light necessary for photosynthesis and overall growth. Implementing a light intensity monitoring system becomes imperative in this context, it allows accurate tracking of light levels and ensuring optimal conditions for plant development. It's worth noting that, due to resource limitations, we are simulating one layer of vertical farming with a single set of sensors to provide a representative assessment of light conditions within the vertical farm.

1. Light sensor will detect the light intensity.

2. It will display the light intensity level on M5Stack screen.

3. If the light intensity level is suitable for plant to survive, it will continue detecting and RGB will not be activated. Conversely, when the light intensity falls below the threshold required for plant to grow, the RGB unit will be triggered by m5stack to function as an artificial light source. This ensures that the plants receive adequate light for their well-being and growth.

4. If the detected light intensity is exceptionally low, ranging from 0 to 50 lumens (originally specified as 0 to 100 lumens for the night light intensity), both the light sensor and the RGB unit will be deactivated for a duration of 10 hours. However, for the purposes of this demonstration, the deactivation period will be represented as 6 seconds. This approach is implemented to conserve electricity during the plant's 'night cycle.'

Soil moisture monitoring system:

Ensuring that the entire root zone of plants receives adequate moisture is crucial. Uneven distribution or overwatering in certain parts may lead to root-related issues. Maintaining optimal soil moisture levels is crucial for nutrient uptake and overall plant health. Thus, there is a need to have a soil moisture monitoring system as it will help to detect any fluctuations in soil moisture that may impact root health, ensuring that the crops receive the right amount of water at all times.Due to resource limitations, we are simulating one layer with a single set of sensors to provide a representative assessment of soil moisture conditions within the vertical farm.

1. The earth sensor will detect the moisture level of the soil.

2. It will display the moisture level on M5Stack screen.

3. If the moisture level is suitable for plant to survive, the servo motor will stop the flow of water supply.

4. If the moisture level is not suitable for plant to survive, the servo motor will continue the water supply.

Sustainability:

Sustainability is realised in vertical farming through efficient space utilisation, this is especially important in countries with limited space, such as Singapore.

In the light intensity monitoring system, the RGB unit (artificial light) is activated only when necessary, contributing to energy conservation.

Similarly, in the soil moisture monitoring system, the servo motor is engaged selectively, allowing water to flow through only when needed. This targeted approach optimises resource usage and promotes sustainability in agricultural practices.

Presentation link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3h7B54dZ6w