PLC-based Automated Aqua-Hydroponics System

Abstract

Aquaponics refers to the growth of fish and plants in a single platform. As the demand for land increases due to urbanization, the growing of crops and other vegetables with less soil area is needed. Growing plants and aquatic animals in the same environment will save the usage of soil and the consumption of water levels will also be minimized. To automate the Aquaponics environment and to monitor the plant growth from the seed level to the fruiting level, a system is designed. This proposed method will help the user to monitor the water quality parameters like pH, humidity, and temperature and intimates the user about the current level, and alarms the user for any overshooting. The proposed system is designed, fabricated, and tested in laboratory conditions. The plant growth is monitored from the starting seed stage to the final fruiting stage. The essential nutrients required for plant growth are monitored and the discrepancy is satisfied accordingly. The bacteria and the microorganisms present in the soil decompose the plant waste into food that aquatic animals consume. The remains and excreta of the aquatic animals are sediments and given to plants as nutrition. Due to proper plumbing, water consumption is reduced. Different plants require different nutrient levels for their growth. The nutrient levels are listed and the test values are loaded into the microprocessor according to the plant selected. Here spinach is selected. The pH level, temperature level, and humidity levels of the soil and the water are monitored and the values are updated to the user using the web interface. From the web page, the user can get the parameter values and a comparison can be made accordingly.