The Concept of Aeroponics

The concept of aeroponics is fast growing as one of the most sort after farming techniques. Though technically it is a type of hydroponic system, Aeroponics needs much less nutrients and water when compared to traditional hydroponics system. One of the biggest advantages of aeroponics is that it can be set up in a very less space and there is absolutely no worry of any unwanted plants hampering its growth. Though it is bit expensive, Aeroponic systems are pretty easy to set up. It needs a reservoir to hold the nutrient mixture, submersible pump, sprinkler heads, proper tubing for nutrient intake and exhaust, growing chamber for root zone and a water tight container.

Working of aeroponics is simple, the roots need no soil and it is suspended mid-air so that there is an uninterrupted supply of oxygen. This can lead to roots growing fast and strong. Water is pumped from the reservoir to the sprinkler nozzle which would spray inclusive of the required nutrients at constant intervals. Since the whole root growing chamber is enclosed, the sprayed residue left after the absorption of root falls back to the solution chamber and the same is recycled again. This saves lot of water and nutrients from being wasted.

Aeroponics Automation

WeMakeIoT has come with unique IoT based smart farming solutions that can be used with Aeroponics. The water-nutrient mixture should be supplied regularly in order to keep the roots well hydrated. Usually in conventional aeroponics timer is used to regulate the water-nutrient supply. There are two major things we must consider here, whether the plant is growing in right humidity and the chamber is maintained at right temperature. Both these things can be managed by automating the system using IoT. Humidity and temperature sensor would be installed in the system which would give a trigger command to the water pump and subsequently spray nozzle to fog the roots if a particular threshold is reached.

Aeroponics uses much less energy and water compared to other farming techniques and the harvest is also easy as it involves no soil at all. The usage of a smart farm platform would definitely enhance the crop yield and very less manual work would be required for the cultivation process.