DEVELOPMENT OF PORTABLE TYPE INVERTED T SHAPE HYDROPONICS SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC

IRRIGATION SYSTEM

B. Tech (Agricultural Engineering)

Presentation by
Aarushi Chandrakar
Anushka Tiwari
Gyanesh Verma
Shikhar Tiwari
Tikesh Nishad
Umang Dewangan
BHARTIYA COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING, DURG, C.G.
INDIRA GANDHI KRISHI VISHWAVIDYALAYA, RAIPUR, C.G.
2024
 ADVISORY COMITTEE

• MAJOR ADVISOR------ Er. Amit Dahate

• MEMBER------------------Er. Yogesh Sonkeshariya

• MEMBER------------------Er. Prapti Chandrakar

 INTRODUCTION
• It is very well known that soils play a key role in agriculture. In the absence of suitable
soil, we would be unable to grow plants and for agriculture soil is very important and
compulsory part but soil tend to compact naturally over time, which is not good for
proper plant growth, as plants may have difficulty in growing and accessing nutrients.

• A new technique called Soil Less Culture has been developed to further improve the
crop productivity in lesser space and time by controlling the supply of water and
nutrient. Hydroponics is a type of soil less culture.
 INTRODUCTION
• A new technique called Soil Less Culture has been developed to further improve the crop productivity in lesser space
and time by controlling the supply of water and nutrient. Hydroponics is a type of soil less culture. The term hydroponics
was derived from the Greek word ‘hydro’ means water and ‘pones’ means labour,

• The advantages of hydroponics include but are not limited to the following:

 Requires no soil.

 Enables for the reuse of water.

 Provides greater control of nutrients to prevent over nourished crops.

• Provides off-season production when market prices are highest

 OBJECTIVES
• To develop portable type inverted T shape hydroponic structure.

• To develop automated irrigation system for lettuce cultivation in inverted T

shape hydroponic structure.

• Comparative study of lettuce grown in soil and inverted T shape hydroponics

structure on the basis of physical parameters.
 STUDY AREA
• The experiment was conducted at campus of Bhartiya College of Agricultural
Engineering, Durg, Chhattisgarh.

Fig 1.1 Location of Experiment at Bhartiya College of Agricultural Engineering, Durg

 REVIEW
Nicholas A. Heredia (2014) have studied about “Design, Construction, And Evaluation of a Vertical Hydroponic Tower”
and they concluded that the tower and systems were designed and constructed successfully. The system produced high-
quality leafy lettuce at a rapid pace. Construction and repairs took up a significant amount of time. Swiss Chard grew better
in the low drip system than expected. Swiss Chard roots do not like complete submergence in water. Different growing
mediums can be used for hydroponic plants. The cost of the project was higher than anticipated. Cost cutting measures can
be taken, such as using a cheaper pump. Presoaking hydro ton and adding vinegar can adjust pH levels.

Kavita Krishan, et al (2020) have studied Study on fabrication and performance of A-shaped hydroponic system and they
concluded that A-frame hydroponic system is suitable for horticultural crops in limited space. pH and EC of hydroponic
solution were maintained within acceptable ranges and pipe material has minimal effect on plant growth in the first year
and the conclusions are UPVC pipe material is recommended for commercial hydroponic systems and design and
developed A- frame hydroponic system proved to be an acceptable technology for the horticultural crops under protected
cultivation. Cost analysis: PVC pipe had the lowest cost (Rs. 9641.00) and CPVC had the highest cost (Rs. 21711.00).
 REVIEW
• Kamta Dixit, et al (2022) have studied “Automated Irrigation System Based on Soil Moisture Sensor” and they
concluded that the model of automatic plant irrigation system is tested on two different soils, both soils moisture content
is measured by the soil moisture sensor and it is compared to the threshold values which are set by the user in the code.
Moisture level sensed by the probes in the first soil is lower than the threshold value so the pump automatically feeds
water to the crop until it meets the limit and when it comes to the second soil, it is already wet, indicating that the
moisture content is significant. The pump remains turned off in this situation. Moisture content is monitored in the serial
monitor in Arduino software. The use of automated irrigation is successful and it will help to reduce the man work and
time and also to save the water.

• Kowser Ahmed Shemul, et al (2022) have studied about “Design and Implementation of Low-Cost Automatic Irrigation
System using Microcontroller” and they concluded that Simulated framework of automatic irrigation system is simple
and cost-effective. System has potential for larger scale use. More efficient sensors can increase efficiency and decrease
expenses. Further reduction in system cost would be beneficial.
 REVIEW
• Raneem Gashgari et al (August,2018) have studied “Comparison between Growing Plants in Hydroponic System and Soil
Based System.” They concluded that developing a new farming and planting system techniques is required to avoid food crisis
issue in the future and whether the hydroponic system is better than the traditional system. This study aimed to examine an
efficient technique for alternative planting system which is the hydroponic system. The statistical experimental design
approach was used to analyse and compare between traditional soil system and hydroponic system by planting two types of
seeds: cucumber and Armenian cucumber in both systems. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to test two factor
factorial design with two levels hypothesis.

• Hayder Adil, et al (2021) have studied about “Comparative Study on Lettuce Growing in NFT And EBB Flow System” and
they concluded that lettuce growth in Nutrient Film Technology (NFT) and Ebb and Flow systems showed differences in the
number of leaves formed, time to reach commercialization standards, and overall plant mass between the two systems NFT
system resulted in a greater number of leaves due to constant root system temperature, while the Ebb and Flow system
extended the growing season due to lower root temperatures, analysing the growth data of five lettuce varieties the study
emphasized the importance of temperature, light intensity, nutrient solution concentration, and pH levels in lettuce
development. They also studied the leaf diameter and the height of the plant grown in both NFT and EBB flow and discuss that
the NFT system has the better result and it should be preferred.
 MATERIALS
• Iron Frame • Nutrient Solution
• PVC Pipe • Gromet and Takeoff
• Drill Machine • End Cap
• Tee Joint
• Drip Pipes
• L Joint
• Hand Bit Drill
• Filler and Cutter
• Pump
• Tank

Fig 1.5 Materials

 METHODS
• Development of Inverted T Shape Frame.
SCALE
Unit- MILLIMETER (mm)
1 FEET= 304.8 MM
1 INCH= 25.4MM

Fig 1.2 Side View and Top View Fig 1.3 Front View
Fig 1.4 Portable Inverted T Shape Structure
 PROCEDURE

Fig 1.6 Construction of Frame Fig 1.7 Preparation of PVC Pipe Fig 1.8 Slope Adjustment

Fig 1.9 Nutrient Solution Preparation Fig 1.10 Flow Checking in the Structure
 COMPONENTS
• Arduino UNO
• Relay Module
• LCD Module
• I2C Interface
• Soil Moisture Sensor
• Breadboard
• Jumper Wires
• Wires
• Plastic Box

Fig 1.13 Circuit Components

Fig 1.14 Circuit Diagram
 METHODS
• To develop Automated Irrigation System

Fig 1.11 Automatic circuit Fig 1.12 Circuit Making

 MATERIALS
• Grow Tray
• Grow Cups
• Cocopeat and Vermicompost
• Pots
• Seeds
• Soil
• Sand

Fig 1.16 Materials

 METHODS
• Comparative Study

Fig 1.14 Pot Preparation Fig 1.15 Transplanting

 DETAILS
Table 1.1 Stages
Sowing 26-01-2024 Daily observation includes -
Transplanting 13-02-2024  TDS checking.
Harvesting 27-03-2024
 pH Checking,
Table 1.2 Crop Details  Plant height
Crop Lettuce  No. of leaves.
Variety Iceberg and Lollo Rosso  Level of water
Number of Plants (Iceberg) 27
 Circuit observation.
Number of Plants (Lollo 27
Rosso)  Adding Nutrient solution.
 Watering the plants grown in soil
 RESULTS
• The graph presented in figure 1.17 from which it can be observe that for week 1 the plant height was between 1.8 to
2.5cm for the ‘Lollo Rosso’ variety of lettuce (plant number 1,2 and 3) grown in soil and the plant height was 2 to 2.9
for the same variety grown in hydroponics system. The plant height was between 3.1 to 4.2 cm and number of leaves is
between 4 to 5 for the ‘Ice Berg’ variety of lettuce (plant number 4,5 and 6) grown in soil and the plant height was 4.0
to 4.4cm for the same variety grown in hydroponics system.

• For week 2 the plant height was between 2.5 to 2.8cm for the ‘Lollo Rosso’ variety of lettuce (plant number 1,2 and 3)
grown in soil and the plant height was 2.5 to 3.9 for the same variety grown in hydroponics system. The plant height
was between 4.1 to 6.5 cm for the ‘Ice Berg’ variety of lettuce (plant number 4,5 and 6) grown in soil and the plant
height was 5.0 to 8.9cm for the same variety grown in hydroponics system.

• For week 3 the plant height was between 4.2 to 6.3cm for the ‘Lollo Rosso’ variety of lettuce (plant number 1,2 and 3)
grown in soil and the plant height was 4.5 to 11.5 for the same variety grown in hydroponics system. The plant height
was between 8.5 to 10.6 cm for the ‘Ice Berg’ variety of lettuce (plant number 4,5 and 6) grown in soil and the plant
height was 14.2 to 18.2cm for the same variety grown in hydroponics system.
 RESULTS
20
18.2
18 17.2

16
14.2
14
PLANT HEIGHT (cm)

12 11.5 11.2
10.5 10.6
10
8.9 8.8
8.5
8

6.3 6.5
6 6.1 6.1
5
4.5 4.2 4.4
3.9 4
4 4.2 3.4 4.1 4.1 4.2
2.9
2.5 2.9 2.5 2.8 3.1
2 2.5 2.5
2 1.9 1.8

0
1 2 3 4 5 6

NUMBER OF PLANTS

Week 1(HP) Week 2(HP) Week 3(HP) Week 1 (S) Week 2(S) Week 3(S)

Fig 1.17 Graph of Plant Height of Lettuce Grown in Soil and Hydroponics
 RESULTS
• The graph presented in figure 1.18 from which it can be observe that for week 1 number of leaves is between 3 to 4 for the
‘Lollo Rosso’ variety of lettuce (plant number 1,2 and 3) grown in soil and the number of leaves was 5 for the same variety
grown in hydroponics system. number of leaves is between 4 to 5 for the ‘Ice Berg’ variety of lettuce (plant number 4,5 and
6) grown in soil and the number of leaves was 5 for the same variety grown in hydroponics system.

• For week 2 number of leaves is between 3 to 4 for the ‘Lollo Rosso’ variety of lettuce (plant number 1,2 and 3) grown in
soil and the number of leaves was 5 for the same variety grown in hydroponics system. number of leaves is between 4 to 5
for the ‘Ice Berg’ variety of lettuce (plant number 4,5 and 6) grown in soil and the number of leaves was 5 for the same
variety grown in hydroponics system.

• For week 3 number of leaves is between 4 to 5 for the ‘Lollo Rosso’ variety of lettuce (plant number 1,2 and 3) grown in
soil and the number of leaves was 5 for the same variety grown in hydroponics system. number of leaves is between 4 to 5
for the ‘Ice Berg’ variety of lettuce (plant number 4,5 and 6) grown in soil and the number of leaves was 5 for the same
variety grown in hydroponics system.
 RESULTS
6

5 5 5 5 5 5

4.5

4 4 4 4 4 4
NUMBER OF LEAVES

3.5 3.5

3 3

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

0
1 2 3 4 5 6

PLANT NUMBER

Week 1 (HP) Week 2 (HP) Week 3(HP) Week 1(S) Week 2(S) Week 3(S)

Fig 1.18 Graph of No. of Leaves of Lettuce Grown in Soil and Hydroponics
 RESULTS
• APPEARANCE

Fig 1.19 Lollo Rosso Variety Fig 1.20 Iceberg Variety

RESULTS
 RESULTS
• COST ANALYSIS
S.NO MATERIAL QUANTITY COST (Rs)
1 Frame - 1890.00
2 PVC Pipe 30 feet 1140.00
3 End Cap, Tee Joint, L joint, Gromet and takeoff 12,1,2,12,12 420+4+8+60+60=552.00

4 Grow cups 54 224.00

5 Growing Media 6 packet Cocopeat 180.00

3 Vermicompost
6 Submersible Pump 1 320.00

7 Tank 1(20 litres) 20.00

8 Soil Moisture Sensor Unit 8 Components 1483.00

9 Nursery Preparation 2 packets seeds 150.00

2 Grow tray
10 Hand Bit Drill 210.00
Other Accessories
Paint,etc
11 Drip Pipe 6m 72.00

Total Rs. 6241.00

 CONCLUSIONS
• Portable Type Inverted T Shape Structure

1. The portability of the structure is justified. The wheels perfectly provide portability to the structure and also after locking the wheels by
aligned it horizontally it provides stability in the uniform plane topography.

2. The Inverted T shape is a very good choice because the length of the pipes is not fixed, we can adjust it according to the number of
plants.

3. The slope of the pipes is adjustable because of the adjustable hook provided on the structure.

4. The structure doesn’t need any external support in the center as compared to any other structure like A shape and U shape.

5. The cost of the inverted T shape structure is less than any other structure.

6. The iceberg variety of lettuce is not successful in the Inverted T shape structure.

7. The Lollo Rosso Variety of lettuce is successful in the Inverted T shape Structure.

8. The performance of structure after providing the green shade is better.

 CONCLUSIONS
• Automated Irrigation Circuit

1. The cost of the circuit is moderate and the performance of the circuit is satisfactory.

2. The maintenance cost of circuit is very less.

3. The circuit should not keep in direct contact with the surrounding.

4. The automated circuit is successful with the hydroponics system.

5. The main motive of energy and water saving by providing automation is fulfilled.

6. The daily monitoring of water level for hydroponics system is very easy with the automated irrigation system.
 CONCLUSIONS
• Comparison

1. The comparison between the lettuce grown in soil and lettuce grown in the hydroponic structure conclude that the
performance of the lettuce grown in hydroponics gives positive results.

2. The growth of the lettuce in the hydroponic system is faster than the lettuce grown in soil.

3. The lettuce number of leaves is more in the hydroponic structure as compared to the lettuce grown in soil.

4. The Lollo Rosso Variety of lettuce is successful in the inverted T shape structure as compared to the other iceberg variety.