Applications and Implications
WHAT WILL IT DO?
he vertical hydroponic tower will cultivate plants in a space-efficient manner using a nutrient-rich water solution. It will grow various types of plants, especially those with shallow roots such as lettuce, spinach, and herbs, by circulating water and nutrients through the tower.
WHY WILL IT DO THIS?
This system is designed to provide a more efficient and sustainable method of growing plants, particularly in urban areas where space and resources are limited. By using vertical hydroponics, the system minimizes water usage and eliminates the need for soil, making it an ideal solution for urban agriculture and controlled environment farming.
WHO HAS DONE WHAT BEFOREHAND?
Many researchers and urban farmers have explored vertical hydroponic systems to maximize agricultural yield in confined spaces. Various commercial and DIY hydroponic towers have been developed, demonstrating the effectiveness of this technique in producing fresh vegetables and herbs in urban settings.
WHAT WILL I DESIGN?
I will design a vertical hydroponic tower that includes a PVC structure with multiple levels for plant baskets, a water distribution system powered by a submersible pump, and an automated control system using a microcontroller (XIAO RP2040) to manage the watering schedule.
WHY WILL IT DO THIS?
This system is designed to provide a more efficient and sustainable method of growing plants, particularly in urban areas where space and resources are limited. By using vertical hydroponics, the system minimizes water usage and eliminates the need for soil, making it an ideal solution for urban agriculture and controlled environment farming.
WHAT MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS WILL BE USED?
| Qty | Description | Price MXN | Price USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PVC Tube 4" | 90 | 5 |
| 1 | Bucket 19LT | 165 | 9 |
| 1 | Water Pump | 500 | 28 |
| 14 | Little Baskets | 80 | 4.5 |
| 1 | PVC Tube 1/4" | 30 | 1.6 |
| 1 | PVC Plug | 18 | 1 |
WHAT PARTS AND SYSTEMS WILL BE MADE?
- A PVC tower structure with holes for plant baskets
- A water distribution system with a submersible pump
- An automated control system for the pump using the XIAO RP2040 and relay
- A reservoir system to hold the nutrient solution and water
WHAT PROCESSES WILL BE USED?
- Cutting and heating PVC tubes to create the tower and holes
- Assembling the PVC components and securing the baskets
- Installing and wiring the water pump and control system
- Programming the microcontroller to manage the watering schedule
- Testing the system for proper water distribution and timing
- Monitoring and adjusting the nutrient solution for optimal plant growth
WHAT QUESTIONS NEED TO BE ANSWERED?
- How can I ensure the seeds germinate successfully?
- What is the optimal nutrient solution mix for the chosen plants?
- How can I maintain consistent water and nutrient delivery to all plants?
- What adjustments are needed for the pump timing to optimize plant growth?
- How can I prevent any leaks or spills from the tower?
HOW WILL IT BE EVALUATED?
The system will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Successful germination and growth of the plants in the tower
- Consistent and even distribution of water and nutrients to all plants
- Efficiency in water usage compared to traditional soil-based methods
- Stability and durability of the tower structure
- Ease of maintenance and operation of the automated control system
- Overall yield and health of the plants grown in the system
WHY WILL IT DO THIS?
This system is designed to provide a more efficient and sustainable method of growing plants, particularly in urban areas where space and resources are limited. By using vertical hydroponics, the system minimizes water usage and eliminates the need for soil, making it an ideal solution for urban agriculture and controlled environment farming.