Fertigation Feed Sensing for Nutrient Balance and Runoff Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In controlled agricultural environments, crops grown in substrates like stone wool, coconut coir, or peat moss lack inherent nutrients, requiring precise nutrient and water supply through irrigation, which can lead to nutrient imbalance and increased production costs due to excess waste if not managed efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A fertigation sensor system with first and second sensor systems, each containing a conductivity and permittivity sensor, measures electrical properties of feed and runoff solutions to determine nutrient balance, optimizing irrigation and drainage to reduce waste and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nutrients and water are supplied at rates exceeding plant usage, then plant growth needs are met, but excess water and nutrients drain out of the substrate increasing production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors substrate moisture content and nutrient levels using sensors, and adjusts irrigation and fertigation rates in real-time based on actual plant needs and environmental conditions, eliminating excess application and drainage
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes irrigation and fertigation parameters (flow rates, timing, concentration) based on measured substrate conditions, plant growth stage, and environmental factors to optimize nutrient uptake efficiency
2Productivity
If nutrients are supplied at high concentration, then plant nutrient needs are met, but excess nutrients accumulate in the substrate reaching harmful levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors substrate nutrient levels continuously and adjusts fertigation concentration and volume to maintain optimal ranges, preventing both deficiency and toxic accumulation through real-time feedback control
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed-rate fertigation to dynamic, variable-rate application that adapts to changing plant needs, substrate conditions, and environmental factors throughout the growth cycle
3Productivity
If irrigation water is supplied to replace transpiration, then water balance is maintained, but nutrient concentration in substrate decreases limiting plant growth
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines irrigation and fertigation into a single integrated process, delivering both water and nutrients simultaneously through the same irrigation infrastructure, ensuring nutrient supply matches water application
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors both substrate moisture and nutrient levels, adjusting fertigation rates to replenish nutrients removed by plant uptake in proportion to water application and transpiration rates
4Device complexity
If conventional irrigation systems are used without sensors, then system complexity is low, but nutrient balance cannot be optimized leading to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual, mechanical irrigation control with automated sensor-based electronic control that continuously monitors substrate conditions and adjusts fertigation rates without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the substrate and plants to 'monitor their own needs' through embedded sensors that detect moisture and nutrient levels, automatically triggering appropriate fertigation responses without external management
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system precisely manages nutrient supply, reducing water and fertilizer use, minimizing chemical leaching, and enhancing plant health, thereby lowering installation costs and herbicide/pesticide needs.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor disposed in the first container... the first sensor can include an electrical conductivity and permittivity sensor
Implementation Method 2
the first sensor can include an electrical conductivity and permittivity sensor having at least one prong positioned extending upward from a bottom wall of the first container
Data Source
AI summary
A fertigation sensor system includes a first sensor system and a second sensor system. The first sensor system includes a first container configured to collect a feed solution originating from a fertigation source, the feed solution including water and fertilizer at a target ratio of concentration of water to fertilizer and a first sensor disposed in the first container. The second sensor system includes a second container configured to collect the feed solution originating from the fertigation source and a second sensor disposed in the second container. The sensor systems are usable to determine volumetric flow rates and electrical conductivity and permittivity of feed solution before and after being provided to one or more plants, thereby providing data indicating plant development and growth conditions.