Abstract: A software used to control fertigation systems (FS) for automated preparation of nutrient solutions based on real time sensing of the drainage solution using ion selective electrodes (ISEs) was developed. This software, named NUTRISENSE, can be used to optimize recycling of the fertigation effluents in closed-loop soilless culture systems. The use of ISEs in conjunction with NUTRISENSE provides a tool to the growers to monitor in real time the fluctuations of major nutrient concentrations in the fertigation effluents, and supplement them with the appropriate amounts of fertilizers. This strategy improves the accuracy of the nutrient supply in closed-loop soilless culture systems. Thus, growers could be encouraged to switch to recycling of the fertigation effluents as the uncertainty in nutrient supply that discourages them from adopting closed-loop soilless cultivation systems would be lifted. This study provides an overview of algorithms used by NUTRISENSE to calculate the nutrient supply when the composition of major nutrients is monitored in real time using ion selective electrodes. Furthermore, a simulation study was conducted to assess the capabilities and the limits of the system and highlight the research needs for its application in greenhouse experiments.

Keywords: Decision support system, greenhouse automation, hydroponics, ion selective electrodes, nutrient modeling

Pages: 6-18

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