EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF WATER AND NUTRIENT BALANCE INTERACTIONS IN CLOSED HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS

This article presents a study aimed at modeling the interactions of water and nutrient balances in hydroponic systems, which are increasingly recognized as an environmentally sustainable and highly efficient method for growing plants without soil. Hydroponic systems provide optimal nutrient delivery to plants through a water solution maintained in a closed cycle, reducing water and fertilizer usage compared to traditional agriculture. However, the effectiveness of such systems largely depends on precise regulation of water and nutrient balances to ensure proper plant growth and optimize resource use. The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive model that considers the dynamics of water and nutrient environments within the hydroponic system and predicts plants' requirements for essential nutrients. The article examines key parameters that influence nutrient balance in hydroponics, including pH level, concentrations of essential micro- and macronutrients, nutrient uptake rates by plants, evaporation, transpiration, temperature variations, and the nutrient ratio in the solution. Achieving stable water and nutrient balance requires accounting for all these factors and adjusting system parameters according to external conditions and the plants' growth stage. The study’s methodology is based on a combination of mathematical modeling and experimental data, enabling the creation of an adaptive model for the hydroponic system. The article details the model structure, including input variables (temperature, humidity, nutrient concentration), exchange processes (uptake and transpiration), and output variables (optimal nutrient element concentrations). The modeling results facilitate the control and adjustment of the nutrient solution, minimizing water and fertilizer usage while ensuring maximum plant yield. The practical significance of the developed model lies in its applicability for managing hydroponic farms of various scales, from home setups to industrial agricultural enterprises.