INTEGRATION OF IoT (INTERNET OF THINGS) IN HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS

This article explores the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into hydroponic systems, which allows for the automation of monitoring and management processes in agriculture. Hydroponics, as an innovative method of growing plants without soil, requires a high level of control over environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, pH level, light intensity, and nutrient concentration. In this context, the use of IoT technologies enables continuous real-time monitoring of these parameters, as well as automatic adjustment of conditions to achieve optimal values. IoT sensors, installed at various points in the hydroponic system, collect data on important indicators and transmit it to central platforms for further analysis. The integration of such sensors allows farmers to obtain accurate information about the system's state, significantly improving the efficiency of plant growth. For example, temperature sensors can monitor fluctuations in water temperature, which is critical for root system growth, while pH sensors provide timely correction of the pH balance in the solution. One of the key advantages of integrating IoT into hydroponics is the reduction of water supply and energy consumption costs. Through precise monitoring and automatic regulation of system parameters, it is possible to ensure the economical use of water and energy, which is particularly important in the context of limited natural resources. Moreover, the IoT system allows for predicting potential malfunctions or deviations in equipment performance, which helps prevent major disruptions in the processes and respond to potential problems in a timely manner. The article also discusses the prospects for the development of such systems, particularly the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies for more accurate forecasting of plant needs and optimization of growing conditions. IoT networks with flexible configuration and scalability capabilities can be integrated into hydroponic farms of various sizes and complexities, ranging from small-scale farms to large commercial agricultural systems.