How to cite:
E-ISSN:
Published by:
Nurjaya, Gema Aditya Mahendra, Indah Novi Yarman. (2022).
Innovation of Smart Agricultural Control System in NFT Hydroponic
based on Artificial Intelligence of Things. Journal Eduvest. Vol 2(1):
182-189
2775-3727
https://greenpublisher.id/
INNOVATION OF SMART AGRICULTURAL CONTROL
SYSTEM IN NFT HYDROPONIC BASED ON ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE OF THINGS
Nurjaya
1
, Gema Aditya Mahendra
2
, Indah Novi Yarman
3
1
Chemical)Engineering)Study)Program,)Faculty)of)Engineering,)Universitas)
Negeri)Semarang,)Semarang,)Indonesia)
2
Chemical)Engineering)Study)Program,)Faculty)of)Engineering,)Universitas)
Negeri)Semarang,)Semarang,)Indonesia,))
3
Informatics)and)Computer)Engineering)Education)Study)Program,)Faculty)of)
Engineering,)Universitas)Negeri)Semarang,)Semarang,)Indonesia))
Email:)[email protected],)))))[email protected],)
!
ARTICLE(INFO( ABSTRACT
(
Received
:(
December,(28
th#
2021
(
Revised
:(
January,(18
th#
2022
(
Approved:(
Rapid population growth has had a significant effect on increasing food
demand. However, the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural
land cannot be avoided. Currently, there are only 8.1 million hectares of
agricultural land and it is estimated that this will decrease to 5.1 million
hectares of agricultural land by 2045. Hydroponic agriculture is one of the
solutions for efficient use of agriculturalland, one of which is the Hydroponic
Nutrient Film Technique. That must be maintained and controlled are pH,
Electrical Conductivity (EC), and flow. The optimum value of each
January,(19
th#
2022
(
parameter is pH 6, EC 5mS cm-1, and a flow of 1.5 l / m. However, the
optimal value of each parameter will change with changing conditions and
environment. As an innovative solution, the authors offer SANIC
technology, a smart agricultural control system in NFT hydroponic based on
artificial intelligence of things. The methodology used in this paper is ADDIE
(Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluate). This
technology has a multifunctional plant treatment that works
automatically. The equipment is integrated with several components such
as a pH sensor, Solenoid Valve, Flow Sensor and EC meter. The main system
of this technology is controlled intelligently by Fuzzy Logic rules. This
technology is also equipped with solar panels to support environmentally
friendly energy needs.
KEYWORDS
(
Nutrient) Film) Technique,) Hydroponics,) Intelligent)
Agriculture,)Artificial)Intelligence)of)Things.)
!
!
Eduvest)โ)Journal)of)Universal)Studies)
Volume)2)Number)1,)January,)2022)
p-)ISSN)2775-3735-)e-ISSN)2775-3727)
(
Nurjaya, Gema Aditya Mahendra, Indah Novi Yarman
Innovation of Smart Agricultural Control System in NFT Hydroponic based on Artificial
Intelligence of Things
183
!
!
INTRODUCTION
The high demographic bonus is inseparable from the quantity of human resources
possessed, it was recorded that the total population in Indonesia in 2015 was 255.6 million and
it is projected that by 2045 the population in Indonesia will reach 318.9 million [1]. The higher
the population growth, the more it is in line with the needs that must be fulfilled [2]. The limited
amount of free land forces the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural land. This of
course has a bad impact on increasing the quantity of agricultural production, especially food to
meet community needs.
The current agricultural land area is 8.1 million hectares, and it is projected that in 2045,
only 5.1 million hectares are left [3]. Hydroponic agricultural innovation is present as an
alternative solution to the efficiency of limited land use. According to Carvalho et al [4],
hydroponics is a technique of cultivating plants without using soil, but using water as the medium.
One type of hydroponics that has begun to be developed and adopted is the Hydroponic
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), this is because the fertigation system model that is owned is
different. In order to get maximum results, the NFT hydroponic system needs to pay attention to
the flow rate of water, water quality, EC (Electrical Conductivity) value, and pH of nutrient
solutions [5]. All of these components play their respective important roles in optimizing
hydroponic plant growth. Elemental absorption will be maximal in hydroponic systems when the
pH is in the range 5.5 - 6.5 and optimal at 6.0 [6]. With this background, the idea of SANIC
(Hydroponic Smart Agriculture) was created. Thissystem is an intelligent system that is able to
regulate optimal maintenance automatically quickly and accurately. SANIC is expected to be an
effective innovation in the maintenance of hydroponic NFT plants and become a driver of
intelligent agricultural technology in the era of the industrial revolution 4.0. The purpose as an
innovation to improve the maintenance system in hydroponic agriculture in Indonesia
RESEARCH METHOD
SANIC design used ADDIE method. This method is suitable for producing a particular product,
and testing its effectiveness.
Research Stages
a. Analysis
At this stage, the author analyzes the problem that occurs in this era, that it is necessary to
innovate a hydroponic smart control system that is intelligent and able to work automatically,
namely SANIC.
b. Design
At this stage the authors designed the SANIC system innovation concept in NFT hydroponic
agriculture. The conceptual design is made with a plan that includes the purpose of using the
product, the target, description and explanation of components in SANIC and its functions.
c. Development
After completing design of SANIC system, the next stage is the development of the tool by
testing to find out deficiencies and making improvements at the next stage.
d. Implementation
The author will implement the SANIC system in hydroponic NFT agriculture in Indonesia after
receiving cooperation from various parties, such as the Government, Private Sector and the
Community.
e. Evaluate
Evaluation is done after the concept of SANIC has been realized and used by farmers so that
it is known the lack of SANIC system so far.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Eduvest โ Journal of Universal Studies
Volume 2, Number 1, January, 2022
184
http://eduvest.greenvest.co.id
M = 10
-12
/ 1,34 x 10
-10
(OH
+
) = โM!x!โKb!
M = 10
-12
/ 1,6 x 10
-6
!
!
SANIC is an innovative smart care system for hydroponics NFT. The SANIC concept
combines an intelligent control system in the form of ideal pH settings, water flow rates, and EC
value requirements. The pH reading is carried out by the pH sensor, while the water flow rate is
carried out by the flow sensor and the EC value is measured by the EC meter. SANIC implements
an artificial intelligence fuzzy logic model system, this system can formulate the knowledge of an
expert [7]. The intelligence of this system is embedded in a microcontroller which functions as the
brain where all processes in SANIC are carried out.
pH Setting
There is a pH setting formula that is designed for optimal setting results, the following is the
calculation of the formula used in the SANIC Program :
Value Ka = 1,34x10
-10
, Value Kb = 1,6x10
-6
Substitute the value in the molarity equation to get
the volume.
K = Alkaline ionization constant
M = Molarity
Mr = Relative Molecular Mass of
Acid/ Base Compounds
S = Left open solenoid
Substitute the molarity equation formula in the
discharge calculation formula to determine the time
required.
Information:
(H
+
) = Concentration of Ion H
+
(OH) = Concentration of Ion OH
Ka = Acid ionization constant
*The input value in the formulation is adjusted to the technical specifications of the tool.
Debit Setting
The process of controlling the flow of water is carried out by a flow sensor with the following
physics formula :
Information:
Q = Water Flow Discharge
V= Volume in
t = Time
As the output system uses a pump to regulate the flow rate. The ON-OFF program system is
implemented in this design to activate and deactivate quickly and precisely. Flow sensors are
actively taking data continuously to get more accurate data.
(H
+
) = โM!x!โKa!
M
!
!
Constant
!
S =
! ! !
V/012it3!14!Li56i7!
Nurjaya, Gema Aditya Mahendra, Indah Novi Yarman
Innovation of Smart Agricultural Control System in NFT Hydroponic based on Artificial
Intelligence of Things
185
EC Value Setting
The EC setting process starts from measuring the EC value and continues with processing
and output orders. The sensor used is an EC Meter that can measure the EC value quickly and
precisely.
The system applied to the SANIC concept allows all actions and orders to work automatically
and in real-time. In practice, pH sensors, EC meters, and flow sensors are placed on hydroponic
plant pipes. So that it can measure pH, water flow rate, and EC value with higher accuracy.
Meanwhile, the solenoid and the acid-base solution container are placed near the reservoir to
facilitate the mixing of the nutrient solution and acid-base solution. The following is the SANIC
application design shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. SANIC Design
SANIC Working Principle
This system will work when there is a change in the value of pH, EC, and the flow rate of the
NFT hydroponic plant nutrient solution. The pH sensor, EC meter, and flow sensor will read and
inform the microcontroller to carry out commands in the form of ON-OFF of the pump, adding
nutrient solutions, or adding acid-base solutions. Technology cooperation scheme SANIC
contained in Figure 2 as follows.
SANIC Monitoring System
Finish
Figure 2. SANIC Flowchart
In maximizing the work system of SANIC, a web automation system and monitoring of pH,
EC, and flow rate of the NFT hydroponic plant nutrient solution device was created. This system
works by utilizing the principles of artificial intelligence and the internet of things. With this
Start
Measurement of
EC, pH, and Flow
Ideal
Condition
Yes
Stabilization
Calculation by
Microcontroller
No
Eduvest โ Journal of Universal Studies
Volume 2, Number 1, January, 2022
186
http://eduvest.greenvest.co.id
Design and Trial
This stage includes designing the
literature and the components
2022
Area Mapping
Area mapping was carried out to
find potential areas for HYCAZZ
2023
Pilot Project
This stage is about the selection of
potential areas to carry out testing
2024
Implementation
Implementation starting from
obtaining permits, socialization,
then implementing HYCAZZ
2025
Projections of Success
Prediction of success in the application of
system, it is expected to make it easier to monitor and control the parameters of pH, EC, and
nutritional value of the flow by using a smartphone or personal computer in real time. So that
the quality of NFT hydroponic plants can be maintained and crop yields increase according to the
target. The following is the SANIC monitoring system shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Interface of SANIC Website
The following is the SANIC Programming Architecture shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4. SANIC Programming Arsitecture
Roadmap Implementation
The implementation of SANIC concept through 5 main stages which includes :
Figure 5. Roadmap Implementation
Nurjaya, Gema Aditya Mahendra, Indah Novi Yarman
Innovation of Smart Agricultural Control System in NFT Hydroponic based on Artificial
Intelligence of Things
187
Success Projection
The success of SANIC technology is when it can accurately regulate the ideal requirements
of plants. PH stability in the range of grades 6.0 capable of providing a significant impact on
agricultural output of hydroponic NFT, because the absorption of growth will take place
optimally. Based on the research of Kusuma et al [8], the pH value of 6.0 in tomato growth was
able to increase yield in terms of plant height, the number of leaves, fruit weight, and the number
of fruits. The following is a comparison of the results of the effect of pH on growth as shown in
Table 1.
Table 1. Effect of pH Value on Plant Growth
pH
Height
(cm)
Number
(Sheet)
Fruit
Mass
(gram)
Number
of
Fruits
6,3
31,88
100,78
41,32
8,60
7,5
25,77
68,67
26,97
7,85
Increase
23,70%
46,76%
53,21%
9,55%
Based on these results, when successfully applied to NFT hydroponics, the percentage of
success (PS) can be projected as follows :
ฦฉ
๐ฉ๐
!
๐๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐
โ!ฦฉ
๐ฉ๐
!
๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐
!
๐ฑ
!
๐๐๐
!
ฦฉ
๐ฉ๐
!
๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐
!
$
๐๐๐
,
๐๐
!โ!
๐๐๐
,
๐๐
!!
๐ฑ
!
๐๐๐
!
๐๐๐
,
๐๐
!
!
= 41,25%
The EC (Electrical Conductivity) value has a impact in nutrient solutions. A stable EC value is
estimated at 2.5 mS cm-1 which can provide optimal nutrient absorption [9]. The following is a
comparison of the EC values shown in Table 2.
Table 2. The Effect of EC Value on Plant Growth
Based on these results, when successfully
applied to NFT hydroponics, the percentage of
success (PS) can be projected as follows:
ฦฉ
๐๐
!
๐๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐
โ!ฦฉ
๐๐
!
๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐
!
๐ฑ
!
๐๐๐
!
ฦฉ
๐๐
!
๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐
!
!
๐๐
.
๐๐
!
โ!
๐๐
.
๐๐
!!
๐ฑ
!
๐๐๐
!
๐๐
.
๐๐
!
!
= 35.71%
The appropriate water flow rate can have a impact on the flow of nutrients to plant roots.
The flow rate of water that is appropriate to the age of the plant roots average is in the range of
1.5 l / m [10]. The following is a comparison of the results of the effect of the water flow rate on
growth shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Effect of Water Flow Discharge on Plant Growth
Flow Rate
(L/m)
Height
(cm)
Number of
Leaves
(sheet)
0.5 โ 1.5
22.67
8.11
3.5 โ 4.5
19.1
7.33
Percentage
Increase
18.69%
10.64%
=
=
PS =
PS =
EC
(mS.cm
-1
)
Height
(cm)
Leaf
(sheet)
Leaf
Area
(cm
2
)
Plant
Weight
(g)
1
4,14
5,46
3,89
17,85
2,5
4,56
5,75
4,11
28,11
Increase
9,21%
5,31%
5,7%
57,5%
Eduvest โ Journal of Universal Studies
Volume 2, Number 1, January, 2022
188
http://eduvest.greenvest.co.id
Based on these results, when successfully applied to NFT hydroponics, the percentage of
success (PS) can be projected as follows :
ฦฉ
๐
๐ฅ๐จ๐ฐ
!
๐๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐
โฦฉ
๐
๐ฅ๐จ๐ฐ
!
๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐
!
๐ฑ
!
๐๐๐
!
ฦฉ
๐
๐ฅ๐จ๐ฐ
!
๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐
!
!
๐๐
.
๐๐
!โ!
๐๐
.
๐๐
!
๐ฑ
!
๐๐๐
!
๐๐
.
๐๐
!
!
!
= 16.46%
As for the overall percentage of success (PK Total) can be calculated as follows :
ฦฉ
๐๐
!
๐๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐
!
๐ฑ
!
๐๐๐
!
ฦฉ
๐๐
!
๐๐จ๐ญ๐๐ฅ
!
!
๐๐
.
๐๐
Z
๐๐
.
๐๐
Z
๐๐
.
๐๐
!
๐ฑ
!
๐๐๐
!
๐
!
= 31.14%
So that through the use of technology SANIC afford me enhancing the NFT hydroponic
agricultural production amounted to 31.14%.
CONCLUSION
a. SANIC is an artificial intelligence-based control system for controlling the ideal pH, water flow
rate, and the need for EC value as an effort to optimize NFT hydroponic agriculture.
b. The system then optimize the growth of hydrophonic plant by setting pH at 6, EC at 2.5 mS.cm-
1, and flow at 1.5 l/m.
c. The SANIC concept is projected to increase plant growth by 31.14%.
d. SANIC is expected to be an effective innovation of hydroponic maintenance and is able to drive
smart agricultural technology in industrial revolution 4.0.
REFERENCES
[1] Bahan Pusat Statistik, โProyeksi Penduduk Indonesiaโ, Jakarta: BPS RI,
2018.
[2] Rochaida, E., โDampak Pertumbuhan Penduduk Terhadap Pertumbuhan
Ekonomi dan Keluarga Sejahtera Di Provinsi Kalimantan Timurโ, Forum
Ekonomi, Vol. 18. No. 1, 2016
[3] Mulyani, A., Kuncoro, D., Nursyamsi, D., and Agus, F., โAnalisis Konversi
Lahan Sawah: Penggunaan Data Spasial Resolusi Tinggi Memperlihatkan
laju Konversi yang menghawatirkanโ, Jurnal Tanah dan lklim. 40(2) 43-55.
2016.
[4] Carvalho, R. da S. C., Bastos, R. G., and Souza, C.F, โInfluence of the Use
of Wastewater on Nutrient Absorption and Production of Lettuce Grown in
a Hydroponic Systemโ, Agricultural Water Management 203, 311โ321.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2018.03.028. 2018.
[5] Asmana, M. S., Abdullah, S. H., and Putra, G, โAnalisis Keseragaman
Aspek Fertigasi Pada Desain Sistem Hidroponik Dengan Perlakuan
=
PS =
=
PS =
Nurjaya, Gema Aditya Mahendra, Indah Novi Yarman
Innovation of Smart Agricultural Control System in NFT Hydroponic based on Artificial
Intelligence of Things
189
Kemiringan Talangโ, Jurnal Ilmiah Rekayasa Pertanian dan Biosistem Vol.
5 No 1, 2017.
[6] Pancawanti, D., and Yulianto, A, โImplementasi Fuzzy Logic Controller
Untuk Mengatur pH Nutrisi Pada Sistem Hidroponik Nutrient Film
Technique (NFT)โ, Jurnal Nasional Teknik Elektro Vol. 5 No. 2, 2016.
[7] Mashumah, S., Rivai, M., and Irfansyah, A. N, โNutrient Film Technique
based Hydroponic System Using Fuzzy Logic Control, in: 2018
International Seminar on Intelligent Technology and Its Application
(ISITIA)โ, IEEE, pp. 387โ390, 2018.
[8] Kusuma, M., Mulyono, Dewi, S. S, โPengaruh Berbagai Macam Sumber
Nutrisi Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Tomat (Licopersicum
esculentum) Pada Sistem Hidroponik Sumbuโ, 2015.
[9] Pratiwi, P. R., Subandi, M., and Mustari, E, โPengaruh Tingkat EC
(Electrical Conductivity) Terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Sawi (Brassica
Juncea) pada sistem Instalasi Aeroponik Vertikalโ, Jurnal Agro, Vol. 2, No.
1, 2015.
[10] Qalyubi, I., Pudjojono, M., and Widodo, S, โPengaruh Debit Air dan
Pemberian Jenis Nutrisi Terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Kangkung Pada
Sistem Irigasi Hiroponik NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)โ, Berkah Ilmiah
Teknologi Pertanian, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2014
