Development of a Sensor-based Solar Powered Hydroponic Fodder Production System

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a solar-powered, sensor-based hydroponic maize fodder production system capable of providing a sustainable, energy-efficient and year-round solution for green fodder cultivation. Study Design: Engineering development followed by system evaluation under controlled hydroponic growing conditions. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering and Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India. Methodology: A sensor-integrated hydroponic fodder unit was developed using AHT10, AHT25 and DHT11 sensors connected to an Arduino Uno for automated monitoring of temperature and humidity. Solar PV panels with a charge controller and battery storage powered the system. The structure consisted of multi-tier trays with micro-sprinklers to ensure uniform irrigation. Sensors were evaluated based on mean absolute error and accuracy. Hydroponic maize was grown under different seed rates, temperatures and harvest periods, and green fodder yield was recorded in kg m⁻². Results: Among the sensors tested, AHT10 demonstrated the highest accuracy and lowest mean absolute error for both temperature and humidity, making it the most suitable for automated hydroponic control. Maximum green fodder yield of 19.78 kg m⁻² was achieved at an optimum temperature of 29–32 °C, 11-day harvest period, and 600 g seed rate. The solar-powered system ensured uninterrupted operation while reducing dependence on external electricity. Conclusion: The developed solar-powered, sensor-based hydroponic maize fodder unit proved efficient, cost-effective and highly suitable for rural farming systems. It offers a sustainable solution for year-round green fodder production, overcoming limitations of traditional cultivation such as high labour, water requirement and seasonal dependence.