LOW-COST AUTOMATION OF FERTIGATION WITH PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER AND GAS-FILLED SENSORS
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a low-cost automation system for management of different fertigation regimes in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown in a protected environment. The system consisted of an irrigation controller coupled to substrate moisture sensors and to a programmable logic controller (PLC). Four water regimes and nutrient supply levels were considered during evaluations. While developing, functional tests were performed to the automation system. Moreover, a cost-benefit analysis for the assembling of the system was carried out. As result, we noted that the automation system was efficient for controlling fertigation. It showed no problems regarding malfunction, still presenting a lower cost if compared to commercial controllers.
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Associação Brasileira de Engenharia Agrícola
2017
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| Online Access: | http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0100-69162017000200394 |
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| Summary: | ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a low-cost automation system for management of different fertigation regimes in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown in a protected environment. The system consisted of an irrigation controller coupled to substrate moisture sensors and to a programmable logic controller (PLC). Four water regimes and nutrient supply levels were considered during evaluations. While developing, functional tests were performed to the automation system. Moreover, a cost-benefit analysis for the assembling of the system was carried out. As result, we noted that the automation system was efficient for controlling fertigation. It showed no problems regarding malfunction, still presenting a lower cost if compared to commercial controllers. |
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