An Open Loop Distribution Module for Precise and Uniform Drip Fertigation in Soilless Culture

In soilless culture, the definition of efficient fertigation
strategies is fundamental for the growth of crops. Flexible
test-benches able to independently manage groups of crops are key for
investigating efficient fertigation practices through experimentation.
These test-benches must be able to provide nutrient solution (NS) in a
precise, uniform and repeatable way in order to effectively implement
and compare different fertigation strategies. This article describes
a distribution module for investigating fertigation practices able to
control the fertigation dose and frequency. The proposed solution is
characterized in terms of precision, uniformity and repeatability since
these parameters are fundamental in the implementation of effective
experiments for the investigation of fertigation practices. After a
calibration process, the implemented system reaches a precision of
1mL, a uniformity of 98.5% at a total cost of 735USD.

Authors:

• Juan Ignacio Arango
• Andres Diaz
• Giacomo Barbieri

Keywords:

• Precision horticulture
• test-bench
• fertigation strategy
• automation
• flexibility.

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