Claims:What is Claimed:
1. A hydroponic system configured to grow a plurality of cotton plants, the hydroponic system comprising:
a housing having an interior and an exterior;
a plurality of planting vessels enclosed by the housing, the plurality of planting vessels configured to hold the plurality of cotton plants;
a light source;
a piping assembly coupled to the plurality of planting vessels;
a fertigation system coupled to the piping assembly and configured to circulate a fertilizer solution to the plurality of cotton plants; and
a control system configured to maintain a temperature and humidity of the interior of the housing.
2. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein the light source is natural light.
3. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes:
a floor,
at least one wall coupled to the floor and that extends relative to the floor in an upward direction, and
a roof coupled to the at least one wall and that extends relative to the at least one wall in a perpendicular direction.
4. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein the housing is a greenhouse.
5. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of planting vessels includes:
a base,
at least one face coupled to the base and that extends relative to the base in an upward direction, and
an opening positioned on the at least one face and towards the base, the opening configured to allow excess fertilizer solution to drain from the plurality of planting vessels into the piping assembly.
6. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of planting vessels are Dutch buckets.
7. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of cotton plants are anchored in the plurality of planting vessels.
8. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein the fertigation system comprises:
a stock reservoir configured to contain a stock fertilizer;
a fertigation reservoir coupled to the stock reservoir and configured to contain the fertilizer solution, the fertigation reservoir further coupled to the piping assembly;
at least one pump coupled to the fertigation reservoir and configured to maintain a constant flow rate of the fertilizer solution in the piping assembly;
a water source configured to provide a water solution to the stock fertilizer in the fertigation reservoir; and
a chiller configured to control the temperature of the fertilizer solution.
9. The hydroponic system of claim 8, wherein the temperature of the fertilizer solution is maintained in a range between about 15 degrees Celsius to about 30 degrees Celsius.
10. The hydroponic system of claim 8, wherein the stock fertilizer includes a combination of macronutrients and micronutrients.
11. The hydroponic system of claim 10, further comprising a buffer that is phosphoric acid.
12. The hydroponic system of claim 10, wherein the macronutrients include one or a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
13. The hydroponic system of claim 10, wherein the micronutrients include one or a combination of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine.
14. The hydroponic system of claim 8, wherein the water source includes one or a combination of rain water and treated groundwater.
15. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein the piping assembly includes:
an input line configured to couple the fertigation system to the plurality of cotton plants, and
an output line configured to couple the plurality of planting vessels to the fertigation system.
16. The hydroponic system of claim 15, wherein the input line is a flexible piping made of PVC, and the output line is made of galvanized iron.
17. The hydroponic system of claim 15, wherein the input line is further configured to circulate the fertilizer solution to the plurality of cotton plants, and wherein the output line is further configured to allow excess fertilizer solution to be drained from the plurality of planting vessels to the fertigation system.
18. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein the control system comprises:
at least one sensor that obtains sensor data that is indicative of temperature and humidity; and
an interface element that is connected to the at least one sensor, wherein the interface element is configured to forward the sensor data provided by the at least one sensor to a computing device, wherein the computing device is configured to, in response to receiving sensor data, a) determine if the sensor data indicates that a temperature and humidity criterion is met for the interior of the housing, and b) based on the determination that the criterion is met, adjust the temperature and the humidity.
19. The hydroponic system of claim 18, wherein the computing device activates a cooling system that includes:
an evaporative cooling pad coupled to the housing and configured to a) receive hot air around the exterior of the housing, b) convert the hot air into cool air, and c) transport the cool air into the interior of the housing; and
at least one cooling fan configured to circulate the cool air throughout the interior of the housing.
20. The hydroponic system of claim 18, wherein the computing device activates at least one air circulation fan configured to circulate air throughout the interior of the housing.
21. The hydroponic system of claim 18, wherein the control system further comprises:
at least one sensor that obtains sensor data that is indicative of pH of the fertilizer solution, and
at least one sensor that obtains sensor data that is indicative of electrical conductivity of the fertilizer solution.
22. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein the control system maintains the temperature of the interior of the housing in a range below about 32 degrees Celsius.
23. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein the control system maintains the temperature of the fertilizer solution in a range between about 24 degrees Celsius to about 25 degrees Celsius.
24. A method, comprising:
enclosing a plurality of planting vessels holding a plurality of cotton plants within an interior of a housing;
mixing a stock fertilizer with a water solution to create a fertilizer solution;
circulating the fertilizer solution to the plurality of cotton plants via a piping assembly;
obtaining sensor data from at least one sensor that is indicative of environmental conditions of the interior of the housing and the fertilizer solution;
forwarding the sensor data via an interface element connected to the at least one sensor to a computing device;
determining if the sensor data indicates that a criterion is met for the environmental conditions of the interior of the housing and the fertilizer solution; and
based on the determination that the criterion is met, adjusting the environmental conditions of the interior of the housing and the fertilizer solution.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising harvesting the plurality of cotton plants after about 120 days.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the environmental conditions include a temperature and a humidity of the interior of the housing, and a temperature, a pH, and an electrical conductivity of the fertilizer solution.
27. The method of claim 24, wherein the circulating:
draining excess fertilizer solution from the plurality of planting vessels via the piping assembly,
recollecting the fertilizer solution in a reservoir, and
re-circulating the drained excess fertilizer solution to the plurality of cotton plants via the piping assembly.
28. The method of claim 24, wherein the adjusting includes activating a system that a) receives hot air around an exterior of the housing via an evaporative cooling pad coupled to the housing, b) converts the hot air into cool air, and c) transporting the cool air into the interior of the housing.
29. The method of claim 24, wherein the adjusting includes activating at least one air circulation fan.
30. The method of claim 24, further comprising maintaining the environmental conditions of the interior of the housing and the fertilizer solution based on the determination that the criterion is not met.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the maintaining includes maintaining a temperature of the interior of the housing in below about 32degrees Celsius.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein the maintaining includes maintaining a temperature of the interior of the housing in a range between about 24 degrees Celsius to about 25 degrees Celsius.
33. The method of claim 30, wherein the maintaining includes maintaining a temperature of the fertilizer solution in a range between about 15 degrees Celsius to about 30 degrees Celsius.
34. The method of claim 24, wherein the stock fertilizer includes a combination of macronutrients and micronutrients.
35. The method of claim 34, further comprising a buffer that is phosphoric acid.
36. The method of claim 34, wherein the macronutrients include one or a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
37. The method of claim 34, wherein the micronutrients include one or a combination of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine.
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
HYDROPONIC SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR COTTON

2. APPLICANT(S)
a) Name :Welspun India Limited
b) Nationality :India
c) Address :Welspun House, 6th Floor, Kamala City, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai – 400013. India

3. PREAMBLE TO DESCRIPTION

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a hydroponic system and method for growing cotton plants.
BACKGROUND
Traditional cotton plant growth and harvesting typically occurs over the course of one cycle per year for a period lasting between about 160 days to about 240 days. Commercial cotton production, however, can be faced with difficulties associated with the environment in which the plants are grown. For example, weather and other environmental conditions can severely affect plant growth and overall cotton production. Flood irrigation and mass spraying, which are not cost-effective resources, can damage surface soils and both ground water and surface water sources. Proper agricultural practices to minimize these hazards and maximize plant growth and productivity are necessary to ensure commercially viable production of cotton.
Hydroponic cultivation is utilized to grow various crops. However, hydroponics is typically not associated with cotton cultivation. This is because hydroponic cotton cultivation typically requires large planting containers for the root systems to develop, as well as constant application of artificial light on the containers. This mechanism is therefore not cost effective, and also limits the quantity of plants able to be grown within the container, which lowers cotton yield and production.Poor environmental qualities for hydroponic systems can also cause disease, toxicity, pH, and plumbing problems, and an overall low crop yield.

SUMMARY
There is a need to provide a cost-effective and an environmentally-regulated hydroponic system that maximizes cotton growth and yield, and produces extra-long staple cotton. An embodiment of the present disclosure is a hydroponic system configured to grow a plurality of cotton plants. The hydroponic system includes a housing having an interior and an exterior. The system also includes a plurality of planting vessels enclosed by the housing, the plurality of planting vessels configured to hold the plurality of cotton plants. The system also includes a light source. The system also includes a piping assembly coupled to the plurality of planting vessels. The system also includes a fertigation system coupled to the piping assembly and configured to circulate a fertilizer solution to the plurality of cotton plants. The system also includes a control system configured to maintain a temperature and humidity of the interior of the housing.
A further embodiment of the present disclosure is a method. The method of includes enclosing a plurality of planting vessels holding the plurality of cotton plants within an interior of a housing. The method also includes mixing a stock fertilizer with a water solution to create a fertilizer solution. The method also includes circulating the fertilizer solution to the plurality of cotton plants via a piping assembly. The method also includes obtaining sensor data from at least one sensor that is indicative of environmental conditions of the interior of the housing and the fertilizer solution. The method also includes forwarding the sensor data via an interface element connected to the at least one sensor to a computing device. The method also includes determining if the sensor data indicates that a criterion is met for the environmental conditions of the interior of the housing and the fertilizer solution. The method also includes based on the determination that the criterion is met, adjusting the environmental conditions of the interior of the housing and the fertilizer solution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. The drawings show illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an interior of a housing shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an exterior of the housing shown in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a planting vessel of the system shown in Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of planting vessels arranged in the housing shown in Figure 2;
Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a fertigation system shown in Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a control system shown in Figure 1;
Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary cooling system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 9 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for growing cotton plants.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

As shown in Figure 1, embodiments of the present disclosure include a hydroponic system 100 configured to grow a plurality of cotton plants 102. The hydroponic system 100 includes a housing 104, a plurality of planting vessels 108 enclosed in the housing 104 and configured to hold the cotton plants 102, a light source 110, a piping assembly 112, a fertigation system 116, and a control system 120. The piping assembly 112 is coupled to each of the plurality of planting vessels 108. The piping assembly is further coupled to the fertigation system 116. The control system communicates with the fertigation system 116 and maintains the environmental conditions within the housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the hydroponic system 100 allows for at least two cotton harvest cycles per year for a period lasting about 150 days. This configuration increases cotton production and improves cotton plant growth productivity. The hydroponic system 100 also produces extra-long staple cotton.
Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the housing 104 includes an interior 105 and an exterior 106. The housing encloses the plurality of planting vessels 108 such that the plurality of planting vessels 108 are contained in the interior 105 of the housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior 105 of the housing 104 has an area of 1000 square meters. In alternative embodiments, the area of the interior 105 may vary.
The housing 104 includes a floor 128, at least one wall 132 coupled to the floor 128 and that extends relative to the floor 128 in an upward direction, and a roof 136 coupled to the at least one wall 132 and that extends relative to the at least one wall 132 in a perpendicular direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 104 includes four walls 132A-132D. The walls 132A-132D and the roof 136 are made of UV ultra-white polyvinyl chloride. In alternative embodiments, the material comprising the at least one wall 132 and the roof 136 may vary.
The walls 132A-132D and the roof 136 are transparent. This configuration allows natural light to be utilized as the light source 110. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one wall 132 may be less transparent. In an alternative embodiment, however, the light source 110 may be artificial. The floor 128 may be concrete or any other material suitable for a floor surface.
The housing 104 allows for an increasingly controlled environment in the interior 105 and may prevent insect contamination and the frequent use of pesticides. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 104 is a greenhouse. In alternative embodiments, the housing 104 may be any structure configured to contain the plurality of planting vessels 108 and provide a controlled environment.
The light source 110 is configured to provide light to the plurality of cotton plants 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 110 is natural light. The natural light penetrates through the walls 132A-132D and the roof 136 onto the plurality of cotton plants 102. Natural light provides the benefit of requiring less electricity and, as a result, less electricity maintenance is required on the hydroponic system 100. In an alternative embodiment, the light source 110 may be artificial light. The artificial light may be coupled to the roof 136 and positioned so that the artificial light shines onto the plurality of cotton plants 102.
Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of planting vessels 108 are configured to contain the plurality of cotton plants 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of planting vessels 108 are Dutch buckets. In alternative embodiments, various types of planting vessels may be used. Each of the plurality of planting vessels 108 includes a base 109, and at least one face 111 coupled to the base 109 and that extend relative to the base 109 in an upward direction. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of planting vessels 108 includes four faces 111A-111D. Each of the plurality of planting vessels 108 further includes an opening 113 positioned on the at least one face 111 towards the base 109. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 113 is located on face 111C. The opening 113 is coupled to the piping assembly 112.
The plurality of planting vessels 108 are sized to fit the plurality of cotton plants 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of planting vessels 108 may have a width of at least 20 cm and a depth of about 35 cm. In another embodiment, the planting vessels 108 may have a width of about 20 cm to about 26 cm. In other embodiments, the dimensions of the plurality of planting vessels 108 may vary. In the illustrated embodiment, at least two of the plurality of cotton plants 102 are contained in each of the plurality of planting vessels 108. In an alternative embodiment, each of the plurality of planting vessels 108 may contain one of the plurality of cotton plants 102. Each of the plurality of planting vessels 108 includes an anchor 138 configured to fix each of the plurality of cotton plants 102 within the planting vessel. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor 138 is a variety of pebbles. In alternative embodiments, the anchor 138 may include rocks, sand, or other materials capable of fixing the plurality of cotton plants 102 within the plurality of planting vessels 108.
The plurality of planting vessels 108 may be arranged in rows within the interior 105 of the housing 104 such that each planting vessel is spaced apart from its adjacent planting vessel by a short distance. In alternative embodiments, different arrangements of the plurality of planting vessels 108 within the interior 105 may be utilized.
Each of the plurality of planting vessels 108 receives water and nutrients being transported to the plurality of cotton plants 102 via the piping assembly 112. Excess water and nutrients are expelled from the plurality of planting vessels 108 through the opening 113 and into the piping assembly 112.
Referring to Figure 6, the fertigation system 116 is coupled to the plurality of planting vessels 108 via the piping assembly 112. The fertigation system 116 is configured to circulate a fertilizer solution 144 to the plurality of cotton plants 102. The fertigation system 116 includes a stock reservoir 147, fertigation reservoir 148, at least one pump 152, a water source 154, and a chiller 156. The stock reservoir 147 is coupled to the fertigation reservoir 148. The stock reservoir 147 is configured to contain a stock fertilizer solution 145.
The stock fertilizer solution 145 includes a mixture of macronutrients and micronutrients, calcium nitrate, magnesium sulphate, and a buffer mixed with water. In the illustrated embodiment, the stock fertilizer solution 145 includes about 74 g/L of the mixture of macronutrients and micronutrients, about 61 g/L calcium nitrate, about 60 g/L magnesium sulphate, and about 1 liter of buffer in about 50 liters of water. In alternative embodiments, the concentration of the stock fertilizer solution 145 may vary. The macronutrients include one or a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. The micronutrients include one or a combination of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine. The buffer may be a pH buffer to maintain salinity and electrical conductivity. In the illustrated embodiment, the buffer is phosphoric acid. In alternative embodiments, other pH buffers may be used.
The fertigation reservoir 148 is configured to contain the fertilizer solution 144 that is being circulated to the plurality of cotton plants 102. The fertigation reservoir 148 also contains the pump 152. The pump 152 is configured to maintain a constant flow rate of the fertilizer solution 144 as the solution is circulated to the plurality of cotton plants 102.
The fertigation reservoir 148 is also coupled to the water source 154. The water source 154 allows a water solution to be mixed with the stock fertilizer solution 145 inside the fertigation reservoir 148. In one embodiment, the water source 154 may be rainwater that forms the water solution. In another embodiment, the water source 154 may be groundwater that is treated to form the water solution.
The fertigation reservoir 148 is also coupled to the chiller 156. The chiller 156 is configured to control the temperature of the fertilizer solution 144. The temperature of the fertilizer solution 144 directly affects oxygen solubility in the solution. As the temperature of the fertilizer solution 144 rises, the plurality of cotton plants 102 undergo a chemical reaction causing an increase in respiration rate, and the availability of oxygen to the roots of the plurality of cotton plants 102 begins to decrease. The chiller 156 is therefore utilized to prevent the temperature of the fertilizer solution 144 from increasing. The chiller 156 controls the temperature of the fertilizer solution 144 in a range between about 15 degrees Celsius to about 30 degrees Celsius. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature of the fertilizer solution 144 is maintained in a range between about 24 degrees Celsius to about 25 degrees Celsius. This temperature range enables the highest nutrient absorption by the roots of the cotton plants.
The fertigation reservoir 148 is further coupled to the piping assembly 112. When the fertigation system 116 is activated, the stock fertilizer solution 145 is added to the fertigation reservoir 148 and mixed with the water solution from the water source 154 to form the fertilizer solution 144. The fertilizer solution 144 is transported from the fertigation reservoir 148 to the piping assembly 112 by the pump 152. The fertilizer solution 144 is circulated to the plurality of planting vessels 108. The piping assembly 112 circulates the fertilizer solution 144 to each of the plurality of cotton plants 102 in the plurality of planting vessels 108. Excess fertilizer solution 144 is drained from the plurality of planting vessels 108 through the opening 113. The excess fertilizer solution 144 is then transported back to the fertigation reservoir 148 via the piping assembly 112.
Continuing with Figure 6, the piping assembly 112 is configured to couple the fertigation system 116 to the plurality of cotton plants 102 and the plurality of planting vessels 108. The piping assembly 112 includes an input line 164collection line 168. The input line 164 is a series of connected piping coupled to the fertigation reservoir 148 and further coupled to each of the plurality of planting vessels 108. The input line 164 is flexible piping and is coupled to a top portion of the plurality of planting vessels 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the input line 164 is made of PVC piping. In alternative embodiments, the material comprising the input line 164 may vary. The input line 164 is configured to allow the fertilizer solution 144 to be transported from the fertigation reservoir 148 to the plurality of cotton plants 102 in the plurality of planting vessels 108, controlled by control system 120. The input line 164 may include at least one valve and a series of timers (valve and timers not shown) coupled to the planting vessels 108. The valve timers are configured to open and close the line 164 and control the circulation of water and fertilizer solution into the planting vessels 108. Watering and fertigation patterns may be adjusted, via the control system (or manually), based on plant maturity level, using the timers to control sequence of valve operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the collection line 168 may be made of plastic or PVC.
A nutrient collection line 168 may used to collect nutrients from each planting vessel 108 and recycle them into other components of the system. The collection line 168 may be a series of connected pipes coupled to the plurality of planting vessels 108 and a nutrient reservoir 149. The lines 168 are coupled to and integrated into the bottom of each vessel 108 to collect nutrients that drain through the root system to the bottom of the vessels 108. The line 168 directs the collected nutrients, via gravity feed, into the reservoir 149. A pump 151 is coupled to reservoir 149 and to the fertigation reservoir 148 via additional piping (not numbered). Excess nutrients that are collected in the reservoir 149 (from each vessel 108) are pumped into the fertigation reservoir 148 via the pump 151. Referring to Figure 7, the control system 120 is configured to also maintain the temperature and humidity of the interior 105 of the housing 104. The control system 120 includes at least one sensor 126 configured to measure temperature and humidity, an interface element 127 coupled to the sensor 126, and a computing device 129. The control system 120 further includes a pH sensor 184 and an electrical conductivity sensor 188. The control system 120 may further include an automatic feedback loop.
The sensor 126 obtains sensor data that is indicative of temperature and humidity of the interior 105. The interface element 127 is configured to forward the sensor data provided by the sensor 126 to the computing device 129. In response to receiving the sensor data, the computing device 129 determines if the sensor data indicates that a temperature and humidity criterion is met for the environment surrounding the plurality of cotton plants. Based on the determination that the criterion is met for the environment, the computing device 129 adjusts the temperature and the humidity.
Referring to Figure 8, the computing device 129 adjusts the temperature of the interior 105 of the housing 104 by activating a cooling system 172. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling system 172 includes an evaporative cooling pad 176 coupled to the at least one wall 132 (132A in Figure 8) of the housing 104 and at least one cooling fan 180 coupled to the at least one wall 132 (132C in Figure 8) of the housing 104 and positioned across from the evaporative cooling pad 176. The evaporative cooling pad 176 is configured to receive hot air around the exterior 106 of the housing 104, convert the hot air into cool air, and transport the cool air into the interior of the housing 104. The cooling fan 180 circulates the cool air throughout the interior of the housing 104 and transports hot air in the interior 105 out into the exterior 106 of the housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple cooling fans 180 are used. In one embodiment, the cooling fan 180 may be an air conditioner. In alternative embodiments, other cooling systems may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 120 maintains the temperature of the interior 105 in a range between about 35 degrees Celsius to about 37 degrees Celsius. In another embodiment, the temperature of the interior 105 may be below about 32 degrees Celsius. In alternative embodiments, the control system 120 may maintain the temperature within other ranges.
Referring to Figure 7, the computing device 129 adjusts the humidity by activating at least one air circulation fan 182. The air circulation fan 182 may be coupled to the roof 136 (not depicted). The air circulation fan 182 is configured to circulate air throughout the interior 105 to decrease the humidity in the interior 105 and promote air exchange. Higher humidity in the interior 105 may increase the difficulty of pollination of the plurality of cotton plants 102. Increased humidity prevents the plurality of cotton plants 102 to transpire properly. In addition, increased humidity may result in fungal diseases within the interior 105 of the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the control system maintains the humidity in a range between about 50% relative humidity to about 70% relative humidity. In an alternative embodiment, the control system maintains the humidity in a range between about 40% relative humidity to about 45% relative humidity. In alternative embodiments, the control system 120 may maintain the humidity within other ranges.
The control system 120 further includes a pH sensor 184. The pH sensor 184 obtains data that is indicative of the pH of the fertilizer solution 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the pH sensor 184 may be an electric meter. In alternative embodiments, other pH sensors may be used. The pH of the fertilizer solution 144 determines the mobility of the nutrients in the fertilizer solution 144, which effects the ability of the plurality of cotton plants 102 to uptake the nutrients from the fertilizer solution 144. If the pH of the fertilizer solution 144 is too high or too low, the macronutrients may be hard to move and be taken up by the plurality of cotton plants 102. In addition, if the pH of the fertilizer solution 144 is too low, the micronutrients may become soluble within the solution. The pH sensor therefore maintains the pH level of the fertilization solution 144 in a range of about 6.5 to about 7.5
When the pH sensor 184 obtains sensor data that is indicative of pH of the fertilizer solution 144, the sensor data is forwarded to the computing device 129 via the interface element 127. The computing device 129 determines if the sensor data indicates that a pH criterion is met for the fertilizer solution 144. Based on the determination that the criterion is met for the fertilizer solution 144, the interface element 127 indicates that the concentrations of the fertilizer solution 144 must be adjusted. If the pH criterion is not met or fluctuates, a buffer or neutralizer may be added to the fertilizer solution prior to circulation.
The electrical conductivity sensor 188 obtains data that is indicative of electrical conductivity of the fertilizer solution 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical conductivity sensor 188 is an electrical conductivity meter. In alternative embodiments, other electrical conductivity sensors may be used. The electrical conductivity of the fertilizer solution 144 determines the strength of the nutrients in the fertilizer solution 144 and how the growth of the plurality of cotton plants 102 may be affected by the nutrient strength. Nutrient strength is controlled to provide an optimal condition in the roots of the plurality of cotton plants 102. This allows the maximum uptake of nutrients from the fertilizer solution 144 into the rest of the cellular structure of the plurality of cotton plants 102.
When the electrical conductivity sensor 188 obtains sensor data that is indicative of the electrical conductivity of the fertilizer solution 144, the sensor data is forwarded to the computing device 129 via the interface element 127. The computing device 129 determines if the sensor data indicates that an electrical conductivity criterion is met for the fertilizer solution 144. Based on the determination that the criterion is met for the fertilizer solution 144, the interface element 127 indicates that the concentrations of the fertilizer solution 144 must be adjusted.
In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 120 may further monitor the age of individual cotton plants 102. The control system 120 may control the fertigation system 116 to alter the amount of nutrients provided to the cotton plants based on the age of the cotton plants 102. For example, as the cotton plants 102 age, the control system 120 may control the fertigation system 116 to increase the amount of nutrients delivered to the cotton plants 102.
Now referring to Figure 9, a method 900 of growing a plurality of cotton plants using the hydroponic system 100 shown in Figures 1-8 will be described. In step 904, the plurality of planting vessels 108 holding the plurality of cotton plants 102 are enclosed within the interior 105 of the housing 104. In step 916, the stock fertilizer solution 145 is mixed with the water solution from the water source 154 in the fertigation reservoir to create the fertilizer solution 144. In step 920, the fertilizer solution 144 is circulated to the plurality of cotton plants 102 in the plurality of planting vessels 108 via the input line 164. In step 924, excess fertilizer solution is drained from each of the plurality of planting vessels 108 and transported back to the fertigation reservoir 148 via the collection line 168. In step 928, the drained excess fertilizer solution 144 is re-circulated to the plurality of cotton plants 102 in the plurality of planting vessels 108 via the input line 164. The drained excess fertilizer solution 144 may be mixed with the stock fertilizer solution 145 and the water solution from the water source 154 in the fertigation reservoir 148 prior to re-circulation. In one embodiment, valves and timers coupled to the planting vessel 108 may be configured to control the circulation of water and fertilizer solution 144. Watering and fertigation patterns may be adjusted based on plant maturity level.
In step 932, the environmental conditions of the interior 105 and the fertilizer solution 144 are observed. Environmental conditions of the interior 105 include the temperature and the humidity of the interior 105. Environmental conditions of the fertilizer solution 144 include the temperature, the pH, and the electrical conductivity.
In step 934, sensor data that is indicative of the environmental conditions of the interior 105 and the fertilizer solution 144 are obtained via the sensor 126, pH sensor 184, and electrical conductivity sensor 188. In step 936, the sensor data is forwarded to the computing device 129 via the interface element 127. In step 940, the computing device 129 determines if the sensor data indicates that a criterion is met for the interior 105 and the fertilizer solution 144. In step 944A, based on the determination that the criterion is not met, the computing device 129 maintains the current environmental conditions. The temperature of the interior 105 is maintained in a range between about 35 degrees Celsius to about 37 degrees Celsius. The humidity of the interior 105 is maintained in a range between about 50% relative humidity to about 70% relative humidity. In an alternative embodiment, optionally, the humidity of the interior 105 is maintained in a range between about 40% relative humidity to about 45% relative humidity. The pH of the fertilizer solution 144 is maintained in a range between about 6.5 to about 7.5. In step 944B, based on the determination that the criterion is met for the environment, the computing device 129 communicates with the interface element 127 to adjust the environmental conditions accordingly. In the illustrated embodiment, the computing device 129 activates the cooling system 172 to adjust the temperature. In the illustrated embodiment, the computing device 129 activates the air circulation fan 182 to adjust the humidity.
The present disclosure is described herein using a limited number of embodiments, these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure as otherwise described and claimed herein. Modification and variations from the described embodiments exist. More specifically, the following examples are given as a specific illustration of embodiments of the claimed disclosure. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details set forth in the examples.