Optimizing Indoor Lettuce Cultivation: Evaluating the Impact of Artificial Light and Parameter Monitoring Using an IoT Device

With the global population on a rapid rise, the demand for food is increasing significantly. Research and development of new agricultural technologies that can improve crop production are crucial to address this challenge. Among such advancements, Internet of Things (IoT)-based indoor hydroponic cultivation has emerged as a practical solution, particularly in urban areas. This approach offers the potential for improved, high-quality yields while overcoming the limitations of unfavorable climatic conditions. Additionally, IoT-based hydroponic cultivation allows for reduced human resource requirements and enables the automation of critical processes. Through automated monitoring and control, essential parameters like water level, pH, EC, temperature, flow, and light intensity can be optimized for optimal plant growth. This study investigated the ability to cultivate lettuce as an indoor hydroponic and use a portable IoT-based device to monitor the parameters. The study identified the optimal photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) at 200 μmolm−2 s−1 with a photoperiod of 16 h d−1, achieved by employing LEDs with an R:B:W ratio of 1:1:1, as the recommended conditions for indoor hydroponic lettuce cultivation. We have designed and developed a portable, user-friendly IoT device to measure the parameters necessary for hydroponic cultivation, such as humidity, temperature, pH, and EC. The device had been able to provide accurate and reliable data enabling precise monitoring and facilitating enhanced lettuce cultivation. This study will pave the pathway to sustainable and resource-efficient agriculture in the face of a growing global population's nutritional needs.