Using Raspberry Pi technology to remote monitor and control hydroponic systems

View the project report

Commodities

• Fruits: berries (strawberries)
• Vegetables: greens (leafy), greens (lettuces)

Practices

• Crop Production: fertilizers, greenhouses, nutrient cycling, water management
• Education and Training: demonstration, display, extension, farmer to farmer, youth education
• Farm Business Management: budgets/cost and returns, business planning, farm-to-institution, farmers' markets/farm stands
• Production Systems: hydroponics
• Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities

This project will use Raspberry Pi technology to assist in the remote monitoring and control of a hydroponic system within a greenhouse at Wesclin High School. Students in the Horticulture I and II classes will utilize knowledge on plant anatomy, growth, and nutrition requirements to design a hydroponic system to produce vegetables for use in the high school cafeteria. Drafting and design students will use their skills to design and 3D print required custom parts for the system. Ag mechanic and technology students and the Makerspace Club will program and design the Raspberry Pi systems. 

1. Increase sustainable and precision farming technology knowledge to both ag and non-ag students within the high school through curriculum, maintenance, and design of controlled hydroponic systems. 
2. Introduce non-ag students to areas of agriculture where technology design and support can be utilized to maximize utilization of nutrients to reduce waste and cost of hydroponic systems.
3. Provide ag business students a real life scenario to calculate costs of input systems to develop a pricing and marketing strategy of produce based on assets and direct inputs.
4. Share results with local farmers, gardening groups, and greenhouse operators to expand year round production opportunities.