Design and Develop a Vertical Box Smart Farm based on Programmable Logic Controller

Agriculture plays an indispensable role in daily life, and presently, soilless cultivation techniques such as hydroponics enjoy widespread popularity. In efforts to advance this methodology, we have implemented a sophisticated Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) system tailored for Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic cultivation within a greenhouse setting. This system incorporates a diverse array of sensors designed to measure crucial parameters including water temperature, Electrical Conductivity (EC), and Potential of Hydrogen ion ($\mathbf{p H}$) levels. The PLCs is meticulously programmed to oversee and regulate the entire cultivation process seamlessly. Additionally, integration of a Raspberry Pi facilitates Internet of Things (IoT) functionalities, thereby enhancing convenience and enabling remote monitoring capabilities. We aim to conduct a comparative analysis between two distinct greenhouse systems: one under the control of the PLC, and the other devoid of such automated control, in order to discern and evaluate the disparities in plant growth and development between them. The study focuses on key variables such as canopy width and leaf count of Green Oak Lettuce over a 5 -week period, with the primary environmental factors influencing these variables being the levels of EC and pH in the nutrient solution. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the benefits of environmental control in greenhouse-based hydroponic cultivation of green oak lettuce, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.