Investigating the Optimal Flow Rate for Hydroponic Plants Using IoT and Decision Tree Model

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok have made new discoveries in the field of environmental factors, specifically focusing on hydroponic cultivation. The study emphasizes the importance of nutrient solution flow rate in plant growth, concluding that a holistic approach is necessary to understand the mechanisms behind plant growth. The researchers employed IoT technology and decision tree-based data analytics techniques to collect and analyze experimental data on basil plants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The optimal flow rate of the nutrient solution has a critical role in plant growth, including leaf count, size, and height.
  • The study employed IoT technology, including sensors, microcontrollers, and pumps, supported by software including Arduino IDE and an IoT platform for cloud-based data storage.
  • The researchers used decision tree-based data analytics techniques to analyze experimental data from seed germination to harvest.
  • The interaction between flow rate and other environmental factors, such as temperature, light intensity, and pH levels, must be carefully considered.
  • The study concluded that a holistic approach that accounts for the interdependence of these factors is essential to fully understanding the mechanisms behind plant growth.
  • The research can serve as a prototype for identifying optimal cultivation features and other factors across various plant types.
  • Tapanee Treeratanaporn and Thongchai Phairoh were additional authors on the research.

Statistics:

  • The study used Arduino IDE and an IoT platform for cloud-based data storage.
  • The experimental data collection started from seed germination to harvest.
  • The decision tree-based data analytics techniques were used to analyze the experimental data.
  • The optimal flow rate of the nutrient solution was identified as a key factor influencing plant growth.
  • The study was published in the Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, vol. 29, no. 2 (2025): 337-346.
  • The journal is published by Tamkang University Press.

Sources:

  • Investigating the Optimal Flow Rate for Hydroponic Plants Using IoT and the Decision Tree Model. Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, 2025,29(2):337-346. The publisher for Journal of Applied Science and Engineering is Tamkang University Press.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.6180/jase.202602_29(2).0009
  • NewsRx. Research on Environmental Factors Reported by Researchers at King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (Investigating the Optimal Flow Rate for Hydroponic Plants Using IoT and the Decision Tree Model). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. July 18, 2025; p 908.