Sistema automatizado para cultivo em ambiente protegido com energia solar

Abstract

Throughout human evolution, multiple artificial techniques have been employed to improve the agriculture, beyond ecologic restrictions, including irrigation and genetically modified plants. In response to the use of some of these techniques, there was soil infertility and water contamination, generating the need for technologies that allow the development of plants without causing damage to the environment. Currently, controlled-environment agriculture is used, controlling plant growth and development by manipulation of some factors, such as lighting and temperature, according to the needs of the chosen culture. In addition, the technological evolution in electronics and computing has allowed this technique to be used in different scenarios, making use of several electronic components. Thus, it is proposed to redirect this technique to the residential environment, developing and applying an automated prototype capable of replacing the care of a home garden, configuring an effective and self-sufficient system. Therefore, irrigation systems, the effect of climatic conditions on plant development and methods of sensing and monitoring were analyzed. Based on this, a small prototype was built, with artificial irrigation, lighting and ventilation systems controlled by microcontroller and sensors of moisture, temperature and water level, able to grown two types of plants, simultaneously, and that can be used inside a residence. After the testing period, the plants that had been in the prototype were compared with those which had grown in home gardens, managed by users with different agricultural knowledge, proving the efficiency and convenience of the project.