Author(s): Emily R Thompson, Michael J Carter and Sophia L Hernandez

Abstract: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an IoT-enabled adaptive control architecture integrated with a high-pressure aeroponic system for enhancing environmental stability, growth dynamics, yield, and water-use efficiency in vegetable crops. A comparative experimental design was implemented using two management strategies conventional timer-based control and an IoT-driven adaptive misting and monitoring system across lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme). The IoT treatment employed multi-sensor monitoring of air temperature, relative humidity, vapour pressure deficit (VPD), root-zone temperature, EC, and pH, with real-time data acquisition, cloud-based visualization, and rule-based automated actuation. Results demonstrated that the IoT-driven system significantly reduced temporal variability in VPD and root-zone temperature, maintained nutrient solution EC and pH closer to optimal ranges, and improved microclimatic stability throughout the crop cycle. These environmental improvements translated into notable agronomic gains: lettuce and tomato showed 12-21% improvements in growth parameters, 20-23% higher biomass and marketable yield, and 18-23% increases in water-use efficiency compared with timer-based control. Time-series canopy imaging and growth modelling revealed accelerated canopy expansion and higher relative growth rates under IoT management, while correlation analyses confirmed strong associations between environmental stability and yield. The IoT platform also improved operational reliability by enabling early detection of pump failures and nozzle blockages. Overall, the study provides compelling evidence that IoT-enabled aeroponic systems can optimize resource use, enhance productivity, and strengthen system robustness, thereby representing a promising pathway for precision, high-efficiency vegetable production in controlled-environment agriculture.

DOI: 10.33545/2707661X.2025.v6.i2b.149

Pages: 130-137 | Views: 65 | Downloads: 27

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