Automated Hydroponic Nutrient Dosing System: A Scoping Review of pH and Electrical Conductivity Dosing Frameworks

• Published in: AGRIENGINEERING
• Main Authors: Sulaiman, Hamdan; Yusof, Ahmad Anas; Mohamed Nor, Mohd Khairi
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI 2025
• Subjects: Agriculture
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001429915400001

Hydroponics, a soilless cultivation method, relies on precise nutrient management to optimize plant growth. This study provides a systematic scoping review of automated hydroponic nutrient dosing systems, focusing on potential of hydrogen (pH) and electrical conductivity (EC) dosing frameworks. Following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for systematic scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, 3222 studies were retrieved and screened, with 89 meeting inclusion criteria for analysis. The review aimed to identify current research trends, dosing frameworks, critical variables, and research gaps. Results reveal a steady rise in publications from 2015 (n = 4) to 2022 (n = 18). Feedback loop frameworks and predictive analytics are equally represented (n = 45 each). Critical variables include pH (n = 70), EC (n = 36), total dissolved solids (TDS) (n = 27), nutrient solution volume (NSV) (n = 42), and nutrient solution temperature (NST) (n = 28). The study highlights the need for robust frameworks incorporating advanced dosing frameworks and simultaneous dosing strategies to enhance dosing speed, accuracy, and robustness. A novel framework is proposed to address these gaps by integrating predictive analytics using multiple regression models. This framework aims to improve the dosing speed, accuracy, and robustness of automated hydroponic nutrient dosing systems. The findings underscore the importance of further research into adaptive frameworks to meet the growing demand for precision hydroponic systems.