Summary
This study presents an automated fertigation control system for confined root-volume hydroponic tomato cultivation that uses load-cell-based plant weight measurement to regulate water stress. The system establishes maximum plant weight (Wmax) after initial saturation as a reference, then uses relative plant weight (Rw%) as a non-destructive water stress indicator to trigger subsequent irrigations. Relative plant weight correlated closely with relative stem diameter and was found to reliably reflect both substrate moisture and evapotranspiration, enabling growers to avoid excessive water stress and maintain high soluble solids content.
Regional applicability
This technology is directly applicable to UK protected horticulture and commercial tomato production under glass, particularly for high-value, quality-focused crops. The system's reliance on controlled hydroponic environments makes it transferable to UK growing conditions, though adoption would depend on investment in load-cell infrastructure and real-time control systems.
Key measures
Relative plant weight (Rw, %), relative stem diameter (RSD), substrate moisture content, evapotranspiration rate, irrigation trigger points (SP)
Outcomes reported
Development and validation of an automated fertigation control system based on plant weight measurement via load cells to manage water stress in hydroponic tomato cultivation. The system uses relative plant weight as a non-destructive indicator of water stress to optimise nutrient delivery.
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