Summary
This study describes development of a simple irrigation control system using a fabric sensor (composed of non-woven fabric, acrylic housing, and electrodes) for high-Brix tomato production in restricted root-zone hydroponics. The sensor detects substrate water content through electrical conductivity changes as the fabric absorbs ionic water by capillarity, triggering irrigation via a float-less level switch when moisture becomes limiting. Operating parameters (electrode height, variable resistance, and nutrient solution conductivity) were optimised to achieve fruit Brix values exceeding 9% by managing plant water stress automatically in response to environmental conditions.
Regional applicability
The technology is directly transferable to United Kingdom protected horticulture (glasshouse and polytunnel tomato production), where hydroponic systems are established and high-value premium fruit production is pursued. However, the applicability to outdoor UK field conditions or soil-based systems is limited, as the system is designed specifically for soilless substrate environments.
Key measures
Substrate water content at irrigation initiation, electrode height placement (HEU), variable resistance (VR) between electrodes, electrical conductivity of nutrient solution (ECn), irrigation amount, solar radiation response, tomato fruit Brix values
Outcomes reported
The study developed and validated a fabric sensor-based irrigation control system that automatically adjusts water application in response to substrate water content in tomato hydroponics. The system successfully produced high-Brix tomatoes (>9%) by optimising plant water stress through sensor-controlled irrigation parameters.
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