PENERAPAN TEKNOLOGI CERDAS PENYIRAMAN TANAMAN HIDROPONIK BERBASIS MIKROKONTROLER DAN MULTISENSOR PADA PEMBUDIDAYA TANAMAN HIDROPONIK KABUPATEN MAJENE

Abstract

Smart technology has provided many benefits for all human activities, including hydroponic farming systems. The consistent challenge in the process of cultivating plants using hydroponic systems is the monitoring of partner farmers in managing plant nutrition. Smart technology, utilizing microcontrollers and multisensors, can enhance hydroponic management, particularly concerning the control of nutrient availability, including saturation, water pH, and water availability in the hydroponic system. The purpose of this activity is to address partner-related issues regarding their lack of knowledge and skills in managing businesses aided by smart technology such as microcontrollers and multisensors and to improve the economic viability of partner businesses by producing nutritious and high-quality vegetables. The method used in this community engagement activity involves initial observation at the partner's business location, theoretical instruction to enhance partner knowledge, and finally, training in the creation and operation of smart technology involving microcontrollers and multisensors in the partner's hydroponic area. Questionnaires were distributed to assess the initial conditions before the training and to measure the success of the training after its completion. The initial observation showed a lack of knowledge about smart technology using microcontrollers and multisensors. Based on this, theoretical training was conducted to improve partner knowledge about smart technology using microcontrollers and multisensors. The theoretical content included 1) technology and innovation in hydroponic plant nutrition, 2) an introduction to microcontrollers and sensors in agriculture/horticulture technology, and 3) a demonstration of monitoring physical parameters and nutrient content of hydroponic plants using the Wokwi simulator. Subsequently, a simulation of microcontroller and multisensory device use was carried out, resulting in an enhancement of partner skills in using microcontrollers and multisensors. The improvement in partner knowledge and skills after participating in this training is evident from the questionnaire results, and partner satisfaction with the conducted training is also evident. The conclusion of this community engagement activity is that partners have gained knowledge and skills after participating in the training on the application of smart technology for microcontroller-based irrigation of hydroponic plants with multisensor systems in hydroponic plant cultivation.