Advancing Hydroponic Farming through Magnetic Separation Technology: Enhancing Nutrient Recovery and Water Efficiency

Abstract

Aim: With the growing demand for sustainable agriculture, there is an urgent need to develop new technologies that can help in optimizing indoor farming systems. The study will look into how magnetic separation technology (MST) can be used in hydroponic systems to enhance nutrient recovery and water efficiency. Study Design: The study design is a quasi-experimental study involving plants grown in a well-controlled hydroponic environment, and the efficacy of MST on nutrient recovery versus water use efficiency was studied. The approach to the comparison considered conventional hydroponic systems against MST-integrated hydroponics. Methodology: Pilot tests were performed to evaluate the efficacy of MST in recovering key nutrients from recirculating water, reducing fertilizer usage, and improving plant health. The nutrient monitoring system with IoT-based monitoring integrated into the MST system for real-time adjustment in nutrient concentration. Results: The results revealed that through MST implementation, the nutrient retention efficiency increased by 15%, and operational cost was reduced by 20%. Additionally, plants that were grown under MST conditions had better growth rates and tolerance against nutrient imbalances. Conclusions: The results suggest that the adoption of MST in hydroponic farming considerably enhances its sustainability by reducing nutrient waste and enhancing water conservation. This study contributes to the increasing number of studies related to smart agricultural technologies and supports wider sustainability goals, especially within the United States.