In indoor agriculture, every drop of water, dose of fertilizer, and hour under specialized lighting can affect productivity, cost, and environmental impact. Kentucky State University faculty and graduate researchers are studying how growers can manage those resources more precisely.
Dr. Milon Chowdhury, assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering, and graduate research assistant Rubel Reza recently represented Kentucky State’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Technology Lab at two national conferences. Their presentations highlighted applied research in water conservation, crop production, and nutrient recycling.
One project, presented by Dr. Chowdhury during the 2026 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting, examined how moisture sensors can improve irrigation for tomatoes grown in Dutch bucket hydroponic systems.
Combining sensor-based irrigation with an optimized growing substrate could substantially reduce water and nutrient use, the study found. Rather than irrigating on a fixed schedule or according to the amount of water draining from a container, the system supplies water based on the substrate’s actual moisture level. For greenhouse growers, this could offer a more precise, automated, and labor-saving way to manage irrigation while maintaining crop productivity.
Source : kysu.edu