Integration of IoT and Bioponics for Sustainable Urban Agriculture: Performance Evaluation of an Intelligent Hydroponic System for Lactuca sativa

This study investigates the development and evaluation of an innovative hydroponic system powered by bioponic nutrition and integrated with IoT-based environmental monitoring, aimed at cultivating romaine lettuce ( Lactuca sativa var. Romana ) over a 35-day growth cycle. The bioponic nutrient solution was prepared in two stages: first, compost tea (pH 8.20 ± 0.01; EC 263 µS/cm), followed by enrichment with diluted organic manure to reach optimized conditions (pH 7.05 ± 0.01; EC 1467 µS/cm). Real-time environmental data indicated an average temperature of 21.26 ± 2.3°C and relative humidity of 61.28 ± 8.5%. Plant growth exhibited three distinct phases: establishment (D1–D5), active growth (D5–D25), and stabilization (D25–D35), with corresponding growth rates of 0.6, 0.75, and 0.2 cm/day. Leaf production increased from 2–3 to 9–16 leaves per plant, with a mean leaf emission rate of 0.37 leaves/day. Final biomass measurements averaged 11.92 ± 6.84 g (fresh) and 2.1 ± 1.3 g (dry), with a DM/FM ratio of 0,176 , indicating excellent water uptake efficiency. These results demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of a biologically driven hydroponic system supported by IoT technology, providing a promising approach to sustainable and resource-efficient urban agriculture.