UNU Jogja Students Create PID-Based Automatic Hydroponic System, Control Plant Nutrition Through Excel Only

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Imam Muchlisin, a student from the Electrical Engineering Study Program at Nahdlatul Ulama University (UNU) Jogja, under the supervision of lecturer Irwan Novianto, has developed an innovation in modern agricultural technology: an Automatic Hydroponic Nutrient Mixing System based on a Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID) controller. The system is designed to help hydroponic farmers precisely manage nutrient compositions with greater ease.

The system integrates key components such as an ESP32, pH sensor, TDS sensor, flow sensor, solenoid valve, pump, relay, and L298N motor driver. Its standout feature is the ability to receive direct input from Microsoft Excel, allowing users to enter volume and nutrient concentration (ppm) values easily and effectively.

Once the data is entered, the ESP32 processes the information, relying on real-time readings from the TDS and flow sensors to monitor nutrient conditions. The mixing process then runs automatically through the PID control system, with the final mixture stored in a reservoir before being distributed to the hydroponic installation.

According to Imam, the PID-based control system ensures more accurate and efficient nutrient mixing compared to manual methods. “With this system, human error in measurement and mixing can be minimized. The goal is to help farmers save time while maintaining plant quality,” he explained.

Though still in development, the project stands out for its integration of ESP32 with a Microsoft Excel interface, PID control, and various sensors—offering a unique approach that opens new possibilities for Internet of Things (IoT) applications in hydroponic automation.

Supervisor Irwan Novianto highlighted that the system’s integration of ESP32, pH/TDS/flow sensors, and PID control with Excel input provides both precision and ease of use. “After regular calibration and field testing, this system could be widely adopted. It offers tangible benefits for farmers—more accurate mixing, shorter working time, reduced human error, and more consistent crop quality,” he said.

This innovation is expected to become a practical solution for both household and commercial hydroponic farmers, contributing to the modernization of Indonesia’s agricultural sector. [Latifah]