AI-Optimized, Organic and Microbial Nutrient Formulations for Higher Efficiency and Sustainability in Hydroponics: A Review

Abstract

Hydroponics presents an alternative to soil-based farming for efficient use of resources, to attain high yield and minimizing environmental impact. Nonetheless, its success depends on the accurate nutrient management, which balance the nutrition of the plants. The new possibilities are associated with artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and microbial biotechnology which arerecent developments that can be optimized to improve hydroponic nutrient management. This is a literature review on the use of integrated AI-optimized and microbial nutrient formulations to enhance the hydroponic sustainability. Machine learning and hybrid optimization algorithms, allow real-time monitoring and adaptive nutrient dosing with the use of IoT. Compost extracts, fish emulsions are also organic sources of nutrients that increase the plant growth by enhancing the release of nutrients, increase the phytochemical content and improve the quality of the produce. Integrally, Bacillus, and mycorrhizal fungi are growth-promoting microorganisms that enhance solubilization of nutrients and synergistic inoculant-organic systems lead to stable nutrient cycling and an improved root architecture. With the integration of AI-based decision support hydroponics will be able to move towards closed-loop resource-efficient systems that impact the environment less, as well as satisfy global needs of high-quality foods.