Iot-based irrigation recirculation system for water and nutrient recovery in potted crops
Smart recirculation solution that captures, filters, and reuses irrigation runoff from potted crops using IoT monitoring of pH, conductivity, and NPK nutrients. Aims to cut water demand, reduce fertilizer loss, and prevent soil damage while minimizing disease risk through integrated sanitization.
Overview
Water scarcity is a growing concern for agriculture, and potted crop production is especially water-intensive. This project proposes an IoT-enabled irrigation recirculation system that monitors inlet and outlet water quality—including pH, conductivity, and key macronutrients (N, P, K)—captures drainage, and reuses it after filtration and sanitization. The goal is to reduce overall water demand, recover and recycle nutrients to avoid fertilizer over-application and soil damage, and ensure that recycled water does not increase the incidence of plant diseases.
The solution addresses two converging pressures: rising water scarcity in many regions and the environmental cost of nutrient runoff. By closing the loop on irrigation water, growers can lower input costs, reduce environmental impact, and maintain crop health through data-driven adjustments tailored to each growth stage.
Technical specifications
Monitoring and sensing:
- IoT-based measurement of irrigation volumes entering and leaving each pot
- Real-time tracking of pH and electrical conductivity to detect nutrient concentration shifts
- Planned integration of NPK sensors to quantify nutrient uptake and adjust fertigation accordingly
Water treatment and reuse:
- Filtration system designed to remove particulates from drainage water
- Sanitization stage to reduce microbial load and minimize disease transmission risk
- Recirculation loop that returns treated water to the irrigation system
Decision support:
- Data-driven compensation for nutrients absorbed by the plant
- Growth-phase-aware nutrient dosing recommendations
- Microbiological validation at the pot outlet and post-sanitization to confirm safety
Technology readiness level
The IoT monitoring component for water volume, pH, and conductivity has been developed and is operational in initial testing. The filtration, sanitization, and recirculation subsystems have not yet been built, and NPK nutrient measurement is planned as an extension of the current sensing platform. Future validation will include full nutrient balance assessment, microbiological analysis before and after sanitization, and field-scale trials to confirm that recycled water maintains plant health without raising disease incidence.
About Tecnológico de Monterrey
Tecnológico de Monterrey is a leading private, multi-campus research university in Mexico, recognized for entrepreneurship and industry collaboration. Its Monterrey headquarters anchors an urban innovation district with open lab space, prototyping, and shared testing facilities that welcome corporate collaborators. An integrated health system supports clinical research and translation, while structured internships and challenge-driven partnerships connect companies with faculty and student talent year-round. Research is supported by competitive federal funding through Mexico’s national science and technology council, along with industry contracts and international sponsors. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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