Around the world, both hydroponic and aeroponic systems are currently in use.

They
are well-liked because they may grow plants more effectively and quickly than
conventional ground planting. More information on the benefits and drawbacks of
hydroponic and aeroponic systems will be provided, which will increase interest in
constructing a hybrid system that combines the best features of each.

A hydro-aeroponic system was developed to grow plants with the goal of combining the
effectiveness of aeroponics and the compactness of hydroponics. A misting box and
recirculating fan were used in this design to push nutrient-rich, humid mist through a
network of channels. Many variations of misting boxes, fans, and component
arrangements were made as a result of numerous setbacks, and they finally resulted in
a proof-of-concept design. For several weeks, a variety of plants were used to test the
proof-of-concept design, and the results varied in terms of success. Reflections and
suggestions for further design iterations are also taken into account in an effort to boost
system efficiency and dependability.

In hydroponic systems, roots are watered by a small stream while the plants are placed
in trays with some kind of support, like rockwool or net pots. Because the roots of the
plants have immediate access to the nutrients they require, they develop considerably
more quickly in this type of system and consume less water to do so. Additionally
appealing are hydroponic channels for mass production because they can be stacked
and take up less room. The water that flows through the canal is enriched with nutrients
because the plants are not being planted in the ground. Hydroponic gardening is
expensive, which is a drawback. The plants also need continual care to guarantee
healthy growth, the absence of system failures, and the prevention of disease
transmission through the water. Additionally, plant growth is hindered since there is less
oxygen absorption through the roots due to the plant's roots being buried in water.
Some of these problems are solvable in the aeroponic system, but others arise.
On the other hand, instead of using a water stream to water the plants, aeroponic
systems use mist. Plant roots are periodically sprayed with fertilizers via nozzles,
enabling the plants to absorb the necessary nutrients. The roots of the plants are
entirely hung in the air in an aeroponic system, giving them access to a lot of oxygen
that speeds up their growth. In comparison to the hydroponic system, the aeroponic
system uses nutrients and mechanical energy more effectively. However, because the
plants' roots are suspended in the air, they are wholly reliant on the misting system to
maintain their moisture levels. The spray nozzles frequently clog, therefore this system
needs ongoing maintenance. The expense and the amount of area needed are some
other drawbacks of aeroponics. Because they cannot be stacked in an aeroponic
system, which is not ideal for mass manufacturing, they are quite expensive and require
a certain level of technical expertise to maintain.

After weighing the benefits and drawbacks of the aforementioned hydroponic and
aeroponic systems, the idea of a hydro-aeroponic system emerged as a potential
compromise. The hydroponic system's channels and the aeroponic system's mist are
intended to be used in the design. This combination would enable the system to be
stacked like other hydroponic systems while providing the plants with the excess of
oxygen they require to thrive. This system should go through multiple iterations during
the design phase.

In connection with this, it is intended to create a system that combines the compactness
of hydroponics with the effectiveness of aeroponics.

The misting box was the part of the design that was changed the most frequently. The
box's function is to facilitate mist production and supply fine mist to the rest of the
system. Throughout the course of the project, ideas and actual manifestations of this
changed. A number of quantifiable metrics were used to judge the project's success at
each level.
The ability of the developed application to grow plants is the project's main goal. After
the system was put together, it was put to the test by putting seedlings into the
channels. A true test of the project's success would be to compare the system's rate of
plant growth to that of comparable hydroponic and aeroponic systems. The pH,
temperature, and nutrient levels in the system would be additional variables to be
concerned about.

A humidity test had to be successful before plants could be added to the system. A
minimum RH of 95% was required for the system to be deemed satisfactory, with a
maximum RH of 98% being preferred. The system eventually satisfied these testing
requirements, however it required multiple misting box iterations to get there. Through a
timer or humidity levels, the project may be made to govern misting. The humidity level
of the system is always known if the humidity controller is in use. When the timer is
activated, a portable humidity sensor could be used to measure the humidity in the
system.