Real-Time Optical Monitoring for Sustainable Hydroponic Farming – SPIE Photonics West 2025

Prof Murukeshan Vadakke Matham presented a novel real-time optical monitoring system for sustainable hydroponic farming at the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Photonics West 2025 in January. Integrating imaging spectroscopy and laser-based elemental analysis, this technology automates crop health monitoring and nutrient assessment in indoor vertical farms. Unlike conventional pH and conductivity meters, it provides precise, quantitative insights into nutrient imbalances, optimizing yields while reducing manual labour.

 

Tested on green lettuce, the prototype accurately identifies growth stages, nutrient deficiencies, and elemental compositions, marking a significant step toward precision agriculture. The research, authored by Maria Merin Antony, Keerthi K., Nagarajan S., and Sreekanth Perumbilavil, underscores NTU’s contributions to sustainable agri-tech innovation.