Development of a low-cost thermal imaging system for water stress monitoring in indoor farming
Penulis/Author
Ir. Andri Prima Nugroho, S.T.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., APEC Eng. (1); Ardan Wiratmoko, S.T.P., M.Sc. (2); Sri Markumningsih, S.T.P., M.Sc. (4); Prof. Dr. Ir. Lilik Sutiarso, M.Eng. (5); Mohammad Affan Fajar Falah, S.T.P., M.Agr., Ph.D. (6); Takashi Okayasu (7)
Tanggal/Date
30 2025
Kata Kunci/Keyword
Abstrak/Abstract
Indoor farming has emerged as a promising strategy to address the global demand for food production, offering
controlled environments and year-round cultivation. This approach holds potential to mitigate food security
concerns and climate change impacts. However, optimizing plant health and resource management, particularly
water, remains a challenge in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. Traditional plant health and
water stress assessment methods are often laborious and lack real-time insights. This study aims to address these
limitations by developing a cost-effective thermal imaging system for continuous plant water stress monitoring in
indoor farming. The system integrates a thermal camera, MLX90640, which captures thermal radiation emitted
by plants, and an environmental sensor, DHT22, for humidity and temperature detection. By analysing thermal
data and estimating the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI), the system provides insights into plant water relations
and vascular function. The CWSI, ranging from 0 to 1, quantifies water stress levels, with lower values indicating
optimal plant growth conditions and higher values signifying water deficiency. Recent advancements in thermal
imaging technology and machine learning algorithms enable more accurate and accessible water stress detection.
This study contributes to the growing body of research by developing a low-cost thermal imaging system tailored
for indoor farming, combining thermal imaging with environmental data for comprehensive plant health as
sessments. The system aims to provide growers with real-time information for informed decision-making, ulti
mately enhancing the sustainability and productivity of indoor farming practices.
