Destany Westlake, Paul Fisher, Josh Tebow, and Ryan Dickson Maintaining nutrient balance in hydroponic systems reduces the need to dump nutrient solution, thereby reducing water and fertilizer cost, and the resulting environmental impact. Laboratory testing to monitor nutrient concentrations is reliable, however it typically requires shipment and days to weeks of processing. The objective was to test the accuracy of handheld and inline ion-selective nitrate and potassium sensors compared with laboratory analysis of these nutrients. The methodology consisted of a factorial design with four reservoirs containing two water qualities and two fertilizer recipes with one nutrient film technique (NFT) system per reservoir. Nitrate and potassium concentration was measured twice per week during a 6-week hydroponic trial with basil, using handheld sensors, inline sensors, and Lachat QuickChem 8500 Series 2 analysis by a commercial horticulture laboratory. Based on the laboratory testing, NO3-N ranged from 142 to 272 mg.L-1 and K ranged from 111 to 271 mg.L-1 during the trial. The average error ± one standard deviation for the handheld sensor minus the laboratory concentration was -26.5 ± 18.8 mg.L-1 and -9.4 ± 13.1 mg.L-1 for N and K, and for the inline sensors was 3.5 ± 27.5 mg.L-1 and -15.2 ± 32.1 mg.L-1 for N and K, respectively. Therefore, we conclude that the handheld and inline sensors provided a useful and rapid estimation of N and K levels, but replicated samples should be taken and these levels should be verified by periodic laboratory analysis. Onsite testing could be an important tool for effective nutrient management to reduce nutrient loss and waste.
