Hydrogel: we created a biodegradable and sustainable substrate for hydroponics by combining two cellulose-based materials—carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), an agriculture waste product, and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC)—a thickener; and waste product from Greek yogurt production and cheesemaking—acid whey.

Hydroponic plant system: we opted for a hydroponic design due to time constraints, limiting the feasibility of the project within a soil medium. In the future, we hope to expand the applicability of this to more agricultural methods for greater adaptation. 

Biosensor: we used a pH probe in each hydroponic station, which was carefully calibrated and connected to a sensor board, with the pin from that pH board connecting directly to the Arduino as an input. The probe collected millivolt readings, which were converted into pH readings through mathematical calculations and then sent to the nodeMCU through digital pins. 

Voltage system: The power supply for the prototype is supported with a 5V AC/DC power adapter, which supports all functions of circuits. This is connected to the breadboard power supply module, which allows for a supply of power for all the connections to circle back to. By connecting the VIN pin of the Arduino to the common 5V place on the breadboard supported by the AC/DC power adapter and breadboard power supply module, the Arduino is now powered to send a pulse at a set time through the pins to reach the hydroponic stations with the voltage amount that is set.