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Agritech topic 09 of 14

SMART GREENHOUSES AND CONTROLLED-ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE

Greenhouse Technology

A greenhouse provides a partially or fully controlled growing environment that can protect crops from selected external conditions.

Modern greenhouses may use sensors, automated ventilation, cooling, irrigation and fertigation systems.

Main components

  • Greenhouse structure and covering.
  • Ventilation fans and openings.
  • Temperature and humidity sensors.
  • Shade nets.
  • Drip irrigation.
  • Fertigation equipment.
  • Automated pumps and valves.
  • Cooling or heating systems, where needed.
  • Monitoring and control software.

Smart greenhouse operation

A smart greenhouse can measure temperature and humidity continuously.

When conditions exceed configured limits, a controller may operate ventilation fans, open vents, activate cooling or adjust irrigation.

The design must account for local temperatures, humidity, electricity availability, crop requirements and water quality.

Tunnel farming

Tunnel farming uses plastic-covered structures to modify the crop environment.

It is used for selected vegetables and horticultural crops in Pakistan.

Advantages may include improved environmental control, protection from some weather conditions and the possibility of producing crops outside their normal open-field season.

Limitations include installation costs, ventilation requirements, pest management and the need for careful temperature and humidity control.

Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a cultivation method in which plants receive water and dissolved nutrients without growing in ordinary field soil.

Plants may be supported by inert growing media or by specialized water-based systems.

Hydroponics requires monitoring of nutrient concentration, pH, water temperature, oxygenation and water quality.

It may suit selected high-value crops, but it is not automatically cheaper or more productive than conventional farming.

Vertical farming

Vertical farming grows crops on stacked or vertically arranged production levels, usually in a controlled environment.

It may use hydroponic or other soilless systems and artificial lighting.

Potential advantages include efficient use of floor space and close control over growing conditions.

Major challenges include electricity consumption, capital investment, cooling, system maintenance and crop-market economics.