Advantages of Using Smart Greenhouses for Crop Growers

Smart greenhouses integrate traditional agricultural systems with new Internet of Things technology to provide comprehensive visibility and automation.

FREMONT, CA: Equipped with advanced sensor and communication technology, smart greenhouses automatically collect and transmit data about their surroundings and crops 24 hours a day. The collected data is put into an IoT platform, where analytical algorithms transform it into actionable insight, allowing for identifying bottlenecks and anomalies. As a result, HVAC and lighting operations and irrigation and spraying can be controlled on-demand. Continuous data collection enables predictive models to assess the risk of crop disease and infection.

A smart greenhouse enables growers to reduce labor costs, increase resource and chemical efficiency, and optimize production rates by gaining access to substantial crop insights.

Maintain an Optimal Microclimate: Farmers may now collect data on various variables with unprecedented granularity thanks to IoT sensors. They collect real-time data on essential climate variables such as temperature, humidity, light exposure, and carbon dioxide levels throughout the greenhouse. This data is used to make necessary adjustments to HVAC and lighting settings to maintain optimal plant growth conditions while increasing the energy economy. Simultaneously, motion/acceleration sensors assist in identifying doors that have been left open unintentionally, ensuring a highly controlled atmosphere.

Improve Fertilization and Irrigation Practices: Along with environmental parameters, smart greenhouses enable farmers to monitor crop health. This guarantees that irrigation and fertilization efforts are proportionate to the fundamental requirements of cultivated plants, resulting in maximum yields. For instance, measurements of the volumetric water content of the soil show whether crops are experiencing water stress. Similarly, soil salinity tests provide valuable information on fertilizing requirements. Sprinkler and spraying systems can be automatically activated based on this data to meet real-time crop needs while reducing operator intervention.

Prevent Disease Outbreaks and Contain Infections: Crop infection is a recurring farming problem, with each outbreak wreaking havoc on crop margins. While farmers have access to agrochemical treatments, they frequently do not know when to apply them. Excessive use raises ecological, safety, and cost concerns, while non-use of therapies could damage disease

outbreaks. With the assistance of a machine learning platform, data on greenhouse environments, external weather, and soil characteristics provide significant insights into pest and fungal dangers that exist. Farmers can use this information to administer treatments precisely when needed to ensure a healthy harvest at the lowest possible chemical cost.

Eliminate Thefts and Enhance Security: Greenhouses with valuable crops are a tempting target for burglars. Due to the high cost of implementing standard surveillance networks with CCTVs, many growers lack an adequate security solution. In this context, IoT sensors embedded in smart greenhouses provide a cost-effective means of monitoring door status and detecting suspicious activity. When connected to an automatic alarm system, they alert growers immediately when a security issue occurs.