Innovations in greenhouse technology
With rising demand for fresh, sustainable food and decreasing availability of fertile land and labour, technological innovations are crucial to solving crop production challenges. Greenhouse technology is drastically changing our approach to plant cultivation. High-tech greenhouses are equipped with smart sensors, climate control systems, energy-efficient LED lighting, and high-tech water and nutrient management systems. These features mitigate environmental impacts, ensure optimal growing conditions year-round, reduce energy and water consumption, and promote sustainability in horticulture, all while guaranteeing high-quality crops and a consistent supply of fresh, healthy, local produce.
Light optimisation for growth
Light, which controls flowering and influences overall development, plays an essential role in plant growth. Greenhouses optimise light exposure, which is crucial for maximising plant growth and yield. In periods of low natural sunlight, such as at nighttime or the winter months, growers can use artificial lighting in the greenhouse to promote the growth of high-quality crops. In the case of too much sunlight, which could damage the plants, growers can use screens or a coating to block or diffuse the light. By combining natural sunlight with controlled climate conditions, a greenhouse can achieve more efficient plant growth than in outdoor environments.
Supplemental lighting in a greenhouse aids in achieving full crop potential while reducing the reliance on sunlight. Some benefits of using supplemental lighting in greenhouses include:
- Ensuring an even distribution of light
- Creating ideal growing conditions
- Maximising crop yield and quality
Light optimisation techniques contribute to the creation of ideal growing conditions in greenhouses, maximising crop yield and quality.
Harnessing climate control for year-round production
Besides lighting, intelligent climate control devices such as smart AC controllers automate temperature management, enabling remote adjustments and custom temperature settings for different times of the day. Energy efficiency is further enhanced in greenhouses with energy screens, which trap in as much heat as possible and prevent it from escaping through the roof. Other solutions for lower energy consumption include films like infrared anti-condensate polyethylene.
For optimal plant growth, it is critical to maintain the correct temperature in a greenhouse. Growers can use a range of temperature regulation techniques, including insulation, shading, and ventilation, to achieve this. For instance, climate-controlled greenhouses often incorporate twin-wall polycarbonate cladding that effectively retains heat, helping to maintain ideal temperatures and improve energy savings. Additional greenhouse insulation tactics, like utilising silicone caulk for sealing gaps and applying bubble wrap or plywood on certain walls, can play a crucial role in heat retention during winter.
To combat excessive heat, a greenhouse can utilise shading options such as screens or coatings that filter the sun’s intensity. Passive ventilation aids in temperature control and air circulation without the higher costs associated with active systems such as mechanical ventilation.
By integrating various systems to control temperature, humidity, light levels, irrigation and more, climate-controlled greenhouses have revolutionised horticulture, enabling year-round crop production. These greenhouses enable growers to maintain optimal growing conditions, irrespective of external weather variations boosting crop growth and fostering sustainability in horticulture.
Smart energy management in greenhouses
For sustainable horticulture, energy conservation is of utmost importance. Nowadays, horticulture operations are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources such as solar panels to decrease their dependence on fossil fuels, thereby cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, energy-efficient strategies are being implemented in modern greenhouse production to minimise energy consumption. From adopting electric, battery-powered machinery, to adjusting climate control strategies based on external weather fluctuations, horticulture is making strides in energy conservation.
Some strategies for energy management in the greenhouse include:
- Using hydronic heating systems with hot water pipes underground, controlled by a temperature sensor, to efficiently manage greenhouse heating
- Replacing incandescent lamps with compact LED lights to reduce energy use associated with artificial lighting
- Implementing cyclic lighting to optimise energy usage
- In addition to these strategies, there is a growing focus on the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Companies like Grodan are committed to taking further steps towards this goal, with projects in the pipeline to convert production lines to an innovative electric melting technology based on low-carbon electricity. Such initiatives reflect the concerted efforts of the horticulture industry to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability.
By implementing these energy-efficient heating solution strategies and utilising methods to store energy, greenhouse owners can reduce their energy consumption and operate more sustainably.
Irrigation and water conservation
Sustainable horticulture greatly depends on efficient irrigation systems and water management practices. The adoption of high-tech hydroponic (water-based) systems in modern horticulture and vertical farming allows for efficient use of water through soilless cultivation and the treatment and recycling of water and nutrients. The right substrate, such as Grodan's range of stone wool growing media, forms an important starting point for this. Additionally, selecting the proper irrigation methodology in the greenhouse, such as boom, drip or micro-irrigation systems, is vital for maximising water efficiency. These systems need high-quality water to function effectively, which growers achieve by installing a water purification system as part of their greenhouse project.
Routine system maintenance and audits of the irrigation setup help in pinpointing inefficiencies leading to more uniform water distribution and substantial water conservation in horticultural practices. A clean and uniform substrate from Grodan contributes to keeping irrigation systems cleaner, since stone wool growing media do not contain natural fibres that can become loose and enter the system.
Conserving water, another critical resource in horticulture, is of prime importance. Modern growers are adopting circular economy models to maximise the recycling and reuse of water, addressing their role as a primary group of consumers of fresh water resources.
To contribute to fresh water conservation, a greenhouse can also employ the following sustainable practices:
- Automated rain water harvesting systems that capture irrigation runoff
- Advanced water treatment methods, like reverse osmosis, to ensure the safety and quality of recycled water for horticultural irrigation
By implementing these practices, a greenhouse can reduce its reliance on fresh water supplies and play a significant role in global water conservation efforts.
Big data is also a factor here, offering personalised and localised insights which can help growers to identify optimisation opportunities within the greenhouse. Intelligent irrigation and water management practices can considerably lessen the water footprint of horticulture.
Root zone management and nutrient management
Plants need nutrients in order to thrive, in addition to water, heat and light. Hence, implementing effective root zone management and nutrient management strategies is critical for optimising crop yield and fruit quality. The choice for substrate, which serves as the medium for root growth and nutrient absorption, is made prior to the start of each cultivation cycle. For example, Grodan’s NG 2.0 substrates, made of inert hydrophilic fibres, offer high irrigation efficiency and do not lock in any nutrients, ensuring that plants get the nourishment they need.
Plants require 16 elements for growth, including:
These nutrients can be divided into macro and micro nutrients, with each having specific roles in plant development. Ensuring the right balance of these nutrients in the root zone is fundamental for healthy plant growth. Monitoring these nutrient levels using sensor systems like the GroSens system provides valuable insights for managing the growth strategy.
