9 Greenhouse Innovations From GreenTech You Need to Know About

This durable new wireless sensor helps reduce the risk of plant disease in the greenhouse by using temperature and humidity measurements to continuously capture dew point, vapor pressure deficit, temperature, and humidity at the crop level. Growers can use data from the sensor to determine heating needs, cutting unnecessary energy costs but without allowing excess moisture in the environment. Data can be accessed by a simple graphical dashboard, which can be used to set alerts for growers if certain conditions arise.

This service and maintenance software uses digital tools to make managing equipment more streamlined, efficient, and measurable. The software replaces more familiar grower standbys for maintenance tasks and recordkeeping like spreadsheets, email calendar entries, phone messaging apps, and voicemails. Managers use the program to identify all objects in the greenhouse that require service and/or maintenance and assign tasks. Service Engine allows managers to get a quick overview of what needs to be done, as well as what’s been accomplished, and offers an easy-to-access repository for all maintenance records.

The ISO++ screen system is designed to allow more light penetration and less energy loss. Screens use a plastic zipper-type edge that slides smoothly into the support instead of attaching with clips, making them easier to install and handle. Screens are installed on the top and bottom of the same bar, eliminating the need for a second support and creating fewer shadows on the crop below. Having both screens on the same bar also allows them to be positioned closer together, and the decreased space in between allows for less air movement and reduced energy loss in the greenhouse.

This new module from Priva allows plants in the greenhouse or in the field to get just the water they need by constantly monitoring water evaporation, plant water use, and water content of the substrate. Irrigation schedules and duration automatically adjust based on environmental conditions and plant needs. The process allows for better root development and helps growers use minimal but optimal amounts of water and fertilizer for the best-quality crop.

This compact water purification system helps remove sodium from irrigation water, allowing growers to reduce water discharge by up to 80%. A nanofiltration membrane allows sodium to pass through, while preserving existing levels of nutrients and crop protection materials, which can then be recirculated.

Van der Valk Horti Systems’ new system introduces an innovative method for inserting or replacing screen cloth. A specially developed tailoring machine fits screen cloth with flexible, flat guide strips, which slide easily through the truss profile. The system can be used with any type of screen cloth and allows growers to insert screens just before planting rather than during construction.

This wireless control platform allows growers to automate lighting zones and adjust LED lighting remotely from a computer or mobile device. Users can create custom lighting schedules that adjust the lights’ spectral output to optimize production and create zones that allow you to meet your specific lighting requirements across crop types and growth stages. The system also allows you to easily monitor energy usage and fixture status, and switch back and forth from grow-mode to white light view-mode to easily inspect plants.

This new GPS and sensor-driven guidance system for harvesting trolleys and other equipment eliminates the need to install wires in the greenhouse floor for autonomous carts to follow as a predetermined track. The grower can tell the trolley where in the greenhouse harvesting is taking place and where to drop off the harvested crop once it is collected. The GridMapping technology allows the cart to find the most efficient route, avoiding unexpected obstacles along the way.

This new robotic scouting system uses sensor technology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to detect diseases, insect pests, deficiencies, and other plant abnormalities early on, allowing for a quick response before they become a serious problem. In addition to recognition of crop stress as the robot passes through the greenhouse, sensors also measure humidity, ambient temperature, CO2, plant temperature, and photosynthetic ambient radiation.