How to Know When It’s Time To Upgrade Environmental Controls in Your Greenhouse
April 30, 2022 Upgrading the technology in your greenhouse can go a long way improving both your crop quality and your bottom line. But when it comes deciding if and when an upgrade if necessary, how should you make that decision? Below, a few environmental control companies weigh in regarding the factors you need to consider.
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How Many Zones Need a Boost?
Sometimes you only need one growing zone, and that allows for simplified control with reduced overhead costs, according to Molly Dishman, Head of Digital Technologies for Bartlett Instrument Co. However, if you’re operating in multiple zones, you may need more flexibility in your growing area to adjust your control based on what you are growing.
“Growers need to consider not just the price tag, but also what operational and opportunity costs they may be incurring based on the choice,” Dishman says.
What Level of Integration Do You Want?
Single-zone controls differ in outputs and how the equipment responds, in stages or as an integrated response, says Julie Dean, Vice President of Wadsworth Control Systems.
“We see growers who have multiple single-zone controls upgrading because a single control that can manage many zones, and they may also want an app and cloud backup,” Dean says. “Some systems will have enough outputs for basic sensors, irrigation, and lighting, while others, while on the higher end of controls, may have a more accessible user interface, and more storage options.”
What Are You Growing, and Where?
Crops have specific needs for light, temperature, and humidity, and your decision might also depend on your location.
“You want to be able to mimic natural requirements in your greenhouse so you can minimize the complexity of the installation you’ll need,” says Maarten Hartong, Regional Director Americas and General Manager at Priva North America. “It’s important to factor in all possible elements to determine the need for integration. It really comes down to the limitations you’re currently facing.”
Can You Make a Complex System Easy to Operate?
A combination of smart software and state-of-the-art hardware can make a new system capable of monitoring, controlling, and maintaining any greenhouse.
“This will allow you to grow more, at higher quality, while using minimal resources,” says Pieter Kwakernaak, General Manager of Hoogendoorn America. “Not only is a system like this highly effective, it is also extremely efficient and sustainable, generating maximum results.”
Each of the suppliers included in this article have environmental control offerings that are designed for growers with specific needs. Check out the slideshow about to learn more about each of these options.
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