How to Conquered Inconsistency with Automation
Project Information
- Customer: Leafy Greens NFT Farm
- Facility: net greenhouse, 5,000 sqm
- Method of cultivation: NFT
- Type of crop: multi crops - 150,000 heads per year
Client’s Problem
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Unstable water conditions, including fluctuations in:
- Fertilizer Levels: Inconsistent nutrient availability hampered plant growth and potentially led to deficiencies.
- pH Levels: Unbalanced pH levels could stress plants, impacting their ability to absorb nutrients.
- Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Low DO levels could suffocate plant roots, hindering growth and overall health.
These uncontrollable water parameters created a frustrating guessing game, making it difficult to optimize the growing environment for consistent, high yields.
Grow Director’s Solution & Result
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Soaring Yields & Streamlined Operations
The impact of automation on Customer’s farm was undeniable:
- Increased Yields: With consistent and perfectly balanced water conditions, the farm experienced a significant increase in crop yields.
- Reduced Labor Costs: By eliminating manual water management tasks, the system resulted in a 50% reduction in labor costs.
- Enhanced Plant Health: Optimal water quality fostered healthier plants, leading to improved resistance to pests and diseases.
Equipment used in the case
How to control and monitor NFT greenhouse?
Customer’s story exemplifies how automation can transform a hydroponic farm. By implementing a smart water management system, they achieved greater control over their growing environment, resulting in increased yields, reduced labor costs, and healthier plants. This allowed them to focus on their passion for growing while propelling their farm towards greater success.
Perfect Water Quality and Balance:
By integrating advanced sensors and automated controls, we ensured precise regulation of the following parameters: pH Levels: Maintaining optimal pH levels is crucial for nutrient absorption and overall plant health. Our system ensured pH stability within the desired range, thus improving nutrient availability.
Electrical Conductivity (EC): We fine-tuned the EC levels to provide the right amount of nutrients to the plants, eliminating over-fertilization or under-fertilization.
Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Oxygen availability in the root zone is vital for root health and nutrient uptake. Our system maintained optimal DO levels, fostering robust root development.
Water Temperature: Temperature plays a pivotal role in plant growth. Our automation system controlled water temperature to ensure it remained within the ideal range for the specific crop being cultivated.
Our solution focused on achieving perfect water quality and balance within the NFT greenhouse system.
Reduction in Labor Costs:
One of the most significant achievements of this automation was the substantial reduction in labor costs. The need for constant manual monitoring and adjustment of water parameters became a thing of the past.