Growing better crops with sensors

摘要

Sensors used to control irrigation, temperature and relative humidity can help to optimize plant growth, reduce labor requirements and decrease insect and disease problems. Athough most greenhouses already have incorporated a certain level ofautomatedenvironmcntal-and irrigation-control technology, the)' have to have proper installation and systems operations in order to reach their full potential. Advanced sensing can be used to not only reduce labor requirements but also improve plant quality. Anautomated control system can be either open-loop or closed-loop depending on if sensor feedback i.s used to make control decisions. For example, a timer-controlled humidity management system is an open-loop system. The system triggers dehumidification at a pre-selected time for a pie-selected lime period that is independent of the environmental conditions inside or outside a greenhouse or the crops being grown.