Use of microprocessors and computers for greenhouse management

a. Microprocessors:

• Dedicated microprocessors can be considered as simple computers. A typical microprocessor will have a keypad and a two or three line liquid crystal display of, sometimes, 80-character length for programming.
• Can control several devices
• They can receive signals of several types, such as, temperature, light intensity, rain and wind speed.
• They permit integration of the diverse range of devices, which is not possible with thermostats.
• The accuracy of the microprocessor for temperature control is quite good.

Use of microprocessors

• Microprocessors can be made to operate various devices, for instance, a microprocessor can operate the ventilators based on the information from the sensor for the wind direction and speed.
• Similarly a rain sensor can also activate the ventilators to prevent the moisture sensitive crop from getting wet.
• A microprocessor can be set to activate the CO2generator when the light intensity exceeds a given set point, a minimum level for photosynthesis.

b. Computers:

• Now-a-days, computer control systems are common in greenhouse installation throughout Europe, Japan and the United States.
• Computer systems can provide fully integrated control of temperature, humidity, irrigation and fertilization, CO2, light and shade levels for virtually any size growing facility.
• Precise control over a growing operation enables growers to realize saving of 15 to 50% in energy, water, chemical and pesticide applications.

Use of computers

• Computer controls normally help to achieve greater plant consistency, on-schedule production, higher overall plant quality and environmental purity.
• A computer can control hundreds of devices within a greenhouse (vents, heaters, fans, hot water mixing valves, irrigation valves, curtains and lights) by utilizing dozens of input parameters, such as outside and inside temperatures, humidity, outside wind direction and velocity, CO2 levels and even the time of the day or night.
• Computer systems receive signals from all sensors, evaluate all conditions and send appropriate commands every minute to each piece of equipment in the greenhouse range thus maintaining ideal conditions in each of the various independent greenhouse zones defined by the grower