Climate Control and Irrigation Automation Systems in Turkish Greenhouses: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Today's modern greenhouse agriculture draws attention with its intensive plant production capacity and industrially advanced structure in which soilless agriculture technology is used. Computer, microprocessor-controlled information processing and automation systems are needed for the effective management and operation of greenhouses. In order to meet the demands according to the plant species planned to be produced in soilless modern greenhouses; Equipment such as signal-sensing, heating, ventilation, shading, irrigation, fertilization, fogging-cooling, carbon dioxide fertilization and greenhouse general climate control system are needed. According to the needs of the plant, sub-equipment (suitable for obtaining the correct climate conditions desired in the greenhouse) such as roof windows, heating, irrigation, cooling, shading, fan ventilation should work according to the signals coming from the sensors. In this study, the data of 4 different commercial automation systems (namely Priva, Hortimax, Hoogendoorn and Karaca) in 5 greenhouse enterprises in different parts of Turkey were examined and screenshots were obtained. The data obtained were compared with each other and evaluated in terms of ease of use, performance, measured elements, capacity etc.  This research will provide added value to the greenhouse economy of countries in the next stages of undercover agriculture, as it will serve to understand greenhouse automation and subsequently to develop new systems. It will also be helpful to the greenhouse investors to make the right choice while choosing a greenhouse automation system.