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Vegetative growth and fruit setting are very sensitive to the temperature and humidity conditions that prevail during the different growing stages. The interaction between temperature and humidity also has a significant influence. Some plants are more durable under heat stress when the surrounding humidity is high.
Climate control also influences the development of growing conditions for pests in the greenhouse. Moisture and humidity, drying and wetting conditions influence the risks of developing diseases and pests.
The conventional solutions for climate control – the wet pad and high-pressure fog – have advantages and disadvantages:
Wet pad
This method is suitable for most types of water, and does not wet the plant foliage. However, it is limited to row lengths up to 30 m due to creation of temperature drop, and the costs are very high.
The air that is brought in from the outside carries pests. The method also requires maintenance – cleaning algae and scale.
High-pressure fog
This solution solves the problems of the wet pad by distributing humidity uniformly over the entire area, and does not wet the plant foliage. However, it is expensive and requires a very high operation pressure (30 to 60 bar). The system is highly sensitive to clogging and requires pre-treatment of water and removal of salts. Maintenance of the system is expensive and problematic.
Pesticide spraying
Spraying in greenhouses constitutes a serious problem from the aspect of human resources and health risk. There have been many attempts to find a solution for spraying that eliminates the need for human contact.
There are limitations regarding the types of plants, growing methods and ability to distribute very small volumes uniformly in a large space of the greenhouse with crop obstacles.
Overhead spraying solutions using a sprayer system appears to be the right solution
The question is whether there is a one-system solution that combines both needs: climate control and spraying against diseases.
Description of the method
A climate control and preventative spraying system has been developed by NaanDanJain, as a practical solution for the operation conditions in flower and vegetable greenhouses.
A. Definition of the operation conditions for the system:
- Control of temperature and humidity. Able to reduce temperatures by 4 to 100 C (subject to relative humidity).
- Increase of humidity to 60 to 85%
- (according to crop requirements).
- Dual use as a spraying and climate control system
- Automation
- Minimal maintenance – clogging resistant
- Reliable
- Low-pressure operation
- Simple installation
- Adaptation to different water qualities
- Maximum design flexibility
- Economically feasible (initial investment and ongoing contribution in savings in maintenance, labor days, etc.).
- Quick return on investment due to higher market prices for quality flowers and vegetables.
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