Part Two: Environmental Conditions
In Part Two of this blog, we examine how to apply crop steering techniques using environmental conditions. As we mentioned in Part One of this blog, irrigation impacts how plants grow and can also be used as a steering tool. You can access it here in case you missed it. But let's dig into how changing environmental conditions can impact plant growth.
Agricultural technology constantly evolves by refining processes, upgrading systems, and improving hardware and software. Substrates, the medium your crops are grown in, provide an opportunity for monitoring through substrate moisture sensors. Many growers face plant nutrition challenges that affect plant quality and profitability. Monitoring water content, temperature, and electrical conductivity in your substrate provide critical crop-level data for farmers and growers.
As indoor commercial cultivation becomes the gold standard in cannabis grows, environmental control systems' demand increases. Also known as controlled environment systems, these complex systems require extensive research. Let's cover some basics before you dig into specifics.
Whether in a commercial grow or an at-home garden, all plants require nutrients or fertilizers to thrive. Automated commercial fertilizer delivery systems can be costly, and sticker shock can intimidate growers into putting off the upgrade. Many growers admit that the upfront investment pays off. Lower labor costs and reduced resource waste, along with saving time, are enough to get many growers to take the plunge. We'll dive into what fertilizer or nutrient delivery systems do, how they work, and the potential benefits associated with investing.
Despite a desire for locally grown produce, almost half of the fresh fruits and vegetables bought by American's last year were grown outside of the United States. According to the USDA, in 2008, organic produce grown in the US accounted for less than one percent of total crop acreage, and improvements have been slow.
Getting nutrients to crops in commercial cultivation grows is a critical aspect of a farmer's routine.
Conversations around the idea of crop steering to increase yields, save resources, and boost terpenes and aromas have increased in the last few years amongst cannabis growers. Some growers contend that crop steering is just a new way of discussing dry down, a technique where farmers allow crops to dry out between watering or feeding to encourage a particular type of growth. Others contend that it's basically just mimicking the natural conditions plants would be subject to if they were grown outdoors. Let's dig into it and see what all the hype is about.
Nutrient deficiency in plants can impact your bottom line. Delivering the right nutrients at the right time can make or break your grow operation. Let's examine how you can prevent nutrient deficiency in plants through intelligent automation.
In a world where technology moves at an unprecedented pace, commercial growers require productivity and predictability in their greenhouse technology. Let's look at ways technology helps growers increase yields, improve productivity, and provide peace of mind.
Agriculture has never been a get-rich-quick venture. Even in the best of seasons, commercial greenhouse profit margins may be slim. Let's explore the factors that drive commercial greenhouses' profitability and consider what cutting-edge technological remedies can help growers operate cost-effectively.
