Getting Started With A Smart Greenhouse
What is a Smart Greenhouse?
A Smart Greenhouse (SGH) is a technology-enabled agricultural environment that allows the growth of crops and plants year-round. An SGH shields crops against external temperatures by allowing a controlled internal environment. It also helps mitigate water scarcity by efficiently watering plants according to their exact needs. The impacts of an SGH are endless. In this introduction to setting up an SGH, we will aim to understand whether it is a smart investment for you and your needs.
Is a Smart Greenhouse right for you?
More often than not an SGH is an extension of an already existing greenhouse infrastructure. For this guide, we will start right from there and incorporate the ‘smart’ aspects of a greenhouse as we go along. To tackle the question of compatibility, we have to understand the key elements that go into building an SGH: goal, cost, technology, and budget.
Goal
When deciding to invest in an SGH, it is important to clearly define the outcome you wish to achieve with the endeavor. For different individuals and organizations, the goals will be different.
If your goal includes enabling off-season cultivation, and growing high-value crops, then the investment would be worthwhile. The main groups based on similar goals can be simplified into 3 general categories:
- Individuals, that include enthusiastic hobbyists.
- Experienced professionals, including farmers and researchers.
- Businesses and Organizations, such as restaurants, and educational institutes.
Cost
Given that the location on which the SGH will be built is already available, the initial setup cost involves the building materials, technology, and essential agricultural expenditures such as soil, plants, and other materials.
Building materials of a greenhouse include, but are not limited to:
- Pipe metal frame
- Wooden frame
- Plastic frame
- Polyester
- Glass materials
In addition to the building materials, the style of the structures also contributes to the cost in terms of how much materials it uses.
Common structures include:
- Lean-To
- Ridge and Furrow
- Even Span
- Gothic Arc
- Uneven Span
Technology
The most important aspect of an SGH is the technology that enables it to run smartly. The technology that goes behind an SGH relies heavily on a concept known as the Internet of Things (IoT). This is essentially a system of connected devices that communicate over the internet. Hence, it’s important to note that there must be access to the internet for your SGH to be functional.
The key components required to set up any SGH include:
- Sensors
- Water sprinklers
- Temperature control system
- Integration with an application
Normally, any solution provider of SGH handles the process of setting up your greenhouse and configuring your racks in which the plants will be sowed. The cost of this technology goes beyond initial purchase and installation costs and can translate into maintenance and update costs, which is the case for any technology-enabled solution.
Making your Greenhouse Smart with mGreens
In our attempts to make SGHs more accessible and commonplace in Pakistan, mGreens provides seamless integration with your already existing greenhouses. Our professionals offer a specialized survey to provide you with a fair and accurate quotation for technologizing your greenhouse. Whether you’re a hobbyist, an eco-friendly restaurant, or a third-generation farmer, mGreens will pave the way for a more connected, efficient, and productive smart greenhouse, tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
In the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable agriculture, choose to be a part of the solution. By implementing a modern, technologically driven system for your produce needs, unlock the potential of your greenhouse.
