In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, innovative methods are continuously reshaping how we grow our crops. One such groundbreaking approach is Plant Empowerment, a concept that challenges conventional greenhouse climate control practices. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of Plant Empowerment and explore how pioneering researchers at EVERGLOW are leveraging this technology to revolutionize greenhouse farming.
Plant Empowerment Unveiled:
Plant Empowerment (PE), an approach rooted in Dutch horticultural expertise and scientific research from Wageningen University, transcends the traditional greenhouse climate control paradigm. While traditional methods focus on regulating air temperature, humidity, and vapor pressure deficit (VPD), PE introduces a new era of plant-centric management.
Understanding Plant Empowerment:
PE is founded on the understanding that plants are not just biological organisms but physical entities subject to the laws of thermodynamics. Rather than solely controlling environmental parameters, PE places a profound emphasis on three key plant balances: the energy balance, the water balance, and the assimilates balance.
Nocturnal Evaporation and Its Benefits:
A fundamental aspect of PE is the promotion of nocturnal evaporation through leaf micropores (stomata). This process may seem counterintuitive, but it carries numerous advantages. Research has shown that a mature tomato crop can release as much as 25 grams of water per square meter overnight. Additionally, it’s been observed that transpiration through stomata during the night can account for up to 30% of daytime rates. Nocturnal evaporation serves multiple purposes, such as transporting water and essential nutrients, notably calcium, to the plant’s growing tips. It also alleviates root pressure, reducing the risk of cell damage and fungal infections. However, it’s important to note that this process requires energy (approximately 2.3 megajoules per kilogram of water) for water to evaporate. When light is absent, alternative sources of energy, such as convection currents, are utilized to facilitate this crucial process.
Temperature-to-Radiation Ratio for Growth:
Instead of relying on fixed air temperature settings, PE advocates for maintaining a balanced ratio of temperature to radiation for optimal plant growth. By using photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) sensors to track and estimate daily light integral (DLI), growers can adjust temperature setpoints accordingly. This dynamic approach ensures consistent growth and development, even in the face of fluctuating environmental conditions.
Optimal Temperature and DLI Adjustment:
Night temperatures can be adjusted to align with the ideal 24-hour temperature once the day’s DLI has been determined. The formula for determining the target temperature is Target Temperature = 18 + (2 x DLI/10). This formula allows growers to adapt to various conditions, including challenging ones such as hot climates. By raising the baseline temperature from 18°Celsius to 20°Celsius in exceptionally warm conditions, growers can effectively manage greenhouse environments and minimize temperature fluctuations during cooling system cycles.
EVERGLOW’s Role in the Plant Empowerment Revolution:
As the pioneers of advanced greenhouse farming technology, EVERGLOW has embraced Plant Empowerment as a cornerstone of their research and development. Their commitment to empowering plants through PE principles is driving remarkable advancements in greenhouse agriculture.
The Future of Greenhouse Farming:
Plant Empowerment’s potential to enhance plant health, improve fruit and flower quality, and boost resistance to stress and diseases is revolutionizing the world of greenhouse farming. The dedication of research institutions like EVERGLOW ensures that these innovative concepts become a reality, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
Plant Empowerment is more than just a novel approach to greenhouse farming; it’s a transformative paradigm shift that is empowering plants to thrive. As EVERGLOW continues to push the boundaries of research in autonomous greenhouses and Plant Empowerment, the future of agriculture looks brighter and more sustainable than ever. Together, we are cultivating a greener and more productive world.