Welcome to this new edition of Horti-Gen Insights. In this newsletter, we're exploring the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on greenhouse climate control. AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it's a present-day reality transforming how growers manage their environments, optimize resources, and maximize yields.

We extend a special thank you to Pieter Kwakernaak, General Manager of Hoogendoorn America, for sharing his invaluable expertise. Hoogendoorn is a global leader in horticultural automation, and Pieter's insights provide a clear picture of how AI is reshaping the industry.

Part 1: The Brains of the Greenhouse: How AI Intelligently Controls Climate

Traditional greenhouse climate control relies on reactive adjustments based on current conditions. In contrast, AI takes a proactive approach—anticipating changes and optimizing conditions in advance. Pieter Kwakernaak explains that Hoogendoorn’s IIVO system leverages AI-driven Intelligent Algorithms to enhance climate control in two key ways.

1. Predictive Climate Control

"First, they anticipate external conditions using an advanced climate prediction system, designed to analyze and identify weather patterns based on the exact coordinates of the grower’s greenhouse," says Kwakernaak.

By incorporating localized weather intelligence, the system develops a temperature profile and a three-day climate strategy, ensuring optimal conditions before changes occur.

2. Dynamic Adjustments for Humidity Control

Beyond temperature regulation, the AI also factors in predicted external humidity to create a controlled humidity differential between the greenhouse interior and the outside environment.

"This ensures that when the humidity ventilation algorithm activates, the conditions are optimal to generate airflow towards the exterior, effectively reducing excess humidity inside the greenhouse," Kwakernaak explains.

Precision Through Smart Integration

The AI system continuously balances temperature and humidity based on user preferences, creating stable and ideal growing conditions. Smart screens and intelligent lighting further enhance precision, ensuring growers maintain the perfect environment with minimal manual intervention.

Part 2: Digital Twins: Simulating Success Before You Commit

One of the most exciting applications of AI is digital twin technology. This allows growers to simulate and test various scenarios before implementing them in their greenhouse operations.

Pieter explains, "Intelligent Algorithms can forecast lighting and temperature profiles without needing a large historical dataset. The grower can change the settings and see the impact on the temperature profile before these profiles are implemented in the actual control. Also, energy use for artificial lighting is predicted in advance and can be used as input for the energy management system."

This ability to model different scenarios allows for optimized energy management and resource allocation and minimizes risk.

Furthermore, Hoogendoorn’s IIVO system features an open API, enabling seamless data exchange with external systems. This facilitates a closed-loop system where climate control responds dynamically to plant feedback. For example, the RTR (ratio temperature to radiation) decision support tool from Letsgrow.com can suggest an optimal RTR, which is then directly implemented in the Intelligent Temperature algorithm.

Ratio Temperature to Radiation (RTR) definition:

The RTR, a crucial parameter in greenhouse horticulture, represents the balance between greenhouse temperature and the amount of light (radiation) plants receive. It indicates the desired target temperature for a specific light intensity level. This integration allows growers to maintain an ideal growing environment that adapts to changing light conditions throughout the day.

Part 3: Efficiency Gains: Water, Nutrients, and Resource Optimization

AI-driven climate control extends beyond maintaining optimal growing conditions—it also contributes to improved resource efficiency. AI-integrated systems, such as Hoogendoorn’s IIVO, have shown measurable impacts on water and nutrient management while optimizing energy use.

According to Pieter Kwakernaak, "IIVO’s Intelligent Algorithms enhance the plant’s load-bearing capacity, leading to higher production potential. The crop and climate remain more balanced, reducing unnecessary control actions."

Key areas of efficiency include:

1. Adjusted Ventilation Management

The Intelligent Ventilation algorithm can reduce the frequency of window openings, which may help retain heat, moisture, and CO₂ inside the greenhouse, contributing to a more stable climate.

2. Heating Optimization

AI-driven climate control systems can improve heating efficiency, potentially reducing buffer water usage by up to 25%, which may lead to lower energy consumption.

3. Equipment Longevity

More controlled and consistent climate conditions can contribute to reduced wear and tear on motors and ventilation screens, potentially extending their operational lifespan.

4. Product Quality Consistency

A more stable climate can support consistent fruit quality, which may lead to a higher proportion of produce meeting premium-grade standards.

5. Operational Efficiency

AI integration may enable growers to manage larger cultivation areas compared to traditional methods, with the potential to extend cultivation cycles.

Proactive Protection: Early Disease and Pest Detection

Beyond climate optimization, AI is also crucial in protecting crops from diseases and pests. Hoogendoorn's Intelligent Algorithms include an integrated crop condensation model, which proactively opens vents to prevent condensation on crops and fruits. This proactive approach helps avoid conditions conducive to disease.

The Letsgrow.com platform can be integrated with IIVO for comprehensive pest and disease management. This system includes a suite of tools for dynamic monitoring and action logging. Growers can track pest and disease behavior trends and correlate them with greenhouse climate conditions.

Moreover, heat maps visually represent pest intensity and climate conditions across different greenhouse zones, enabling growers to anticipate potential outbreaks. The system's mobile app provides real-time reporting and instant notifications, keeping growers informed and ready to respond to any challenges.

Part 5: Sustainability in Action: Reducing Energy Consumption and Emissions

With the growing emphasis on sustainability, AI and digital twin solutions are helping greenhouse operators reduce their environmental footprint.

As Pieter Kwakernaak emphasizes, "At Hoogendoorn, sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. Intelligent Algorithms in IIVO and digital twin technology via LetsGrow.com’s Strategy Manager, greenhouse operators can optimize energy consumption, reduce CO₂ emissions, and enhance crop performance."Here's how these technologies contribute to sustainability:

• Target Line Panel: LetsGrow.com generates a target line panel that compares real-time greenhouse conditions with a predefined sustainable plan. This allows growers to fine-tune their approach for maximum sustainability.

• Dynamic Adjustments: IIVO’s Intelligent Algorithms dynamically adjust climate conditions, minimizing energy waste.

• Optimized Ventilation, Heating, and Humidity: The system anticipates weather conditions and adjusts these controls accordingly, minimizing energy waste while maintaining optimal crop conditions.

• Efficient CO₂ Utilization: IIVO optimizes CO₂ distribution inside the greenhouse, reducing unnecessary emissions.

• Intelligent Lighting: The system reduces reliance on artificial light when natural sunlight is sufficient, cutting energy consumption.

Conclusion: The Future is Intelligent

AI is rapidly transforming greenhouse climate control, offering growers unprecedented opportunities to optimize their operations, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability.

From predictive climate management to digital twin simulations and proactive pest and disease detection, AI-driven solutions pave the way for a smarter, more sustainable future for controlled environment agriculture. With innovators like Hoogendoorn leading the charge, the future of greenhouse growing is undoubtedly intelligent.

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