Growth tracking and light optimization in greenhouses

Important results from the project

We have developed two products that use information from the plant bed to control and optimize the lighting in commercial greenhouse cultivation, which was the goal. As much as the applications are groundbreaking, they are complex and challenging, and the products have had to be adapted accordingly. The project has also led to new contacts and collaborations within the "smart farming" market. The product was demonstrated at Greentech Amsterdam 2024, the largest fair for greenhouse technology.

Expected long term effects

With increased energy prices and sustainability requirements, commercial greenhouse cultivation needs to become smarter and more efficient. By moving from traditional climate control to "plant control", the energy and cost savings are estimated at 25% and 35% respectively. The challenge lies in estimating the plant´s physiological status in real time and how the regulation should be implemented. The products from this project are a big step in this direction (toward autonomous cultivation).

Approach and implementation

The focus has been on development and evaluation of the products through different types of field trials (in climate chambers, in research and commercial greenhouses, in Sweden and in the Netherlands, with different types of crops). We have collected and analyzed data and compared it with different types of references. Through the field trials, we have had the opportunity to discuss the results with growers and other types of experts. We have also worked with algorithm and software development.