Equipment used in Hi-Tech farms It's applications

Aim of the experiment: To study regarding different equipment and their utilization in Hi-Tech horticultures.

Objectives:

1.         To study and get acquainted with various garden equipment.

2.         To understand the importance and use of the equipment.

Materials required:

            Fogger, Drip irrigation, Drip nozzle, Sprinkler irrigation, Sprinkler nozzle, Sensors, pH meter, EC Meter, Lux meter, Protray, Hydroponic cup

Relevant information:

1.      Fogger unit:

A fogger is any device that creates a fog, Foggers are often used humidifying the control environment. Also it can be used by consumers as a low cost alternative to a professional pest control services.

Working Principle

Foggers work by forcing water at high pressure through very small orifices, creating micron-sized droplets (typically < 100 µm). These droplets remain suspended in air and increase humidity.

Applications

Ø  Increasing relative humidity in polyhouses

Ø  Reducing leaf temperature

Ø  Pest control (if integrated with chemicals)

Ø  Microclimate regulation

Advantages

Ø  Uniform humidity control

Ø  Reduces transpiration stress

Ø  Suitable for seedling nurseries

2.      Drip irrigation:

Drip irrigation is the most efficient water and nutrient delivery system for growing crops. It delivers water and nutrients directly to the plant’s roots zone, in the right amounts, at the right time, so each plant gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it, to grow optimally. 

Working Principle

Water flows through lateral pipes and is delivered drop by drop directly into the root zone under low pressure.

Applications

• Precision irrigation
• Fertigation
• Water-scarce regions
• Protected cultivation

Advantages

• 90–95% irrigation efficiency
• Reduced evaporation
• Minimized weed growth
• Compatible with automation

3.      Drip nozzle:

It helps the flow of water to move in drop wise manner.

Function

Controls discharge rate (2 L/hr, 4 L/hr, etc.)

Types

·         Pressure-compensating

·         Non-pressure compensating

·         Online emitters

·         Inline emitters

4.      Sprinkler irrigation:

Sprinkler irrigation system allows application of water under high pressure with the help of a pump. It releases water similar to rainfall through a small diameter nozzle placed in the pipes. Water is distributed through a system of pipes, sprayed into air and irrigates in most of the soil type due to wide range of discharge capacity.

Working Principle

Water is sprayed under pressure in form of artificial rainfall.

Applications

·         Open-field horticulture

·         Lawns

·         Nurseries

·         Light sandy soils

Advantages

·         Uniform water application

·         Suitable for undulating land

·         Reduces labor cost

5.      Sprinkler nozzle:

Sprinkler nozzles, also known as spray nozzles, are an important but often overlooked component of well-designed irrigation systems. The proper nozzle ensures accurate, even water delivery in the pattern you need.

Function

Controls:

·         Spray pattern

·         Droplet size

·         Application rate

Types

·         Full circle

·         Part circle

·         Rotary nozzles

·         Fixed spray nozzles

6.      Sensors- (Temperature, Moisture, Nutrient, Solar radiation, other sensors):

A temperature sensor is a device, typically a thermocouple or resistance temperature detector, that provides temperature measurement in a readable form through an electrical signal. A thermometer is the most basic form of a temperature meter that is used to measure the degree of hotness and coolness.

A soil moisture sensor is a device that measures current soil moisture. Sensors integrated into the irrigation system enable more efficient scheduling of water supply and distribution. Such gauges help reduce or enhance irrigation to achieve optimal plant growth.

There are many types of sensors used in agriculture for smart agriculture incorporates viz., including Optical Sensors, Mechanical Soil Sensors, Location Sensors and Airflow Sensors.

🌡 Temperature Sensor

Working: Based on thermistor/RTD/thermocouple principle.
Application: Microclimate monitoring
Range: 0–50°C (greenhouse typical)

Parts:

·         Probe

·         Signal wire

·         Microcontroller interface

💧 Soil Moisture Sensor

Working: Measures dielectric constant of soil.
Application: Irrigation scheduling
Helps prevent over-irrigation.

Types:

·         Capacitive

·         Tensiometer

·         Resistance type

🌞 Solar Radiation Sensor

Measures:

·         Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)

·         Global solar radiation (W/m²)

Used in:

·         Crop growth modeling

·         Shading control

🌿 Nutrient Sensor

Detects:

·         Nitrate

·         Potassium

·         Phosphate concentration

Used in hydroponics and fertigation management.

7.      pH meter:

pH meter is an electric device used to measure hydrogen-ion activity (acidity or alkalinity) in solution. pH is the unit of measure that describes the degree of acidity or alkalinity. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. The pH value of a substance is directly related to the ratio of the hydrogen ion [H+] and the hydroxyl ion [OH-] concentrations. If the H+ concentration is greater than OH-, the material is acidic; i.e., the pH value is less than 7. If the OH- concentration is greater than H+, the material is basic, with a pH value greater than 7. If equal amounts of H+ and OH- ions are present, the material is neutral, with a pH of 7.

Working Principle

Measures hydrogen-ion concentration using a glass electrode.

Importance in Horticulture

Optimal nutrient uptake occurs at:

pH 5.5–6.5 (most horticultural crops)

Parts

Glass electrode

Reference electrode

Display unit

8.       EC Meter:

An electrical conductivity meter (EC meter) measures the electrical conductivity in a solution. It has multiple applications in research and engineering, with common use in hydroponics, aquaculture, aquaponics, and freshwater systems to monitor nutrient, salt, or impurity levels in the water.

Working Principle

Measures ability of solution to conduct electricity (based on salt concentration).

Unit

dS/m or mS/cm

Application

·         Nutrient solution monitoring

·         Salinity management

·         Hydroponics

9.      Digital Data logger:

A data logger is an electronic device that records data over time or about location either with a built-in instrument or sensor or via external instruments and sensors. One of the primary benefits of using data loggers is the ability to automatically collect data on a 24-hour basis. Upon activation, data loggers are typically deployed and left unattended to measure and record information for the duration of the monitoring period. This allows for a comprehensive, accurate picture of the environmental conditions being monitored, such as air temperature and relative humidity.

Function

Records sensor data automatically over time.

Application

·         24-hour environmental monitoring

·         Research trials

·         Climate analysis

Parameters Logged

·         Temperature

·         RH

·         Soil moisture

·         Light intensity

10.  Lux meter:

Lux meters are used for measuring brightness in lux, fc or cd/m². Some lux meters are equipped with an internal memory or data logger to record and save measurements.

Function

Measures light intensity in lux.

Application

·         Monitoring greenhouse light levels

·         Supplemental lighting management

·         Seedling production

11. Protray

Used for:

·         Seedling raising

·         Uniform root growth

·         Transplanting convenience

12. Hydroponic Cup

Used in:

·         Soilless cultivation

·         Nutrient film technique (NFT)

·         Deep water culture (DWC)

Ensures:

·         Aeration

·         Root stability

Assignment:

1.      Paste or draw and label the different parts of each equipment.