Project carried out for AGROMILLORA.
In many professional agricultural operations, business growth and the progressive incorporation of technology in greenhouses are not always accompanied by an upgrade of the control system. It is common to find facilities with structures and equipment in good condition, but managed by outdated climate controllers with limited interfaces, no remote connectivity, and poor data analysis capabilities. This situation restricts decision-making, hinders coordination between technical teams, and reduces the greenhouse’s productive potential.
In this project, the main challenge was to replace an old climate control system, based on a local keypad with a monochrome screen and no remote access, with a modern solution that would allow for precise automation of climate and irrigation, improve data visibility, and facilitate simultaneous work by multiple users. All of this had to be done without disrupting the greenhouse’s daily operations and ensuring compatibility with existing equipment.
The implemented solution was the installation of an IIVO Compact climate controller (Hoogendoorn), designed for the advanced management of professional greenhouses. The new system allows for independent control of several climate compartments, integrating roof ventilation, side ventilation, shade screens, and, in modules that require it, forced-air heating systems. To ensure precise climate control, psychrometric probes and PAR radiation sensors were incorporated, providing real-time information on temperature, humidity, vapor pressure deficit, and the level of radiation available to the crop. In addition, a weather station is included that measures outside temperature and relative humidity, wind direction and speed, rainfall, and radiation, so that the data also forms part of the greenhouse’s comprehensive climate management.
In parallel, complete irrigation automation was implemented, integrating fertigation equipment capable of managing multiple irrigation recipes adapted to different crop growth stages. The system controls dozens of solenoid valves organized into hydraulic groups, allowing for precise distribution of water and nutrients. Furthermore, continuous monitoring of pH, EC, and flow rate was incorporated, guaranteeing irrigation traceability and facilitating the early detection of deviations that could affect crop development.
One of the project’s most significant advancements is the migration of control systems to a digital, cloud-connected environment. The new system allows multiple users to work simultaneously from any location, accessing the software via mobile devices, tablets, or computers. This connectivity transforms greenhouse management, enabling remote monitoring, real-time decision-making, and improved coordination among technical managers, agronomists, and production staff.
From an operational standpoint, the system modernization has represented a qualitative leap in efficiency and control. Automation reduces reliance on manual adjustments, minimizes human error, and ensures a faster response to external weather changes. Simultaneously, the collection and visualization of historical data allows for the analysis of greenhouse performance, optimization of climate and irrigation strategies, and a shift toward data-driven management.
This success story demonstrates that technological upgrades to control systems are a strategic investment for any agricultural business seeking to improve productivity, efficiency, and scalability. This solution is fully replicable in greenhouses of varying sizes, crops, and geographical locations, as it is based on a modular approach adaptable to the producer’s actual needs. Modernizing climate and irrigation control not only optimizes the greenhouse’s current performance but also prepares it to confidently face the future challenges of technologically advanced agriculture.
