Challenges
Before Sera, the greenhouse struggled with:
- Inefficient water usage, leading to unnecessary waste and higher costs.
- Overuse of fertilisers due to inconsistent irrigation timing and management.
Solution
We implemented smart irrigation strategies driven by advanced heuristics and metrics:
- Precise Timing Controls: Used key metrics like dry-down rates, drain levels, and EC-drip/drain ratios to optimize irrigation schedules.
- Dynamic Adjustments: Leveraged real-time data to adapt irrigation controls to current conditions, ensuring optimal hydration and nutrient delivery.
- Smart Heuristics: Applied proven irrigation heuristics to maintain balance between water efficiency and crop performance.
- Fertiliser Optimisation: Reduced fertiliser waste by aligning irrigation volumes with precise nutrient uptake requirements.
Outcome
- Improved Efficiency: Achieved a 5-10% reduction in water usage and fertiliser costs.
- Optimised Plant Health: Maintained ideal hydration and nutrient levels, boosting crop productivity and quality.
- Reduced Waste: Minimised overwatering and nutrient runoff, supporting sustainable operations.
Why it matters
By optimising irrigation timing and precision, this Mexican greenhouse achieved significant cost savings and operational efficiency, showcasing the potential of smart water management.
