Optimizing automatic greenhouses management : The key role of accurate weather forecasts

null

Agriculture

05/09/2024

by

Matthieu Laurent

5 min

null

null

Automation and efficiency are at the heart of modern greenhouse management strategies. In an environment as complex and dynamic as greenhouses, where energy and labor costs weigh heavily on profits, the accuracy of weather forecasts becomes a critical success factor. Frogcast provides weather forecasts that optimize the automatic management of greenhouses, ensuring maximum yields with minimal resource consumption.

null

Forecast accuracy: A pillar of automation

null

Greenhouse control systems are designed to automate numerous daily tasks and create an optimal growth environment for plants. These systems enable precise regulation of various environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, irrigation, and CO2 levels. The effectiveness of these systems largely depends on the accuracy of weather forecasts. By integrating the accurate weather forecasts provided by Frogcast, these systems can anticipate and adapt to external conditions, thereby optimizing the internal microclimate.

null

Accurate forecasts allow automated systems to...

null

Optimize temperature: by automatically adjusting heating and cooling systems based on temperature forecasts, plants can be maintained under optimal growing conditions throughout the day.

Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of temperature forecasts over the entire Europe-North Africa region. 
Frogcast is <strong>1.5 times more accurate</strong> on average than traditional weather models.

Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of temperature forecasts over the entire Europe-North Africa region.
Frogcast is 1.5 times more accurate on average than traditional weather models.

null

null

Manage humidity: humidity levels can be proactively adjusted to prevent plant diseases and promote healthy development. Accurate forecasts help in planning irrigation and the use of misters or dehumidifiers.

Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of humidity forecasts over the entire Europe-North Africa region. 
Frogcast is <strong>1.42 times more accurate</strong> on average than traditional weather models.

Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of humidity forecasts over the entire Europe-North Africa region.
Frogcast is 1.42 times more accurate on average than traditional weather models.

null

null

Control ventilation: natural or mechanical ventilation can be optimized based on the predicted weather conditions, ensuring adequate air circulation and the regulation of temperature and humidity.

Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of wind forecasts over the entire Europe-North Africa region. 
Frogcast is <strong>1.52 times more accurate</strong> on average than traditional weather models.

Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of wind forecasts over the entire Europe-North Africa region.
Frogcast is 1.52 times more accurate on average than traditional weather models.

null

null

Regulate CO2 levels: forecasts enable the planning of CO2 injection to maximize photosynthesis without wasting resources.

Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) forecasts over the entire Europe-North Africa region. 
Frogcast is <strong>1.10 times more accurate</strong> on average than traditional weather models.

Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) forecasts over the entire Europe-North Africa region.
Frogcast is 1.10 times more accurate on average than traditional weather models.

null

null

Optimize irrigation: precipitation forecasts are essential for planning irrigation. By anticipating rainfall, automated systems can adjust watering cycles to avoid overwatering and save water.

Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of precipitation forecasts over the entire Europe-North Africa region. 
Frogcast is <strong>5.5 times more accurate</strong> on average than traditional weather models.

Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of precipitation forecasts over the entire Europe-North Africa region.
Frogcast is 5.5 times more accurate on average than traditional weather models.

Benefits of Frogcast weather forecasts for automated greenhouses

1. Cost Reduction

By using accurate weather forecasts, automated systems can operate more efficiently. This results in reduced costs associated with energy, water, and labor. For example, by adjusting irrigation to forecasted weather conditions, water waste is avoided, and energy costs associated with irrigation systems are reduced.

null

2. Improved crop quality and yield

Optimal environmental conditions promoted by accurate forecasts lead to better crop quality and higher yields. Plants grown under precisely controlled conditions are less likely to suffer from environmental stress, resulting in more uniform and higher-quality produce.

null

null

3. Risk management

Weather forecasts also help in managing risks related to extreme weather conditions. For example, by anticipating a heatwave, cooling systems can be activated in advance to protect crops. Similarly, during periods of high humidity, preventive measures can be taken to prevent fungal diseases. Moreover, in anticipation of strong wind gusts, structural reinforcements can be implemented to prevent potential damage to the greenhouse.

null

null

4. Flexibility and responsiveness

Accurate forecasts provide growers with greater flexibility and responsiveness. Automated systems can be quickly adjusted based on changing weather conditions, allowing for real-time responses to environmental conditions and informed decision-making.

null

Conclusion

null

Integrating accurate weather forecasts into the automatic management of agricultural greenhouses represents a major advancement for modern agriculture. It not only improves crop yields and quality but also reduces costs and manages risks more effectively. By leveraging the power of weather forecasts, growers can create optimal and sustainable growing environments, addressing the growing challenges of contemporary agriculture.

null

Start for free!

First Name

Last Name

Company Name

User Name

Email Address

Phone

FR

Password

null

null

null

null

null

null

Follow the Frog

Through a simple and efficient API, Frogcast promises to make it easy for you to integrate reliable weather forecasts! Join Frogcast now by connecting your application directly to the API! 

First name*

Email*

Last name*

Phone number

Company*

Message

Our labels

FOLLOW US

OFFICE ADDRESS

Savoie Technolac
Bâtiment Dauphin
18 rue du Lac Saint-André
73370 Le Bourget-du-Lac
France

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved.

HEADQUARTERS

QUOS Group
18 Allée du lac Saint André
BP 40328
73382 Le Bourget-du-Lac
CEDEX