GREENHOUSES WITH NARROW-RACK HYDROPONICS TECHNOLOGY BASED ON DIGITAL CONTROL SYSTEMS

Currently, many foreign greenhouse manufacturers use elements of digital technologies and hydroponics systems. Almost all manufacturers of systems and equipment in this class are foreign companies. Work on creating modern domestic digital controlled systems for growing agricultural crops is relevant and in demand in Russia. The Moscow Polytechnic University conducts studies and development research aimed at creating software and intelligent technologies for controlling and regulating the microclimate in greenhouses and hydroponic installations. Based on mathematical models of the microclimate systems for complete automation of plants growing process and automatic maintenance of optimal microclimate parameters, remotely using a phone or tablet PC, have been designed and implemented. The article presents a mathematical model of the greenhouse microclimate. One of the most promising directions is considered; it is a technology of multi-level shelving and narrow-shelving hydroponics. A functional diagram of the greenhouse microclimate control is given. This method allows to increase the used volume of greenhouses up to 25-30 pcs. plants per 1 sq. m of greenhouse area, the number of crop rotations up to 4-5 per year. Reducing water and nutrient solution consumption per unit of production by 2.0-2.5 times compared to drip irrigation greenhouses is provided. The amount of soil in comparison with low-volume substrate technology with drip irrigation is reduction by 4-6 times. The amount of nitrates in products is reduced by 8-10 times compared to the standard. The method of growing agricultural crops does not require much physical effort, unlike traditional crop production. Greenhouses with narrow-rack hydroponics technology based on digital control systems provide an increase in the efficiency of crop production; they are an environmentally friendly technology for growing seedlings, vegetables, berries, flowers and green crops. The technology can be used both in high-tech large-scale industries, agricultural holdings, city farms, and in family businesses on personal plots.