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NE164: Decision Support for Design and Control of Plant Growth Systems

Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [03/31/2002] [03/01/2003] [06/13/2003] [02/06/2004]

Date of Annual Report: 03/31/2002

Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 03/08/02 to 03/09/02
  • Period the Report Covers: 01/2001 to 12/2001

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:


    URL: Copy of minutes

    Accomplishments:
    NE-164: Decision/Support for Design and Control of Plant Growth Systems
    Summary of Project 2001

    Objective 1: Integrate environmentally acceptable and economically-profitable management models into crop growth control and profitability

    1 a. Develop decision/support tools based on plant growth and development models to enhance crop growth control and profitability

    Two closed, contrasting, watering systems are being studied and contrasted: an ebb and flood floor system at Rutgers University and a deep trough hydroponic system at Cornell University.

    The Rutgers irrigation system was installed in an open/roof greenhouse in preparation for operation of the greenhouse during the coming year. The system is closed, with make-up water added as needed and nutrients then added as needed by fertilizer injectors. The system will be operated during the coming year and its characteristics quantified. Monitoring the fertilizer addition rates can, ultimately, be used to develop nutrient uptake models that can lead to more effective addition of fertilizer at lower cost.

    The Cornell system was developed and is being operated to confirm and expand (or tune) models of plant growth and transpiration using lettuce in deep troughs. Additionally, a neural network model is being completed that is proposed to be the first step of a fault detection procedure that can be implemented to detect anomalous behavior of the components of plant production systems by monitoring and predicting transpiration, EC and pH, and comparing predictions to measured values. Such a fault detection method can identify problems in their initial stages (typically within 20 minutes) , when time will still permit remedial actions to limit crop damage and production loss.

    Ohio State University (through OARDC, the Wooster campus) has developed a decision support program for hydroponic tomato production. The decision support algorithm is based on thirteen growth functions and is available as an interactive computer program through the OARDC web site. The site is actively used by commercial hydroponic tomato growers.

    Two doctoral theses at Rutgers University have provided computer models to advance the development of management models for plant production systems.

    One doctoral thesis developed a computerized algorithm to simulate and
    compensate for effects of environmental perturbations on production and
    scheduling of hydroponically grown wheat, soybean and white potato in
    controlled environments.

    A second doctoral thesis provides mathematical computer modeling tools
    capable of implementation for system level analysis. The focus was
    application to advanced life support systems such as the International Space


    Station, but the approach was object oriented and the computer model provides modules that could be applied to commercial plant production as well.

    Precision microirrigation studies continue at Ohio State University. Measured and modeled evapotranspiration comparisons are being accumulated with the goal of modeling ET as a method to control irrigation of nursery plants individually and avoid excessive irrigation and nutrient loss to the environment.

    Ohio State University continues to develop IPM tools to reduce pest pressure and pesticide use through greenhouse environmental control. A series of fact sheets has been published.

    lb. Develop an integrated information data base on CEA plant growth systems to facilitate analysis and produce a decision-support tool.

    Two stations are exploring plant lighting topics, one aspect is light integral control and the other is spectral quality of supplemental light.


    Cornell University continues to develop and test a total daily PAR integral
    control method and is testing it in a prototype commercial lettuce production
    greenhouse. Control appears to be generally within one mol/m2 of daily PAR
    integral, or within 8%, with most days much better than this.

    Michigan State University is exploring the effects of spectral quality on plant
    growth and morphology. A wide variety of crops is being tested.

    Each aspect is important for developing decision support tools related to plant lighting for the control total growth and plant quality, and timing of development.

    Cornell University conducted an industry survey and several focus group discussions to review industry experiences, assess major management concerns with adopting sub irrigation systems, and establish benchmarks to estimate cost in capital investment analyses related to four alternative zero runoff systems (ebb and flow benches, Dutch movable trays, flooded floors, and trough benches). The survey showed growers adopt zero-runoff technologies to improve product quality and production efficiency, not to prepare for impending environmental regulations.


    Objective 2: Enhance commercial greenhouse design, water management, and environmental systems for cool and cloudy climates

    2a. Develop design and control recommendations for naturally ventilated greenhouses

    An open-roof greenhouse at Rutgers University is being modified with new sidewall panels and two motorized side vents to allow for ventilation during times of high winds and rainy weather. Construction of the greenhouse continues with floor heat and a gasfired boiler system to be installed. Open roof greenhouses are increasingly popular with commercial growers, and the Rutgers system will provide a working system to develop design and operating guidelines suitable to cool, rainy climates, but with hot summers, such as characterize the Northeast.

    Researchers at Ohio State University continue to develop methods to quantify air flow rates and patterns in naturally-ventilated greenhouses using the computational fluid dynamics computer model, FLUENT. More effective placements of side and roof vents have been identified, with the resulting natural (wind-induced) ventilation rates being comparable or better than the rates provided by fan ventilation systems. Interactions between researchers at Ohio State and Cornell continue related to systematic evaluations of FLUENT results as derived from modeling wind ventilation of greenhouses.

    Use of insect screens is not practical with naturally-ventilated greenhouses. Moreover, the typical negative pressure system used for fan-ventilated greenhouses draws insects through every inadvertent opening, providing short-circuit paths for air around screens. Rutgers University is completing a study of a positive-pressure system that can be an alternative to other ventilation systems, both mechanical and natural.

    2b. Enhance technology transfer and research in supplemental lighting

    See section lb above for related supplemental lighting research.

    Michigan State University continues to explore environmental conditions and plant responses under near-infra red reflecting greenhouse films used as shade curtains. Recently available films show a good ability to reflect near IR to save energy, with minimal PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) reduction.

    A collaborative project between Rutgers University and the University of New Hampshire, with a commercial collaborator in New Jersey, was initiated to study and quantify the economic feasibility of supplemental lighting for commercial plug production. The study continues.

    2c. Improve greenhouse wastewater treatment through use of constructed wetlands or phytoremediation

    No activities to report during the current year of effort.


    Publications:

    Publications for the year 2001 report are provided in the individual station reports that accompany this summary report.

    It should be noted that three new fact sheets were developed as a collaborative effort between Rutgers University and The Pennsylvania State University.


    Evaluating mechanical ventilation systems for commercial plant production
    facilities

    Instruments for measuring the aerial environment in commercial plant production facilities

    Evaluating indoor aerial environments in commercial plant production facilities

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 03/01/2003

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 03/08/02 to 03/09/02
  • Period the Report Covers: 09/2001 to 09/2002

    • Participants:

    URL: Copy of participant list
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Minutes
    Annual Meeting
    NE-164 Regional Research Committee
    Decision Support of Design and Control of Plant Growth Structures
    Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites, Tucson, AZ 85712
    Friday, March 8 - Saturday, March 9, 2002

    Participants
    Arizona (University of Arizona) Joel Cuello, Gene Giacomelli, Stephen Kania, Chieri Kubota, Armando Suarez
    Connecticut (Connecticut Agri Expt Station, New Haven) Martin Gent
    (University of Connecticut) Richard McAvoy
    Kentucky (University of Kentucky) George Duncan, Bob Geneve
    Michigan (Michigan State University) Royal Heins, Eric Runkle
    Nebraska (University of Nebraska) Absent
    New Hampshire (University of New Hampshire) Absent
    New Jersey (Rutgers University) A.J. Both, Robin Brumfield
    New York (Cornell University) Lou Albright
    Ohio (The Ohio State University) Mike Brugger, Robert Hansen
    Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania State University) Absent

    Also participating was Thomas A. Fretz, Administrative Advisor.

    Dr. Fretz is Dean and Director, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Maryland Cooperative Extension and the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742.

    Optional Pre-meeting Session
    The opening session was preceded by an optional session starting Friday, March 8 at 9:00 AM. The optional session was called by Committee Chair, Lou Albright, to initiate review of plans and requirements for writing a new five-year NE-164 Regional Research Project proposal, which is due by December 2002. The current project terminates, September 2003. The optional session was attended by Lou Albright, A.J. Both, Mike Brugger, Tom Fretz, Martin Gent, Robert Hansen and Rich McAvoy. Minutes from this optional session are included as an addendum to these minutes.

    Opening of the Meeting  First Session
    The first session of the NE-164 Regional Research Committee opened at 12:00 noon with a nourishing buffet lunch catered by the Sheraton Tucson Hotel. The lunch was served and all sessions met in a Sheraton Tucson meeting room. The business meeting was called to order by Lou Albright at 1:00 PM.

    Welcome and Local Arrangements
    Gene Giacomelli welcomed participants to sunny Tucson on behalf of the University of Arizona and expressed appreciation for our safe arrival. Gene discussed plans for an afternoon tour and an evening dinner.

    Colin Kaltenbach, Vice Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Director, Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station also welcomed committee members to the University of Arizona and briefly discussed the status of Arizona agriculture. The primary and overriding concern for Arizona agriculture is WATER!! He highlighted the issue by referring to the following five categories: (1) water quantity, (2) water quality, (3) water use and reuse, (4) water ownership and (5) water availability. Water issues are a major component of funding decisions for the experiment station.

    Merle Jensen, Assistant Dean, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and Associate Director, Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station also participated in portions of the meeting.

    Announcements

    An NCR-101 meeting is scheduled for April 6-9, 2002 in Durham, North Carolina. The meeting is to include visits to the National Phytotron at Duke University and the NC State Phytotron. Information is available on the web site: www.ncr101.duke.edu.

    Mailing List Update

    The NE-164 mailing list was circulated for corrections and additions. A sheet was also circulated so attendees could sign in.

    Minutes

    Minutes (submitted by 2000-2001 secretary Lou Albright) from our last meeting held June 6 & 7, 2001 at the University of New Hampshire were distributed. AJ Both moved the minutes be accepted as distributed. The motion was seconded by RC Hansen. Motion carried.

    Administrative Advisors Report

    Tom Fretz noted that the NE-164 Regional Committee idea has been in existence since 1986. The committee needs to revise its objectives for the fourth time. The current project terminates September 2003. A lot of work will be required by a few of you. A proposed draft of objectives and associated justifications need to be written.

    We need to ask ourselves: Have we met the objectives for the project as written five years ago? What have been the impacts or outcomes of your research? Regional projects need to include collaboration. Two or more institutions need to be connected. One may have a uniquely equipped laboratory while the other has other needed resources. If this is not true, then there is no need to have a regional project.

    Dr. Fretz suggested that a draft proposal be submitted by February 1, 2003 so directors can review it prior to their March 2003 meeting. You need to avoid a lapse in project continuation. You need to write it and get it submitted. Go to the paperless environment. Use the NIMSS web page: http://www.lgu.umd.edu/login.cfm where you can access a menu for project proposals, participants and a format for a proposal. The proposal can be submitted electronically to reviewers. That should shorten the time to get approval by four to six months. The committee should review the publication, A Science Roadmap for Agriculture, November 2001. It is a guideline for regional research prepared by the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. Tom referred to an additional web site http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/nera/ that includes a menu of forms for developing a regional research proposal.

    Dr. Fretz noted that it was not a problem for us to include the University of Arizona even though we are designated as a northeastern regional project. Nebraska has also been included in the project over many years.

    The annual report can also be submitted through NIMSS. Then it can be transmitted on to CRIS http://cris.csrees.usda.gov/. Tom could not find evidence that we submitted the 2001 Regional Research Report for NE-164.

    General Business Items

    Lou and AJ indicated they would investigate why the 2001 NE-164 report was missing and follow up on getting it submitted.

    Lou stated a group of us met this morning to initiate discussion of project revisions. He summarized the outcome of that meeting by stating some general objectives that were identified at the session. Since we are scheduled to take up this topic tomorrow morning (Saturday, March 9), no further action was taken.

    Tom suggested we set up a Secure Website under the NE-164 name where project ideas could be submitted and discussed. Impacts of our research could also be recorded there.

    Gene stated Richard Riley, Rough Brothers Inc., 5513 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45217 was set to attend our meeting as an industry representative but called and canceled at the last minute.

    New Memberships

    Lou asked whether there were any new membership applications from additional institutions that any one knew about. None were suggested.

    Meeting Location for 2003

    Tom Fretz pointed out that it is acceptable to meet at stations other than where member institutions are located.

    Option 1. Royal offered to host the meeting at Michigan State. Michigan is the third largest producer of floral products in the USA. Many excellent tour options would be available. He suggested we return to our more traditional meeting time in June.

    Option 2. The idea of meeting at the University of Maryland was discussed. Tom said his staff would be available to help with arrangements. Tour options in the Washington D.C. area were noted, e.g., The United States Botanic Garden and perhaps a visit to a research funding agency.

    Option 3. The idea of setting up an off shore meeting (e.g., The Netherlands, Denmark) was discussed. Airfares are low at the right time of the year. We may be able to acquire group rates.

    Gene Giacomelli moved that we hold our next meeting in the Washington DC area. The motion was seconded by Mike Brugger. The motion carried. The first week of May was suggested as a time to meet (May 9 & 10, 2003). Tom again volunteered staff from the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station to assist with arrangements.

    Meeting in 2004. The possibility of going to the NTV Show in Denmark as a part of our regular meeting in 2004 was discussed. Mike Brugger has a contact person in Denmark. An ISHS meeting is also scheduled for April 2004 in The Netherlands (Wageningen). However, the April date conflicts with Spring Semester teaching obligations. The possibility of going to Canada or Mexico was mentioned. Additional offshore options suggested were Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China.

    Election of Officers

    Robert Hansen advanced from secretary to committee chair for 2002-2003. Martin Gent volunteered to serve as secretary for 2002-2003. He was duly elected by unanimous ballet. With this election, Martin would become committee chair for 2003-2004.

    Station Reports

    Station reports were presented by Lou Albright (Cornell), Joel Cuello (Arizona) and AJ Both (Rutgers) from 2:15 to 4:15 PM.

    Tour

    An interesting tour of the University of Arizona greenhouses located at their Controlled Environment Agriculture Center was conducted by Gene Giacomelli and associates. Our day concluded with a visit to an ole time western village followed by dinner at a western steak house.

    Second Session
    The second session was opened by Lou Albright Saturday at 9:00 AM. The agenda for the morning was development of a new five-year proposal followed by remaining station reports.

    Comments from our participants concerning the new proposal are summarized below:

    We need to review greenhouse system components: structure, irrigation and nutrition.

    Gene stated he was invited to attend the National Greenhouse Manufacturing Association (NGMA) meeting in Phoenix last fall. NGMA is made up of 25 to 30 companies. Their two primary purposes are to design and construct (1) greenhouse structures and (2) greenhouse systems. We are apparently invited to attend their meetings as guests but not as participants.

    Richard Riley, Rough Brothers Inc. was scheduled to participate in this NE-164 meeting as an NGMA representative. Perhaps the NE-164 committee should schedule a time and place to meet with NGMA representatives. The Ohio Florists Association Short Course was suggested. It will be held in Columbus, Ohio, July 2002. It is important for the top levels of their group and the top levels of our group to communicate.

    Dates and places scheduled for future NGMA meetings were listed:

    Spring 2002 Apr 21-24 San Antonio, Texas
    Autumn 2002 Oct 17-18 Phoenix, Arizona
    Spring 2003 Apr 27-30 Carmel, California
    Autumn 2003 Tampa, Florida

    NGMA is currently publishing standards that parallel ASAE Standards in many respects. Their standards efforts should be coordinated with ASAE Standards. Perhaps we should contribute to their newsletter. Mike Brugger agreed to meet with Richard Riley to review these issues. A contact person at NGMA is hughesstuart@msn.com.

    Our relationship with NCR101 was discussed. Their focus is growth chambers; ours is greenhouses. The committee did not see viable collaborative options neither for combining our efforts into one committee nor for meeting in tandem as was done in 1999 at Cornell.

    Mike Brugger stated research is needed that involves the plant scientist and the agricultural engineer, e.g., How high should ebb & flood irrigation water rise for a 4 pot? How much variation is acceptable? Questions that need to be asked are, Is it new and unique research? Is it an application of what we already know? Funding sources want immediate impact!

    Bob Geneve noted that graduate student collaboration between institutions should be established as a part of our plan of action.

    Royal Heins encouraged the committee to use the term Greenhouses in place of terminology like Plant Growth Systems so industry people know who we are. Royal expressed concerns for greenhouse growers who are often left with systems that are poorly designed and therefore never work right. They are stuck with defective systems that they must often live with for years. Shading systems, ventilation systems and concrete flood floors are examples.

    Lou used a lap top computer and projector to record suggested titles and objectives for the proposed five-year project (2003-2008). After approximately 90 minutes of discussion and rewording, a project title and objectives were accepted by participants.

    The committee agreed that a first draft proposal should be submitted by June 2002.

    Station Reports (Cond)

    Station reports were presented from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM. Robert Hansen and Mike Brugger (Ohio), Richard McAvoy and Martin Gent (Connecticut), Royal Heins and Eric Runkle (Michigan) and Robin Brumfield (Rutgers) reported. A written report was submitted by Paul Fisher (New Hampshire).

    Royal Heins moved that we adjourn. The motion was seconded by A.J. Both. Motion carried.

    Saturday Afternoon Tour

    Participants enjoyed a tour of Biosphere 2 Laboratory, Oracle, AZ 85623. The vast facility is now operated by Columbia University. According to a brochure that describes the facility, The Biosphere 2 Laboratory consists of medium scale synthetic terrestrial and marine communities of plants, soils and substrates encased in a gas-tight glass and metal shell. Its closed systems provide unique research opportunities to manipulate system-level responses to elevated CO2 and climate change, yielding data that are needed to validate models that scale up from organisms to ecosystems.

    Saturday Evening Dinner

    As the final event, Gene and his wife hosted an evening dinner under the stars of Arizona at their favorite Mexican Restaurant in Tucson. Committee members unanimously felt our Arizona experience was very rewarding and productive. Appreciation to Gene and his associates were expressed by all in attendance.

    Accomplishments:
    1. To integrate environmentally acceptable and economically profitable management models (decision-support) into controlled-environment plant-production systems:

    (a) To develop decision-support tools based on plant growth and development models to enhance crop growth control and profitability (CT, MI, NH, PA, NY, NJ)

    AZ is to define a set of growth patterns for tomato cv. Rapsodie for arid and semi-arid climates, which can be used as indicators (plant growth indices) of the tendency for vegetative or reproductive development. The environmental parameters revealing strong correlations with the measured plant growth responses will be selected and used in a second phase study, performed under a higher environmental control level. In one study, tomato plants cv. Rapsodie are to be subjected to different environments, the most important being vapor pressure deficits regimes and nutrient solution electroconductivity (EC), under constant temperature and light conditions. The long-term goal is to develop a decision support system for the grower in regions with similar climate conditions as Arizona by defining the set of causes and related measured effects on the plant growth patterns and yield.

    CT Experiments were conducted to determine how environment and development affect nutrient requirements of greenhouse tomato grown in the spring and summer in the climate of Connecticut. At the beginning of fruit production, water use reached a plateau of about 2 L per plant per day and nitrogen uptake was about 0.18 g N per plant per day. The uptake of nutrients was summed over two months of vegetative growth and three months of fruit production. In 2001, a tomato plant took up about 208 L of water, 21.3 g N and 26.3 g K. When nutrient supplements were added, water uptake was not affected but N uptake increased to 24.3 g and K uptake increased to 33.0 g.

    KY continues to assess a control system based on a Penman-Monteith evapotranspiration (ET) model for improved poinsettia propagation. As changes in environment affect ET, the misting interval is adjusted accordingly.


    MI developed simulations based on two models that show that energy consumption decreased in a linear fashion while time to flower went up exponentially. The simulation demonstrated that for a crop with a base temperature of 5 Deg C and normally grown at 20 Deg C, lowering the temperature to 15 Deg C would actually increase energy consumption for the crop during the spring of the year. This is due to a longer crop time, which occurs during relatively cold days of the year. The assumption in this modeling is that the added time to produce a crop at a lower temperature must be added to the beginning of the crop, not the end since sales on a particular date is assumed. In contrast, raising the temperature actually decreases energy consumption per crop in the spring, although not in the fall.

    NJ developed a computer algorithm to simulate and compensate for effects of environmental perturbations on coup production and scheduling of hydroponically grown wheat, soybean and white potato in controlled environments.

    NY is developing a model to predict pH and EC changes in the root zone of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. Vivaldi) grown in a deep-trough hydroponic system.

    OH A Visual Basic software program, PACCS, was developed to aid NASA personnel in planning, design, and operating biomass production components for advanced life support systems (ALSS). PACCS integrates mathematical crop models of simulated controlled environment hydroponic production of wheat, soybean, and white potato with scheduling and analysis tools. Analysis options allow for studies on the feasibility of growing multiple crops in shared environmental zones and sensitivity of off-nominal environmental conditions on desired crop production schedules.

    OH continues with study of plant-response-based closed-loop plant production. It is a concept of using a plants physiological status as a feedback to adjust environmental and cultural practices to improve plant growth and development. Early, non-contact drought stress detection is a key to effective irrigation management. Advanced sensing technologies including infrared thermometry, digital imaging, and multispectral have been evaluated for drought stress detection. A field sensing and control unit was designed, constructed, and has been evaluated for continuous monitoring of plant health in a greenhouse environment.


    (b) To develop an integrated information database on CEA plant growth systems to facilitate analysis and to produce a decision-support tool. (NJ, NY, MI, PA, CT, NE, NH).

    CT (Storrs) Plant form and post-production quality of petunia, chrysanthemum and rose are being transformed though gene transfers.

    CT (Storrs) An Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for poinsettia has been developed. Genetically transformed poinsettia plants are needed to investigate the role of endogenous hormones in the development of bract necrosis.

    KY used an imaging system consisting of a PC connected to a flat bed scanner to quantify hypocotyls and radicle emergence characteristics for a number of seeds. Images are scanned and a simple software routine to compare time-series images to assess growth rate, volume change and root statistics.

    NH completed development of a new Excel-based software (FloraSoil and FloraPest) for graphically tracking nutrient and pest counts. The software is commercially available with over 24 copies in use.


    2. To enhance commercial greenhouse design, water management, and environmental systems for cool and cloudy climates:

    (a) To develop design and control recommendations for naturally ventilated greenhouses (OH, NY, PA, NJ).

    NJ Renovations of a open-roof greenhouse (Van Wingerden Greenhouse Company, MX-II, four gutter-connected bays, 58 by 60 foot floor area) is nearing completion.

    OH continues to work with the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The model is an excellent tool for evaluating natural ventilation design of greenhouses. A returning faculty member has picked up the lead in the greenhouse ventilation modeling. One reservation in the use of CFD has been the verification of modeling results. To better evaluate the reliability of results, a literature review and an evaluation of the parameters used in the modeling process were initiated. A new computer was obtained to facilitate quicker modeling.

    (b) To enhance technology transfer and research in artificial lighting (MI, NJ, NY, PA).

    AZ is to analyze the thermal and spectral characteristics of the double-ended, water-jacketed HID lamps within a test stand to further develop and deliver improved versions of the lamp for the purpose of implementation within NASA ALS applications. HID lighting generates substantial thermal loading in closed and semi-closed applications. Incorporation of water jackets around the lamp can remove over 75% of the heat generated. The technical objectives are to: test the design concept; categorize the double-ended, water-jacketed 400 W, HPS and MH lamps; conduct a thermal analysis of the lamp and water jacket system; improve the lamp body and luminaire; and initiate longevity evaluation of the lamps.

    NJ A 178 page book was translated and published entitled, Supplemental Lighting for Greenhouse Crops by J.J. Sparrggaren. It is distributed by P.L. Light Systems, Inc.

    NH and NJ collaborated in a project to evaluate the economics of lighting seedling plugs. Experiments were run in 2001 and 2002 in a commercial greenhouse in New Jersey with plugs shipped to the University of New Hampshire for post-transplant evaluation. The 2001 trial showed a strong response to high-pressure sodium lighting for petunias and impatiens with ten days earlier flowering on petunia after transplanting into bedding plant flats.

    NY Preliminary experiments have begun to quantify the quantity and quality of tomato grown under supplemental lighting with and without a consistent daily light integral. These experiments are being done in cooperation with a commercial tomato grower.


    (c) To improve greenhouse wastewater treatment through the use of constructed wetlands, or phytoremediation (NE, NJ, NY, PA).

    None.

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 06/13/2003

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 05/15/03 to 05/17/03
  • Period the Report Covers: 03/2002 to 05/2003

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:


    URL: Copy of minutes

    Accomplishments:
    OBJECTIVE 1. To integrate environmentally acceptable and economically profitable management models (decision-support) into controlled-environment plant-production systems:

    (a) To develop decision-support tools based on plant growth and development models to enhance crop growth control and profitability

    AZ defined growth patterns for tomato cv. Rapsodie for arid and semi-arid climates, which indicate the tendency for vegetative or reproductive development when subjected to different vapor pressure deficits regimes and nutrient solution electro-conductivity (EC), under constant temperature and light conditions. Uptake dynamics for ammonium, nitrate, potassium, magnesium, etc. were monitored for sweet potato in hydroponic solutions. Sweet pepper crop production under high light, high temperature, low humidity, desert conditions was compared within two greenhouse production systems; a traditional polycarbonate covered structure with computerized environmental control and data acquisition system; and a retractable-roof polyethylene covered structure with a low cost heating and environmental control system.

    CT (CTNH) studied the response of greenhouse tomato to supplemental nitrogen and potassium. Yields were compared for plants grown in rock-wool medium with sufficient nitrogen and potassium, or with N- and/or K-supplements that increased the concentrations in nutrient solution by about 30% during fruit production. There were few specific effects on yield or fruit size due to supplemental nitrogen or potassium, except ammonium nitrate altered calcium and potassium distribution in the plant and increased blossom end of the fruit. All other effects could be ascribed to changes in solution EC within the root medium. A greenhouse tomato cultivar trial in 1999-2002 compared characteristics for 21 cultivars of greenhouse tomato when grown using rock-wool, an inert root medium used in hydroponics. Cabernet, an open-pollinated beefsteak cultivar, had the highest total yield, but four other beefsteak cultivars had yields indistinguishable from Cabernet. Fruit size varied from 212 grams for Nicklow 102, down to about 85 grams for Cronos and Dynamo. Quest, a beefsteak type, had the best yield of marketable fruit, nearly 10 kg/m2, followed by Buffalo, Match, Mississippi and Trust. Most cultivars had a marketable yield in the range of 6 to 8 kg/m2. Cronos and Tradiro were the only cluster types with similar marketable yields.

    KY tested a dynamic mist propagation system in a greenhouse based on a model accounting for net radiation, air temperature, VPD, canopy resistance and water uptake was compared with a static mist control. Depending upon environmental conditions the dynamic controller used 35% less water and poinsettia cuttings had larger roots and greater root length. The dynamic system had less runoff and less water was contained in the growing medium. Heating tests for poinsettia propagation under varying aerial environments showed the optimal root zone temperature range changed as roots developed. The system allows model-based feedback control, as well as standard control techniques. The controlled water table automatic irrigation system was improved by replacement of round PVC nutrient supply trough with an aluminum rectangular trough. The narrow profile reduced bench width and eliminated potential dripping. Placement of the trough in the center, rather than the side of the bench, and capillary mat products were evaluated. Tests were initiated to utilize two separate water tension set points for simulating a wet-dry cycle

    MI (with Hiroshi Shimizu at Ibaraki University, Japan) developed a model to simulate plant shoot-tip temperature of poinsettia using an energy-balance equation based on five greenhouse environmental factors: dry-bulb, wet-bulb, and sky temperature; transmitted shortwave radiation; and air velocity. The model is more effective than dry-bulb temperature at predicting plant shoot-tip temperature when solar radiation is moderate to high. The effects of temperature and light quantity were measured on growth and development of several bedding plant species, and their interaction to control flower timing, flower number and size, dry weight, and other growth factors at the plug stage (from seed sow to a mature transplant) and at the finish stage (from a mature transplant until first flowering). Vernalization responses for a number of herbaceous perennial species were measured when plants were cooled to -2.5 to 20 oC for various durations.

    NH enhanced a software package for graphically tracking height of potted flowering plants, UNH FloraTrack, available at (http://www.ecke.com/new1/poin/points_tech_graph_track.asp), to allow users to enter their own target optimal growth curve modified to their own growing conditions and market specifications. In collaboration with North Carolina State Univ., NH examined optimum production and post-harvest conditions for Renaissance Red cut flower poinsettia. Profitability compared favorably with potted poinsettia. A maximum vase life of 20.6 days was achieved. NH in collaboration with OH assembled greenhouse nutrition research into an overall extension program for pH management to quantify dynamics of root media pH and develop a quantitative model of pH change and micronutrient uptake in soilless media.

    NJ studied tomato responses to short-term environmental perturbations. Tomatoes (cv. Laura) grown in 6 pots filled with perlite were pruned to maintain a single cluster. The perturbation was a two-week air temperature change (1 50C from the control day/night air temperature of 230C/180C) starting at ten days post fruit-set. The temperature disturbances had a dramatic impact on fruit maturity rate. In 2001, a mail survey of greenhouse operators in NJ was completed. A follow-up survey was prepared this spring, and results are being tabulated. A greenhouse cost accounting Excel spreadsheet is now available which allows greenhouse owners to determine the costs and returns of individual crops.

    NY developed a model of lettuce evapotranspiration for a computer-based fault detection system. A second model predicted nitrate uptake in stressed and unstressed lettuce. An analytical solution was found to the general problem of optimizing the daily light integral target and the carbon dioxide concentration, with consideration of infiltration/ventilation. A computer control algorithm is currently being developed to improve energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of using supplemental lighting for greenhouse lettuce production.

    OH developed a top-level overall Advance Life Support Systems model to integrate the subsystem models of Crew, Biomass Production, Food Processing and Nutrition, and Waste Processing and Resource Recovery to support human lives during long duration space exploration missions. Guidelines for commercial rhizofiltration systems to remove heavy metals from contaminated waters were developed from a process model based on the Michaelis-Menton equation, to quantify accumulation and removal of toxins within the rhizofiltration system. A Dehumidification Decision Support model for Disease Pressure Management in Greenhouses was an effective alternative for non-chemical management of pests in greenhouses. A greenhouse irrigation control system improved Water Use Efficiency based on non-contact infrared thermometry of plant canopy temperature to determine plant stress. Compared to the control, 41% less water was used for the integrated CWSI feedback approach. Control and treatment crops had no significant difference in growth.

    PA Cut flower production of platycodon, dianthus, snapdragon, and larkspur planted into high tunnels was compared to cut flower production in the field. Platycodon did not do well in the high tunnel and did not survive in the field. Cut flower production of the 3 other crops were good. By July 5, Dianthus produced about 10 times more flowering stems in the high tunnels than the field, snapdragons produced 5-7 times more flowers, and larkspur produced 4 times more cut flowers in the high tunnel than in the field, due to earlier flowering by 2-4 weeks.

    (b) To develop an integrated information database on CEA plant growth systems to facilitate analysis and to produce a decision-support tool.

    Nothing to report

    OBJECTIVE 2. To enhance commercial greenhouse design, water management, and environmental systems for cool and cloudy climates:

    (a) To develop design and control recommendations for naturally ventilated greenhouses.

    AZ evaluated water use by greenhouse tomato plants under controlled micro-environmental conditions and evaluated the magnitudes of the radiant and convective energy sources contributing to plant water use.

    NJ completed construction of an Open-roof greenhouse (Van Wingerden, MX-II, four gutter-connected bays, 17.7 by 18.3 m floor area, 4 m to the gutters, 2 independently controlled growing areas of 7.3 by 13.7 m). Experiments investigated: natural ventilation system, floor heating system, and ebb and flood floor irrigation system. Significant temporal changes in light intensity were observed under full sun or when light passed through one or two layers of roof sections. Six high tunnels were constructed at two research sites in Central and South Jersey. Temperature, humidity, and light sensors were mounted inside and outside the tunnels to monitor environmental conditions. Two of the tunnels were outfitted with thermostatically controlled automatic roll-up sides to determine the effectiveness of this control system.

    NY researchers provided the natural ventilation computer model and recommendations for ventilation of the Palm House and Garden Court of the U.S. Botanic Gardens. The leader of the tour of the facilities, that was part of the NE-164 2003 annual meeting, emphasized the good environmental control afforded by the system as installed.

    OH, in partnership with two Spanish researchers with gas diffusion data from a Spanish Parral greenhouse used Computational Fluid Dynamic Modeling to examine turbulent models and the effect on output. Under certain wind speeds and opening arrangements, there was little difference between the standard k-epsilon and the RNG k-epsilon. However, for leeward roof opening at certain wind speeds, there was a major difference between the two model results. The verified models were used to modify and manage the natural ventilation to increase in air exchange from increasing the roof opening, increasing the roof slope, and adding sidewall openings.

    (b) To enhance technology transfer and research in artificial lighting.

    AZ is evaluating hybrid solar and electric lighting for plant biomass production, utilizing fiber optic cable for delivering solar energy within an enclosed plant growth facility

    NH and MI collaborated in organizing a book and magazine series on light management for greenhouses that will draw together research from several NE-164 members and other researchers for use by growers and students. Publication of the magazine series will begin in 2003.

    NJ The economic benefits of supplemental lighting for plug production were studied during a two-year collaborative research project with Paul Fisher at NH.

    NY cooperated with a leading developer of environmental control software for agricultural applications to implement and test a supplemental light control algorithm at a NY facility. It shows a high level of control accuracy comparable to that obtained by simulation during development of the algorithm.


    (c) To improve greenhouse wastewater treatment through the use of constructed wetlands, or phytoremediation.

    Nothing to report

    Impact Statements:
    1. Distributed software to growers to track height of potted flowering plants .
    2. Determined effect of environment and nutrition on productivity of greenhouse tomato.
    3. Developed models to predict shoot tip temperature and effect on growth of plants.
    4. Compared crop production in open roof, high tunnel, and conventional greenhouses.
    5. A model to design and operate phytoremediation systems was made available on the internet.
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 02/06/2004

    Report Information:
  • (STILL IN DRAFT VERSION)
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 05/15/03 to 05/17/03
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/1998 to 09/2003

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

    Accomplishments:
    Members of NE-164 committee measured the effect of various control systems on production and resource use in plant growth systems, and developed models that allow growers to more precisely control environmental parameters and predict crop growth, development and yield.

    OBJECTIVE 1. To integrate environmentally acceptable and economically profitable management models (decision-support) into controlled-environment plant-production systems: (a) To develop decision-support tools based on plant growth and development models to enhance crop growth control and profitability

    Arizona studied growth patterns for tomato in environments that differed in air vapor pressure deficit and nutrient solution electrical conductivity, and compared sweet pepper crop production under two glazings; a traditional polycarbonate covered structure with energy intensive environmental control, and a retractable-roof polyethylene covered structure with a low cost heating and environmental control system. Connecticut (New Haven) found the yield response of greenhouse tomato grown in rock-wool medium with sufficient nitrogen and potassium, was little affected by N- and/or K-supplements that increased the concentrations in nutrient solution by about 30% during fruit production. There were few specific effects on yield or fruit size, but ammonium nitrate altered calcium and potassium distribution in the plant and increased blossom end of the fruit. Kentucky compared static mist control to two dynamic mist control techniques: an infrared temperature transducer to monitor canopy temperature and activate misting above a prescribed threshold, and misting based on estimated transpiration of fully rooted cuttings in response to environmental factors. The dynamic controller used 35% less water had less runoff and poinsettia cuttings had larger roots and greater root length. A controlled water table irrigation system was improved and evaluated. A commercial leaf wetness sensor with custom-built circuitry created a simple feedback measurement for humidity control in greenhouses that offered a repeatable, low-cost method for simple humidity control. New York examined water and nutrient use in a commercial lettuce production demonstration facility that produced butter-head lettuce since June 1999. Instrumentation for monitoring pH, EC, DO, temperature, nitrate and water use in hydroponics was controlled by a LabVIEW program. As a contribution to a European Union project to limit nitrate accumulation in lettuce, Cornell grew lettuce crops in nutrient solutions with low and high nitrate concentration. A model of water use of lettuce was developed for a computer-based fault detection system. New York estimated cost relationships and profitability of four zero-runoff systems (ebb and flow, rolling benches, Dutch movable trays, flooded floors, and trough benches) to produce small potted plants, large potted plants, and bedding crop flats. The Dutch movable tray system was most profitable for small potted plant production and the flooded floor system most profitable for large, potted plants and bedding drop flat production. Ohio developed decision support for hydroponic tomato production based on extension support, crop production demonstration and education at Toledo Botanical Gardens, and information available via the Internet. Interactive economic analysis programs were developed for tomatoes and lettuce. Integrated pest management in greenhouses reduced disease pressure through dehumidification. Various moisture removal strategies were evaluated for energy efficient operations. Greenhouse engineering workshops addressed pesticide applications issues, and publicized control strategies to reduce pest pressure. Multi-spectral sensors for drought stress detection were combined with water use models to develop closed-loop feedback and feed-forward control systems for water management. Precision load cells correlated water use with moisture tension for container-grown mini-roses. Michigan (with Ibaraki University, Japan) simulated plant shoot-tip temperature of poinsettia using an energy-balance equation based on greenhouse environmental factors that was more accurate than dry-bulb temperature . under high light. Effects of temperature and light quantity were determined for several bedding plant species, and their interaction to control flower timing, flower number and size. A model that assumed the added time to produce a crop at a lower temperature must be added to the beginning of the crop, predicted low temperature would actually increase energy consumption for a crop produced in spring, although not in the fall. New Hampshire developed FloraTrack to allow users to enter their own target optimal growth curve for graphical tracking of observed plant height of Poinsettia cultivars over time. Air temperature from pinch to harvest was the most important factor determining development rate for potted roses. LilyDate, developed in collaboration with Michigan and UC Davis was used to optimize temperature and ensure that the majority of an Easter Lily crop was ready to harvest by a target date. New Hampshire in collaboration with Ohio assembled greenhouse nutrition research and pH management to quantify dynamics of root media pH and develop a quantitative model of pH change and micronutrient uptake in soil-less media.

    (b) To develop an integrated information database on CEA plant growth systems to facilitate analysis and to produce a decision-support tool.

    New Jersey built four environment control plant growth chambers to monitor canopy net photosynthesis and dark respiration rates of various crops. High pressure sodium (HPS) light accelerated fruit maturation and increased fruit yields of strawberry. Soybean and potato were grown under near-ambient and elevated CO2 concentrations, and low or high irradiance. Existing mathematical models, developed for field conditions were modified for use in controlled environments. Controller logic used regression analyses to compensate for disturbances in light intensity, air temperature, and CO2 concentration. Short-term environmental perturbations of tomato pruned to maintain a single cluster had a dramatic impact on fruit maturity rate. New York developed a water uptake model for Lettuce. Water use increased with increased hourly light integral or plant age. Five data sets were modeled using the Penman-Monteith evapo-transpiration model with good agreement. EC, pH, DO and temperature were monitored for lettuce in hydroponics. A neural network trained to predict EC and pH changes for normally growing plants predicted EC within 5 5S/cm and pH within 0.01 over a 20-minute time step. New Jersey and Ohio developed models of an advanced life support system such as a space station or a planetary base. The sub-models of the overall advanced life support system model include Crew, Biomass Production, Waste Processing and Resource Recovery, and Food Processing and Nutrition. The model calculated crop yield, inedible plant material, water transpiration, power usage, labor requirements, etc. for various crop mixes and scheduling scenarios. It integrated crop models of wheat, soybean, and white potato with scheduling and analysis tools to determine the feasibility of growing multiple crops in shared environmental zones.

    Objective 2. To enhance commercial greenhouse design, water management, and environmental systems for cool and cloudy climates: (a) To develop design and control recommendations for naturally ventilated greenhouses.

    Michigan quantified the photo thermal environment in a commercial greenhouse under near infrared reflecting (NIR) curtains composed of a solid screen, a woven curtain, and a neutral shade fabric. NIR films transmitted twice the PAR, but air temperatures were similar for the three filters. Compared to a neutral filter, plant height under the NIR screen was significantly shorter in impatiens, marigold, pansy, pepper, petunia, and salvia and was greater in tomato, vinca and snapdragon. Curtain type did not affect flowering or node development. Stem extension was suppressed under the far-red filter in tickseed, pansy and poinsettia, and flowering was delayed in campanula and coreopsis. Under the far-red filter, pansy flowered when light rich in far-red was added during the entire photoperiod, at the end of the day, or during the night. Plants grown under a far-red filter plus HPS lamps were shorter than control plants, but taller than without HPS lamps. Flowering under the far-red filter was delayed. The inside and outside environment data for an open-roof greenhouse in New Jersey was used to develop a natural ventilation model. High tunnels were constructed at two research sites in Central and South Jersey with sensors mounted inside and outside to monitor environmental conditions. A positive pressure ventilation system with insect screening at the air inlet achieved insect exclusion. This concept is applicable when modest airflow rates can maintain positive internal greenhouse pressures throughout the day. New York provided the natural ventilation computer model and recommendations for ventilation of the Palm House and Garden Court of the U.S. Botanic Gardens. The leader of the tour of the facilities, that was part of the NE-164 2003 annual meeting, emphasized the good environmental control afforded by the system as installed. Ohio used a fluid dynamics model to evaluate natural ventilation patterns greenhouses. A good aerodynamic design for gutter-connected house, that combined side vents with roof vents, ventilated as well as fan-forced systems. Windward side vents were very important. Gas diffusion data from Spanish researchers was used to examine turbulent models. At certain wind speeds, there was a major difference between turbulent and smooth flow models.

    (b) To enhance technology transfer and research in artificial lighting.

    New Hampshire found HPS lighting increased the number vegetatively propagated herbaceous of cuttings from 16% to 33%. Cutting quality was not affected. Petunias flowered ten days earlier in response to HPS lighting when seedling plugs grown in New Jersey were shipped to New Hampshire for post-transplant evaluation. New Hampshire and Michigan developed a book and magazine series on light management for greenhouses for use by growers and students. New Hampshire developed Lighten Up to quantify the financial costs and benefits of supplemental lighting for greenhouse floricultural crops. Connecticut (Storrs), New Jersey and New York provided technical assistance. New York developed a program to control lighting and shade deployment in a lettuce production module that achieved a specified target light integral on most days. HPS lighting in the BIO-Plex plant growth chamber was analyzed with a 3D luminaire analysis and design program to determine lamp placement and reflector design. A total of 5 lamps per light box satisfied the lighting requirement, instead of 8 that were used initially, if the outer edges of the illuminance plane were excluded.

    (c) To improve greenhouse wastewater treatment through the use of constructed wetlands, or phytoremediation. Nothing to report

    Impact Statements:
    2. Arizona defined the set of causes and related measured effects on the plant growth patterns and yield to develop a decision support system for the growers.
    3. Connecticut showed there was little benefit to supplying excess nutrient to greenhouse tomato in hydroponics, indicating that growers can reduce nutrient concentrations and nutrient runoff to ground water.
    4. Kentucky demonstrated the crop-to-air vapor pressure deficit control can be accomplished with a 3-stage control strategy that is
    5. suitable for full sunlight conditions.
    6. New York developed a program to control lighting and shade deployment in a lettuce production module that achieved the specified light integral on most days.
    7. Ohio used a fluid dynamics model to design natural ventilation for gutter-connected houses that combined side vents with roof vents, and ventilated as well as fan-forced systems.
    8. Impact 6 Kentucky used a replicated, gradient temperature root zone system to study interactions between areal env
    9. ironment, root zone temperature and lighting on propagation efficacy in poinsettias, and to improve estimates of cutting coefficients and optimal root zone temperatures.
    10. Impact 7 The fuzzy-based environment control system developed by Kentucky and colleagues at USDA-ARS and the Agricultural University of Athens provides a convenient and simple modification of existing staged controls systems with superior setpoint tracking.
    11. Impact 8 Kentucky's implementation of automated humidity
    12. control in tobacco greenhouses, utilizing a hybrid mechanical/natural ventilation and controller with night setback, resulted in substantially reduced energy usage and improved germination and growth of seedlings.
    13. Impact 9 Kentucky developed a dynamic controller for misting during plant propagation that used 35% less water and had less runoff and water in the growing medium.
    14. Impact 10 New York operated a controlled environment lettuce production demonstration since June of 1999, t
    15. o produce a crop of the same quantity and quality every day of the year.
    16. Impact 11 The Ohio decision support system for hydroponic tomato production systems in NW Ohio showed growth and success based on Extension support, crop production demonstration and education at Toledo Botanical Gardens and information via the Internet.
    17. Impact 12 Michigan (with Ibaraki University, Japan) showed plant shoot-tip temperature of poinsettia calculated using an energy-balance equation based on gree
    18. nhouse environmental factors was more accurate under high solar radiation than dry-bulb temperature
    19. Impact 13 Michigan showed near infrared reflecting transmitted twice the photosynthetic active radiation as a neutral filter, resulting in significantly shorter plants.
    20. Impact 14 New Hampshire developed FloraTrack to allow users to enter their own target optimal growth curve for graphical tracking of observed plant height of Poinsettia cultivars LilyDate, developed in collabor
    21. ation with
    22. Impact 15 Michigan and UC Davis, predicted time to flowering of Easter lily. These programs are now in use by many commercial growers
    23. Impact 16 New Hampshire with assistance from Connecticut (Storrs) New Jersey and New York found HPS lighting increased propagation of herbaceous species and plugs and publicized this work in a book and magazine series on light management for greenhouses for use by growers and students.
    24. Impact 17 New Hampshire developed Lighten Up
    25. to quantify the financial costs and benefits of supplemental lighting for greenhouse floricultural crops.
    26. Impact 18 New Jersey and Ohio developed crop production models for an advanced life support system integrated with crew, waste processing, and food processing activities.
    27. Impact 19 New Jersey showed a positive pressure ventilation system with insect screening at the air inlet achieved insect exclusion: a concept that is applicable when modest airflows are required for ventila
    28. tion throughout the day.
    29. Impact 20 New York trained a neural network to predict EC and pH changes for normally growing hydroponic lettuce within small tolerances and short intervals so that faults in the growing system could be detected.
    30. Impact 21 New York provided a model for natural ventilation and recommendations for ventilation of the renovated Palm House and Garden Court of the U.S. Botanic Gardens.
    Last Modified: unknown
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