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  • Author Author: Maral
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Request for Guidance on Automated Irrigation System for Remote Greenhouse Project

Maral

I am reaching out to gather insights and advice on a project I am currently working on, which involves setting up an automated irrigation system for a small-scale greenhouse located in a remote area. Due to the greenhouse's location (3-4 hours away), I face several challenges in ensuring consistent watering for the plants, especially during periods when the team is unable to visit frequently.

The specific challenges I'm facing include:

  1. Manual Watering: Due to delays in installing an automated irrigation system, I’ve been manually watering the plants. This has led to inconsistent plant care, which negatively affected crop yield.

  2. Irrigation System Parts: Key parts for the irrigation system (specifically for the pump and control systems) have been difficult to source, which has delayed the project.

  3. Technical Knowledge Gaps: Initially, I struggled with calculating the motor power needed for the pump and the integration of a photovoltaic (PV) system to power the irrigation system. While I’ve made progress, I'm looking for recommendations on best practices for overcoming these technical hurdles.

  4. System Design: I am also facing challenges in integrating solar power with the irrigation system, particularly in terms of ensuring reliable, continuous operation.

My Questions:

  • What is the best approach to calculating motor power for a pump that will need to be powered by a PV system in a remote setting?
  • Are there any recommended irrigation systems (drip or otherwise) that could be implemented for a greenhouse with limited accessibility?
  • How can I optimize solar power integration to ensure the system operates consistently, even when the greenhouse is unattended for days at a time?

I would greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations from those with experience in solar-powered irrigation systems, remote agricultural projects, or similar challenges.

Thank you in advance for your insights!

  •  I have no expertise, so this is just a suggestion.  If possible, use the sub-irrigated planter technique similar to Earthbox.  This way, your watering system doesn't need to be precise.  Once you fill the sub-base reservoir, the excess water drains out of the overflow port(s) and can be reclaimed.  You can't over-water the plants.  The sub-base reservoir also allows you some latitude as to when you pump water - as in "pumps when the solar array powers the pump".  If you use a greenhouse storage tank to pump the water from, you can use the change in level/replenishment cycle to track your water consumption and further fine tune the system.  Start out pumping into the sub-base reservoirs on a timer. If you see a lot of return/overflow, decrease the pumping time or increase the time interval between pumping events.  Replenish the water storage tank with a float switch.
    If you want to add a drip irrigation system, you can as it won't be the only source of irrigation.  It drips when the pump fills the sub-base reservoirs, so it supplements but doesn't saturate.

    This should help minimize the need for the perfect pump motor as you can now use a smaller (or available) pump and just run it as long as necessary to fill the reservoirs.  After the first fill, you will just be doing "top offs".