The Planter System has successfully passed real-world tests—on pepper crops grown in coconut fiber substrate. Our modern precision agriculture solutions, such as measuring water content in the root zone and monitoring solar energy, have proven effective in optimizing growing conditions.
Optimal conditions for growing bell peppers under cover
Peppers are heat-loving plants that require precise control of environmental conditions, especially in protected cultivation. Key parameters include:
Temperature: The optimal range is 21–28°C during the day and 16–20°C at night. Soil temperature should hover around 20°C.
Soil moisture: In the initial growth phase, the recommended moisture level is 60% of field capacity, increasing to 70–80% during fruiting.
Growing medium: Coconut coir is valued for its air and water retention properties, which promote the development of the pepper’s root system.
Innovative measurements for water and energy savings
As part of our research, we used weighing systems to monitor the amount of water available in the root zone. Thanks to precise measurements, it is possible to adjust irrigation to the actual needs of the plants, which leads to:
Water savings: Avoiding overwatering reduces water consumption, which is crucial given limited water resources.
Energy savings: Effective irrigation management reduces the energy consumption required to pump water.
Additionally, monitoring solar radiation intensity allows for the optimization of light conditions, which translates to better growth and yield of bell peppers.
Modern and cost-effective solutions for precision agriculture
The Planter System is an advanced yet simple, compact, and cost-effective tool supporting precision agriculture. Our technologies enable farmers to monitor key crop parameters in real time, which translates to:
Increased yields: Automatic adjustment of growing conditions to the plants’ needs.
Cost reduction: Reduced consumption of resources such as water and energy.
- Time savings: Automatic measurement of parameters that are always at your fingertips (on your phone and computer) offers great convenience and reduces the time needed to monitor large crops.
Sustainable development: Minimizing environmental impact through rational resource management.
It wasn’t without its problems…
However, it wasn’t without its challenges. During testing, the hardware platform suffered damage—the scale, a key component of the root zone water monitoring system, stopped working. Thanks to a quick diagnosis and efficient repair, we were able to restore the system’s full functionality, allowing us to continue the research without major delays. Such situations are a natural part of the process of testing new technologies—each one provides valuable information that we use to further improve the hardware and software of the Planter System platform.
Next Steps
Following successful testing, we are focusing on further refining our prototype so that we can bring it to market in the near future. Our goal is to provide farmers with a tool that supports efficient and sustainable agricultural production.
We would like to thank all our partners and collaborators for their support in this project. We will keep you updated on our progress and the next stages of Planter System’s implementation😉