Similar to the model-based greenhouse design approach of Vanthoor, the optimization algorithm requires a crop yield model, an indoor farm model, and a financial model as input. With these inputs, the algorithm calculates the optimal climate settings for the entire crop cycle. The grower then decides if he wants to apply the proposed settings to his farm.

Our own indoor farm where the Grower Assistant is being developed

After confirmation and implementation of the climate settings, we closely monitor how the crops are affected. For this, we use cameras. Via an automated data pipeline, plant features such as the canopy leaf area or perimeter are extracted from images. In this way we provide the grower with insights in the state of the crop without the need for time-consuming manual inspections and measurements.

Optimization at a daily basis

An advantage of using digital simulation to optimize climate settings is the ability to respond to changes during the crop cycle. Think of changes in (cost) prices, extreme weather conditions, availability of labor, or changes in demand. Optimization is therefore executed on a daily basis. The grower will get notified when a better growth plan is available.

“The Grower Assistant that we envision becomes an essential tool to save valuable time and increase profit for a grower.”

Finding an optimum in a large number of variables, continuous visual crop inspection, monitoring changes, and simulating scenarios are all examples where data-based intelligence augments the grower’s knowledge. Hence, the Grower Assistant that we envision becomes an essential tool to save valuable time and increase profit for a grower.

The first ‘outrage’ among growers that data-driven cultivation does better than their own domain knowledge, is now quickly turning into admiration. Data is no longer a residual product, but a fully-fledged horticultural product contributing to the further development of the sector.

For more info on the rise of data-driven cultivation, also read Datagedreven groenteteelt breekt door (Dutch only)