#Agriculture #GreenhouseTechnology #PrecisionFarming #SustainableAgriculture #ModernFarming #FacilityAgriculture #AgriculturalInnovation #Data-DrivenAgriculture #UrbanAgriculture #EnvironmentalSustainability
In the lush greenhouses of Deqing County, Zhejiang, a fusion of technology and nature is yielding remarkable results. With a focus on data-driven precision, the Waterwood Moganshan Urban Agriculture Complex showcases a “vegetable factory” where every plant’s water absorption and evaporation are visualized through a sophisticated data system. According to Li Jiaxing, the General Manager of Zhejiang Waterwood JiuTian Modern Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., the application of intelligent equipment has transformed the tomato harvesting period from two months to year-round. The annual yield of over 31,000 kilograms per 10,000 tomato plants surpasses traditional cultivation methods by 5-10 times.
While modern facilities have become synonymous with “facility agriculture” in recent years, the Deqing “vegetable factory” presents some unique features. Beneath the orderly planting racks resembling workshops, several square boxes stand out. “These are bumblebees used for pollinating tomatoes,” reveals Li Jiaxing. Despite achieving full automation in processes like planting and irrigation, the pollination stage remains manual due to cost considerations. “A box of bumblebees costs over 400 yuan, enough for one to two months. For this 900-square-meter exhibition area, one box is sufficient. The use of mechanized equipment would far exceed this cost,” explains Li Jiaxing.
Facility agriculture has gained widespread popularity as a crucial tool for enhancing agricultural quality and efficiency. However, Li Jiaxing points out the challenges faced by this industry, citing large investments, long cycles, and relatively low product profits compared to industrial sectors. To overcome these challenges, he emphasizes the importance of improving resource utilization efficiency.
The key to achieving efficiency lies in technological innovation in critical areas. Waterwood JiuTian employs IoT environmental control systems to precisely regulate greenhouse conditions, ensuring a comfortable environment for plant growth. Smart integrated irrigation systems save up to 90% of irrigation water and 50% of fertilizers. Li Jiaxing underscores the need for comprehensive interdisciplinary approaches to address production challenges, exemplified by their 6,600-square-meter Modern Agricultural Technology Innovation Center.
The project extends beyond Zhejiang, with the establishment of a “Carbon-Neutral Vegetable Factory” in Henan, utilizing waste heat from power plants to heat greenhouses, significantly reducing energy costs. Additionally, a “Sky Farm” built on the upper floors of industrial buildings in the region optimizes land use.
The Waterwood Moganshan Urban Agriculture Complex exemplifies the transformative power of technology in agriculture, from data-driven cultivation to innovative solutions for resource efficiency. As we navigate the delicate balance between modernization and ecological considerations, these advancements underscore the industry’s commitment to sustainable and high-yield farming practices.
