Greenhouse technology specialists, Tomtech, have supplied and installed a complete irrigation control system at Tropic at the Norwich Research Park.
After facing challenges manually controlling irrigation and water treatment in their research chambers, Tropic approached Tomtech to create a more intelligent system that could manage the distribution of treated water to individual crop trays.
In response, Tomtech installed the T200 and T100 environmental control systems for use in five research growing chambers at two separate facilities, enabling automated control of irrigation for each individual crop tray.
“Our new Tomtech systems have provided us the tools to make our irrigation more precise and reliable, enhancing our ability to research and develop tropical fruit cultivation” says Ben Newberry at Tropic.
As part of the installation, Tomtech also supplied a feed rig to allow researchers at Tropic Biosciences Ltd to treat the water with a desired fertiliser and nitric acid concentration. The new Tomtech system then continuously monitors pH and EC levels in the water, allowing adjustment of acid and nutrient dosing to maintain optimal conditions.
Both the T100 and T200 computers can be monitored and controlled from their site office or remotely via Tomtech’s Environment Manager software.
“We are excited to work with Tropic to help improve their research chamber irrigation. By giving them precise control over how much water their crops receive, researchers will be able to achieve more consistent and laboratory-standard conditions, helping conduct research to drive innovation and shape the future of tropical fruit production” says Krzysztof Hernik, Managing Director at Tomtech.
Tropic is a pioneering tropical seeds company dedicated to the development of healthier, more robust, high-performing varieties of staple crops. By harnessing the power of advanced genetic engineering, Tropic is committed to addressing global agricultural challenges and providing innovative solutions that benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment.
For over 35 years, Tomtech have been a UK-leading provider of commercial greenhouse monitoring and control systems. Their systems are used to measure and regulate environmental factors, including light, heat, ventilation, fertigation and nutrient dosing.
“Our systems are used by commercial companies across the UK, Europe and further afield, to help deliver bigger, better and faster crops. With the control that our systems provide, research organisations and academic institutes like Tropic adopt our technology to conduct advanced crop development trials with greater accuracy and control” concludes Krzysztof.
For more information on Tropic visit https://tropic.bio/
For more information on Tomtech visit www.tomtech.co.uk