TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN GROWING CANNABIS

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN GROWING CANNABIS
4 min read
21 September 2022

Smart technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial intelligence and machine learning have the potential to revolutionize the cannabis industry. IoT is already being used in industries such as manufacturing to monitor machine performance and detect potential problems. It is also being used by utilities to balance demand and supply of female marijuana seeds for sale and to predict outages before they happen. Smart technologies can also be used by growers to remotely monitor their crops.

LED lighting

LED lighting is a technological advancement in cannabis cultivation that uses light energy to grow plants. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs have up to 30 times the life span. The US Government has even put up subsidies for LED bulbs. Meanwhile, NASA is currently experimenting with LED lighting for growing plants in space. While some cannabis producers have been skeptical about LED bulbs, experts believe that LED bulbs will soon sweep the cannabis industry.

LED grow lights aren't suitable for every type of cannabis operation. However, growers who have tried them on black widow feminized seeds agree that the quality of the product is higher under LED than it is with HPS. This is because LEDs concentrate light closer to the plants. In addition, they promote faster growth.

Sensors

The use of sensors can make a significant difference in the overall success of your cannabis growing operation. Proper placement of a temperature sensor is critical. It shouldn't be placed directly on the light source because this can lead to inaccurate readings. Air circulation patterns can also affect the temperature reading. A good sensor should be small and inexpensive.

Cannabis plants are extremely sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, which means that even a slight change can affect their growth. This is why many growers raise their plants in climate-controlled environments. These greenhouses require constant monitoring to protect plants from adverse environmental factors. Using sensors can help you keep an eye on your cannabis crops, even when you're not there.

Artificial intelligence

AI in cannabis growing can help operators cut their operating costs while also reducing the environmental impact of their operations. The use of smart machines and programs can automate the entire production process, allowing for increased productivity. In addition to reducing costs, AI can also improve the quality of your crops and distribution. A delay in delivery can be stressful for your customers and your business.

For example, AI can be used to help with weed harvest and climate adjustments, and predict pest outbreaks. Smart sensors can identify airborne disease before it affects your crops and give cultivators the chance to take defensive action.

Real-time data sharing

Cannabis cultivators should use data collection to better understand their environment. This will allow them to control and monitor their growing process, and produce higher-quality output. Data can also help cultivators reduce loss and increase efficiency. For example, a grower can use data to track the number of nutrients distributed per plant, and the percentages distributed to each plant.

Using real-time data sharing will help cultivators identify and prevent problems that might disrupt their growing operations. For instance, too much light can damage crops, while insufficient soil moisture can cause premature plant death. Likewise, large indoor grows can get very hot, thanks to expansive lighting systems. Even a few degrees above normal can lead to overnight plant death.

Indoor vertical farming

Indoor vertical farming utilizes culture beds that are isolated from soil. A nutrient solution is pumped to the culture beds and distributed to the plants. The process is highly automated and follows a closed loop. The nutrient solution is rarely discharged outside the farm. The process is designed to eliminate the need for washing before consumption and ensure that the plants receive the proper amount of nutrients.

The lighting used in indoor vertical farms plays a pivotal role in plant growth. However, this artificial lighting also increases the amount of energy used. According to Shamshiri and colleagues, electricity consumption in vertical farms accounts for 25 to 30% of the total cost. The energy cost can be considered a key sustainability measure.

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