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This proceedings from a July 1994 international conference provides in-depth information on the engineering principles of greenhouse system design and management. The papers are grouped into four sections concerning automation, culture, environment, and systems integration. Papers cover fundamentals and describe the application of those fundamentals in system selection. (1994)

Thirty experts from around the world shared their knowledge and experiences at the July 1994 international conference, "Greenhouse Systems: Automation, Culture, and Environment," held in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Now available is the 300-plus-page proceedings from this important three-day conference.

Whether starting a greenhouse operation, evaluating your current system, or researching emerging technologies, Greenhouse Systems: Automation, Culture, and Environment, NRAES-72, is a valuable educational resource for all members of the greenhouse industry. Through case studies and technology descriptions, this publication provides in-depth information on engineering principles of greenhouse system design and management.

The proceedings contain thirty-one papers focusing on the fundamentals of greenhouse systems and the application of those fundamentals in day-to-day management decisions. The papers are divided into four sections: automation, culture, environment, and systems integration. Important topics covered in the papers include water and nutrient delivery, root zone development, designer glazing materials, environmental control, computer management, system costs, and equipment selection.

The conference program was organized by Dr. Gene Giacomelli and Dr. K.C. Ting of the Department of Bioresource Engineering, Cook College, Rutgers University. Authors include extension specialists, educators, researchers, growers and managers, designers, manufacturers, and others involved in greenhouse systems.

Participants at the conference were excited to have greenhouse system principles, problems, and solutions compiled into one publication. Some participants plan to use the proceedings as a reference to develop their lectures and extension programs, while others plan to use the proceedings to assist them with their greenhouse operations. Participants also claimed that this publication will be a helpful source for identifying experts in particular areas and for providing contacts to address future questions.

Greenhouse Systems: Automation, Culture, and Environment, NRAES-72, is available for $30.00 (plus shipping and handling) from NRAES, Cooperative Extension, PO Box 4557, Ithaca, New York 14852-4557. Quantity discounts are available. The shipping and handling charge is $6.00 for a single copy within the continental United States. New York residents, add sales tax (calculated on both the cost of publications and the shipping and handling charges. Click here for more information). If ordering more than one copy or if ordering from outside the United States, please contact NRAES for shipping rates. Orders from outside the United States must be prepaid in U.S. funds. Major credit cards are accepted, and checks should be payable to NRAES. For information about quantity discounts, or for a free publications catalog, contact NRAES by phone at (607) 255-7654, by fax at (607) 254-8770, by e-mail at nraes@cornell.edu, or on the web at http://www.nraes.org

Conference Introduction

A Call to Participate
Gene A. Giacomelli and K.C. Ting

Automation

Introduction: From Mechanization to the Information Highway
Peter P. Ling

Automation Basics: Perception, Reasoning, Communication, Planning, and Implementation
Gaines E. Miles

Sensors for Information Acquisition and Control
Th. H. Gieling and K. Schurer

Computers for Managing Information, Devices, and Machinery
Giulio Sandini

Environmental Controls: Thermostats to Computers
Pierce Jones

Labor-Saving and Labor-Aiding Machines
John W. Bartok, Jr.

Automation Machinery for Crop Production
Floyd Bouldin

Summary
Brahm P. Verma

Culture

Introduction
Gene A. Giacomelli

The Basics of Plant Culture
Merle H. Jensen

Plant Nutrition and the Root Zone Environment
Paul V. Nelson

Plant Growth and Development Responses to the Cultural Environment
Royal D. Heins

Water and Nutrient Delivery - Ebb and Flood
R. Peter Fynn

Water and Nutrient Delivery - Trickle Irrigation
Michael F. Dowgert

Growing Media and Nutrient Delivery Systems for Greenhouse Vegetables and Other Crops
Tim D. Carpenter

Summary
Robert W. Langhans

Environment

Introduction
Randy Whitesides

Fundamentals of Environmental Control for Plants
Louis D. Albright

Temperature, Humidity, and Ventilation - Interrelationships
Tadashi Takakura

Light and Air Environment for Plant Growth
Ted W. Tibbitts

Temperature, Humidity, Ventilation, and Cooling: Practical Application
Al Reilly

Multilayer Greenhouse Films
Tony Daponte

HID Lighting in Horticulture: A Short Review
A.J. Both

Summary
William J. Roberts

Systems

Introduction
K.C. Ting

Preliminary Methods of Integrating Components and Processes into a Greenhouse System
Paul Heinemann

Greenhouse Systems' Costs
Robin G. Brumfield

Designing an Environmentally Neutral Greenhouse for Plant Production
Peter van Weel

Commercial Integrated Production of Bedding Plants and Potted Plants
William Swanekamp

Summary
David R. Mears

Speaker Biographies