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What Is an Irrigation System and Why Does It Matter?
Water is life in agriculture—but managing it efficiently is one of the industry’s greatest challenges. So, what is an irrigation system? It’s a method of delivering water to crops in controlled ways, improving yield and reducing waste.

Why Profitability Matters More Than Ever in Modern Farming
As agricultural costs rise and arable land becomes more limited, farmers are seeking smarter strategies to increase revenue. The focus has shifted from quantity to value, and identifying high-yield, high-demand crops is essential for sustainable success. Global economic shifts and climate unpredictability further amplify the need for crops that provide maximum return per acre.

Why Is Agriculture Going Digital?
The agricultural sector stands on the edge of a revolutionary transformation. As global food demand is projected to increase by 70% by 2050 (Source: FAO), the need for efficiency, precision, and sustainability has never been more urgent. Traditional methods can no longer keep pace with climate challenges, soil degradation, and resource scarcity. This is where digital agriculture steps in—merging smart technologies with age-old practices to future-proof farming.

The Agricultural Shift: Embracing Smart Farming
Agriculture is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. These advancements are enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions, optimize resource use, and increase crop yields. From soil sensors to automated irrigation systems, smart farming is redefining traditional agricultural practices.

Embracing the future: precision agriculture's role in modern farming
In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, precision farming has emerged as a game-changer. By leveraging technologies such as drones, IoT sensors, and AI-driven machinery, farmers can optimize resource use, enhance crop yields, and promote sustainable practices.

How is AI Used in Agriculture?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping agriculture by introducing smart solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability. From predictive analytics to automated machinery, AI applications are vast and impactful. For instance, AI algorithms analyse soil health, weather patterns, and crop conditions to optimize planting schedules and irrigation needs. This data-driven approach leads to better resource management and higher yields.

Uzbekistan to launch production of smart temperature-regulating greenhouse film with China

May 2025

Uzbekistan, in partnership with China, is set to launch the production of "smart" films designed to regulate temperature inside greenhouses, according to the press service of the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences.


A diagnostic guide to help prevent greenhouse diseases

May 2025

Spring greenhouse disease prevention is essential for a successful growing season, particularly as the days become sunnier. Canadian greenhouses, especially in southern Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, are in full spring production by mid-April, cycling through winter propagation and focusing on tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, and ornamentals. They rely on supplemental lighting and climate control to maintain optimal temperatures.


Finding ways to optimize blueberry production

May 2025

New research by horticulturalists at the University of Georgia provides key insights into optimizing southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberry production, addressing the impact of soil potassium levels on leaf nutrient uptake and the role of photoselective devices in boosting productivity. These findings offer practical strategies for improving blueberry yield and quality in commercial cultivation.


From Bare Root to Tray Plants: "A Game-Changer for NZ Strawberry Growers"

April 2025

Bert van Geffen and Brigitte van Zaal established Bert's Berry Farm to introduce tray plants to the local strawberry industry. Bert explains that strawberry growers in New Zealand began shifting from open-field cultivation to tunnel production due to issues with fruit rot and labour challenges.


Newly Discovered Genetic Pathway Aids Cucumbers In Drought-Resistance

April 2025

A new discovery has unveiled a genetic module that simultaneously regulates lateral branch development and drought tolerance in cucumbers. This dual-function genetic pathway offers a promising new approach to breeding cucumber varieties that are both resilient to water scarcity and tailored to market preferences.


Turkmenistan Greenhouse Project Officially Underway

April 2025

Turkmenistan is pursuing this initiative as part of its strategy to develop the agro-industrial sector and reduce dependence on food imports.


Feeding ants sugar makes them prey on aphids in greenhouses

March 2025

The University of Granada has carried out a study with the biological control group of the Andalusian Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Fisheries, Food, and Organic Production (Ifapa), and researchers from other institutions, to evaluate the effect of artificial sugar supply on ant-aphid interactions in protected horticulture.


New closed greenhouse system: "The precision of a vertical farm, without the high energy costs"

March 2025

A team of specialists affiliated with Gentle Green put their heads together to develop a system for this. And that system is ready to go to market, says Edwin van der Knaap.


Indonesia-Türkiye Cooperation to Enhance Global Agricultural Exports

March 2025

On February 12, 2025, Indonesia and the Republic of Türkiye signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a strategic step toward enhancing agricultural commodity export cooperation between the two countries.


Studying the Neglected Area of Root and Soil Problems Down Under

February 2025

Problems with plant roots and soil remain one of the least researched areas in plant science, despite accounting for more than 80% of failures in agricultural production. 


The Need to Improve Conditions in Regions Where Temperatures Can Spike Drastically

February 2025

Frutos de Jalisco is a company that has made a significant expansion in the tomato production sector with 12 hectares of greenhouse space. The company has grown by adapting to the hot and humid climatic conditions of the region and has managed to increase its production despite these challenging conditions.


Optimizing Crop and Resource Management with Wireless Sensors

February 2025

The sensors can wirelessly transmit real-time data about the plant and environmental conditions. And there is no need to install any cables, gateways, receivers or amplifiers in the growing area.


Ask for the Light Degradation When You Consider Investing in LEDs

January 2025

Due to the rising popularity of LED lighting systems, driven by the high energy costs, the search for sustainability, and further boosted by incentives and rebate programs, the market for fixture suppliers and LED component suppliers has expanded rapidly.


Water Quality and Hygiene can be Managed

January 2025

Water quality and water management are very important in the horticulture industry, that's clear. During the Erfgoed WaterEvent, these were hot topics.


Speaking the Language of Plants in Automation

January 2025

Certhon's core mission is simple yet ambitious: "Growing anything, anywhere. For everyone." Specializing in the development of high-tech greenhouses and systems, they are committed to creating solutions that enable the production of fresh, sustainable food anywhere in the world.


A Look at How AI is Rewriting Crop Genetics

December 2024

The first farmers wrote their stories in seeds, selecting and saving the strongest, the sweetest, and the most abundant. Ten thousand years later, in laboratories across the globe, we're still writing agricultural stories – but now our ink is algorithms, and our paper is the double helix of DNA itself.


Norway: No-venting in greenhouse pushes tomato yield to 160kg per m2

December 2024

"At NIBIO, we don't use natural gas to heat anymore so we do not benefit from waste carbon dioxide. With DAC technology, we capture carbon dioxide from outside and put it in the greenhouse. While using hydroelectric energy, allows us to be a zero-emission system," says Michel Verheul, Senior Research Scientist at NIBIO in Særheim, Norway.


Trellised Mini-Melons Thrive in Limpopo Greenhouse

December 2024

Francois Fourie believes in precision agriculture: he applies the principles himself in growing vegetables (and this season fruit too) while his company Turf Technology & Irrigation (TT-i) sets up irrigation and fertigation systems across South Africa.


Why pH Matters in Aquaponics

November 2024

The ideal range for pH in an aquaponic system is between 6.5 and 7.0. But why? In an aquaponic system, there are three distinctly different living inhabitants…the fish, the plants, and the beneficial bacteria. Therefore, it is important, we pay attention to the specific needs of each living part.


A Succulent with an Olympic Flavour

November 2024

It is a real sports summer this year with the European Football Championship, the Tour de France and soon the Olympic Games. The latter mega sporting event gave Amigo Plant an idea. With the help of some water-based paint, an Echeveria Miranda coloured Olympia was realised, which is also for sale via Floriday. 


Is There a Difference Between Roof Vegetables and Garden Vegetables?

November 2024

In the Roof 2 Fork project, researchers at the Institute of Horticulture in Pūre are growing vegetables in a rural setting. In Rīga, the same plants are being grown on the roof of the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics. 


Use of Fertilisers in EU Agriculture Down 10% in 2022

October 2024

In 2022, the quantity of mineral fertilisers (nitrogen and phosphorus) used in agricultural production across the EU was 9.8 million tonnes. This represented a sharp decline of 10.3% compared with the quantity used in 2021, and a cumulative decline of 15.9% from the relative peak in 2017.


Upscaling Hydroponics in India

October 2024

Vardan Agrotech has been in hydroponics and controlled environment agriculture for over five years. For them, to develop a hydroponic facility that is sustainable in India, it is important to integrate traditional know-how with the latest technology and automation developments. "Leveraging our research and development background, we've refined our growing techniques and nutrient solutions by integrating technology with traditional practices. This approach ensures the production of high-quality, chemical residue-free crops," Madhav Gupta, operational general manager at Vardan Agrotech states.


TikTok Video Craze Continues to Affect Global Cucumber Markets

October 2024

The trend in many countries at this time is that cucumber prices are trending higher. A recent TikTok video craze has also led to higher consumption in the Netherlands and Iceland as people seek to emulate these online trends. In Spain's Almería, an improvement in availability of cucumber volumes is expected. In Italy, cucumbers have high prices with even higher demand. Cucumber prices have been very high for several weeks due to the weather that has slowed down production. In Germany, prices have increased too.


Saudi Arabia: Vegetable and Rose Projects to be Realized in the Makkah Region

September 2024

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture announced on Monday the launch of four new investment opportunities aimed at establishing integrated agricultural cities in the Makkah region. These projects include vegetable and crop production, fruit tree cultivation, and the creation of a specialized laboratory for growing wild seedlings.


Former Grower Runs Zoo Among Greenhouses

September 2024

What are you doing after retiring? Former grower Jan Knoppert started his own zoo - or at least, he upgraded his backyard to resemble one. Hidden away in the outskirts of 's-Gravenzande, Netherlands, is a zoo with animals that do not even roam around Blijdorp, Omroep West discovered.


Greenhouses Back In The Picture as Coffee Crisis Looms

September 2024


"You're the third this morning," said Filip van Noort of Wageningen University & Research on Wednesday morning, answering the phone. He can guess what the question is: What is the state of greenhouse coffee cultivation?


Air Pollution Harms Pollinators More Than Pests, Study Finds

August 2024

Bees and other beneficial bugs are disproportionately harmed by air pollution compared to crop-destroying pests, a new study published in Nature Communications has found.


Dangerous Heat Threats to Greenhouse Workers

August 2024

Many farms, from vertical farming startups to traditional specialty crop growers, are marketing greenhouses as a way to shelter crops from climate extremes. But overlooked are the experiences of workers inside, who may swelter under high heat and humidity, reports Toronto City News.


Hyundai Opens Vertical Farm and 3-star Restaurant in Its Innovation Center

August 2024

In a collaboration between three Michelin-star Chef Corey Lee and Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), Na Oh, a new restaurant concept, is set to add a unique offering to the culinary landscape in Singapore.


Global Market Overview: Raspberries

July 2024

Raspberry growing and supply is increasing across many countries in the Northern Hemisphere to meet the usual summer demand. Germany has seen an early start to their season. The prospects in terms of yield and quality are quite good, but prices vary greatly from region to region.


"Hydroponics is our main business"

July 2024

Offering one herb - basil - year-round, locally cultivated. The goal, however, is to ramp it up to four herbs by 2028, and Niek Monden of De Kruidenaer in the Netherlands has a good reason for this ambitious plan. "Dutch consumers seem to increasingly prefer locally grown products over imports. We're still exploring the options for fulfilling this. But we're determined to succeed."


Growing Greenhouse Veggies with A Side of Solar Power

July 2024

In the search for sustainable cultivation systems, many have been looking at agrivoltaics providing a dual use of agricultural land for agriculture and renewable energy production. However, the main hurdle of this tech is getting the balance between electricity and crop production right. This prompted the establishment of the REGACE project, funded by Horizon Europe, which aims to investigate the combination of the TriSolar tracking system with CO2 enrichment.


Producing 60 million Ready-To-Grow Young Plants In 45-Acre Greenhouses

June 2024

Ontario Plants Propagation was founded in 2002 along this seemingly desolate stretch of natural splendor. As a family business with immigrant roots and generational wisdom, the passion for nurturing premium starter plants from seeds was pursued on a humble 7-acre plot of land just outside the town of St. Thomas. Today, the operation comprises 45 acres of high-tech greenhouse facilities that produce more than 60 million "ready-to-grow" young plants from seed each year. Approximately 40% of all greenhouses in North America get their starter plants from Ontario Plants Propagation.


A Fully Automated Cherry Truss Tomato Harvesting Robot to Hit the Market

June 2024

Artemy is the brand-new harvest robot developed jointly by DENSO Corporation and Certhon, and it is ready for the commercial market. The robot is equipped with advanced vision technology for scanning the crop by its maturity and harvests ripe truss tomatoes. Artemy has an automatic lane change function, utilizing the sensor and image recognition technology to recognize running lanes so it can move to the adjacent one, even in trackless environments. In addition, Artemy has several other functions, such as automatic replacement and transfer of crates, which reduce heavy work for farmers.


Whose Cucumber is the Longest in The World?

June 2024

Cucumber is one of the most popular vegetables in the world. Thus, growers often like to brag to their colleagues about the size of their cucumbers, often exaggerating by a lot. In this regard, the EastFruit team decided to do all the cucumbers and based only on true and well-documented facts, create a rating of the largest cucumbers ever grown by people. However, when compiling a rating of the largest cucumbers, we encountered an unexpected but not an unusual dilemma – what is more important: the length of the cucumber or its thickness?