Drain stations comparison in tunnel raspberry production at a smart hydroponic farm

Abstract

The thesis focuses on 2 different methods used for measuring the volume and electric conductivity at drip irrigation hydroponic raspberry production at a modern farm in Finland. Tasks of the thesis are to describe these methods, explain simply the benefits of such measurements and to observe and describe the various factors that affect the cultivation process. Vaanelan puutarha is a farm with decades of experience in hydroponics, which is focusing on expanding its berry production and modernising its technological potential. Author of this thesis is an employee of Vaanelan puutarha, performing the task of irrigation technician with focus on the berry production. Commissioner of the thesis is Vaanelan puutarha Oy, for the purposes of this thesis represented by its cultivation manager – Tommi Oraluoma. Based on the observations and data gathering, the main content of the thesis focuses on visualising the data and performing a detailed SWOT analysis of both methods.

Based on the summary, the author concludes that both methods have their own niche, and the ultimate decision still of course has to be made by the farmer. SWOT analysis offers a sizeable number of reasons which lead to such conclusion. Finally, the thesis concludes by a justification of the drain water analysis and statement about issues which became apparent during the writing of the thesis.