Introduction

A precision fertilization system powered by GOcontroll ensures perfect nutrient dosing in greenhouse vegetable cultivation.

Smart Nutrient Control for Greenhouses

Smart nutrient management for healthy greenhouse crops

In modern greenhouse vegetable cultivation, achieving consistent growth and yield depends on how precisely nutrients are delivered through irrigation water. GOcontroll’s modular embedded controllers make this possible. By controlling and monitoring dosing pumps, flow sensors, and nutrient tanks in real-time, a precision fertilization system ensures that every plant receives exactly what it needs—no more, no less. This intelligent control leads to healthier crops, reduced waste, and more sustainable production cycles.

Precision fertilization in greenhouse environments

Greenhouses are dynamic ecosystems where temperature, light, and humidity constantly fluctuate. These factors directly influence plant nutrient uptake. Traditional dosing systems often rely on fixed cycles, which can lead to over- or under-fertilization. GOcontroll’s Moduline series controllers—such as the Moduline IV, Mini I, and Display—allow growers to move beyond static dosing by introducing real-time control and feedback mechanisms.

With modular input modules capable of reading EC (electrical conductivity) and pH sensors, the system continuously measures the concentration of dissolved nutrients in irrigation water. Output modules drive pumps and valves with millisecond precision, adjusting fertilizer ratios on the fly to maintain perfect nutrient balance for crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

Automated nutrient dosing through smart control

The Moduline Mini I is ideal for greenhouse nutrient dosing systems. It can control multiple fertilizer injectors, monitor water flow, and automatically mix precise nutrient solutions based on target EC and pH values. Using GOcontroll’s MATLAB Simulink integration, growers or system engineers can design dosing algorithms visually, without coding.

For example:

  • Inputs from EC, pH, and temperature sensors enter the controller.

  • Algorithms calculate required nutrient concentrations.

  • Output modules adjust pump speed and valve position to achieve the target mix.

  • The system stores real-time data for trend analysis and fine-tuning.

With the optional Moduline Display, operators can visualize live nutrient readings and flow rates directly on-site, making it easy to adjust recipes or flush lines when needed.

Cloud-connected greenhouses for remote monitoring

Through GOcontroll’s Connected platform, greenhouse fertilization systems can be securely monitored from anywhere. Using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 4G (WWAN) connections, all dosing parameters and system states are transmitted to the cloud for data analysis and predictive maintenance.

This connectivity allows growers to:

  • Access dashboards that show nutrient levels, water usage, and dosing performance.

  • Receive automatic alerts if EC or pH values drift beyond set limits.

  • Perform over-the-air (FOTA) updates to refine fertilization strategies.

The system’s open software architecture supports Node-RED for intuitive dashboard creation and communication via MQTT or HTTP protocols.

Sustainability and yield optimization

Efficient nutrient management reduces both fertilizer consumption and water runoff—two critical aspects of sustainable greenhouse farming. GOcontroll’s modular hardware is designed for harsh conditions, with IP67-rated enclosures and industrial-grade connectors, ensuring reliability even in humid or dusty environments.

By maintaining precise nutrient balance:

  • Root zones stay oxygenated and free of salt buildup.

  • Crops develop uniform growth and improved flavor profiles.

  • Resource efficiency increases while operating costs drop.

These benefits make precision fertilization not just a technological upgrade, but a long-term strategy for sustainable vegetable production.

Building the system architecture

A greenhouse precision fertilization setup based on GOcontroll typically includes:

  • Moduline Mini I or IV as central controller.

  • Input modules for EC, pH, temperature, and flow sensors.

  • Output modules for controlling nutrient dosing pumps and irrigation valves.

  • Moduline Display for user interface and recipe control.

  • Cloud connectivity for remote access and data logging.

Each component communicates through the controller’s CAN or Ethernet interfaces, ensuring real-time synchronization between sensors and actuators. The Linux-based software environment allows flexible adaptation for different crops or nutrient schedules.

Conclusion: smarter vegetable growing through precision control

GOcontroll’s modular controllers bring industrial-grade intelligence to greenhouse fertilization. By combining sensor feedback, automatic control, and remote monitoring, growers can deliver nutrients exactly when and where plants need them. The result: stronger crops, higher yields, and a more sustainable greenhouse operation—powered by a truly adaptable precision fertilization system.

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