Greenhouse Automation Systems: How Technology is Revolutionizing Protected Agriculture

Modern agriculture increasingly demands efficiency, precision, and sustainability. In this context, greenhouse automation systems have become essential tools to optimize crop production, enhance quality, and reduce the use of water, fertilizers, and energy.

At INTA, we’ve spent over two decades designing technological solutions tailored for protected crops, adapted to the conditions and needs of growers worldwide.

What is a Greenhouse Automation System?

A greenhouse automation system integrates hardware (sensors, controllers, valves, actuators) with intelligent software to automatically regulate key variables such as:

• Drip and micro-spray irrigation
• Liquid fertilization (fertigation)
• Interior temperature
• Relative humidity
• Ventilation and window opening
• Solar radiation and light intensity
• CO₂ levels and air exchange

These systems allow growers to configure optimal parameters based on crop type, local climate, and plant growth stage. The entire process can be monitored and adjusted in real time via a control panel or mobile app.

Benefits of Automating Your Greenhouse

Adopting greenhouse automation systems provides clear and measurable benefits:

1. Resource Savings

Water and nutrients are applied precisely and only when needed. This can reduce water and fertilizer use by up to 40%.

2. Increased Productivity

Stable environmental conditions help plants develop better, reduce thermal and water stress, and lead to higher yields and uniformity.

3. Reduced Human Error

Automation minimizes mistakes from manual handling (e.g., incorrect dosing, missed irrigation), enhancing overall process reliability.

4. Remote Control and Traceability

Advanced systems enable remote monitoring from anywhere, access to historical data, automatic report generation, and evidence-based decision-making.

Which Crops Benefit the Most?

Greenhouse automation systems are ideal for:

• High-value vegetables (tomato, bell pepper, cucumber)
• Fruit crops grown under netting or shade structures
• Hydroponic crops (strawberry, lettuce, basil)
• Medical cannabis
• Ornamentals and nursery plants
• Berries grown in tunnels or macrotunnels

Automation allows systems to be adapted to various structures, irrigation types, and nutritional requirements, whether for organic or conventional farming.

INTA Technology for Smart Greenhouses

At INTA, we develop modular control systems that can be tailored to each grower’s crop type, greenhouse size, and level of technical sophistication. Some of our core solutions include:

• INTA CDN: A fertigation unit with multiple inputs and outputs, ideal for intensive crop systems.
• INTA ALLMIX: An automatic nutrient solution mixer.
• SYSINTA: A remote control and monitoring software with an intuitive interface.
• Sensors: For soil moisture, temperature, solar radiation, line pressure, and more.

Our systems are currently operating in Mexico, Spain, Colombia, Peru, and other countries in collaboration with local integrators and agricultural technicians.

Smart Greenhouses Are No Longer a Trend—They’re a Necessity

For those looking to produce more with fewer resources, without compromising quality or sustainability, greenhouse automation is not a luxury—it’s a strategic investment.

If you’re considering integrating greenhouse automation systems into your agricultural project, contact us. At INTA, we’ll help you design a custom, scalable solution ready to meet the challenges of the future of farming.