Here’s our expert guide with actionable tips to keep your greenhouse operating at peak performance throughout every campaign.
1. Structure and covering: the foundation of success
Every quarter, conduct a detailed inspection of your greenhouse’s structure and covering. For the framework, look for signs of corrosion, loose bolts, any displacement caused by wind, material fatigue, and check the anchors and foundations thoroughly. For the covering, inspect for tears and ensure proper tension and secure fixation. This prevents vibrations that could reduce the material’s lifespan and affect internal climate control.
2. Irrigation system: precision is everything
Uniform irrigation and nutrition are critical to growing healthy, uniform crops. Even small issues here can lead to imbalances that are hard to correct. At Integra-AT, we recommend monthly calibration of Venturi injectors and pH and EC probes. Weekly maintenance includes cleaning filters, checking water pressure, and verifying flow rates remain within theoretical parameters. If irrigation uniformity drops below 90%, targeted chemical cleaning treatments restore optimal performance quickly.
3. Reservoirs and tanks: keep them clean and protected
We inspect reservoirs biweekly, checking for leaks and evaluating water quality by observing color, odor, and the presence of biofilms on the surface. To prevent algae and pathogens, keep reservoirs covered or shielded from direct sunlight. When needed, microbiological tests help detect potential contamination early, allowing for treatments with hydrogen peroxide or copper-based solutions to maintain water purity.
4. Climate control systems: screens, ventilation, and fan & pad
Maintaining the right climate inside your greenhouse is crucial for stress-free plant growth and consistent production. This relies on a coordinated operation of shading screens, roof vents, automation controls, and fan & pad cooling systems. Weekly checks ensure motors run smoothly, screen fabrics remain intact without tears, and moving parts are properly lubricated for smooth operation.
In hot, dry environments, the fan & pad system is indispensable. We clean cellulose cooling pads every 2–4 weeks to avoid blockages caused by dust, salts, or algae. Damaged or dry panels get replaced immediately to maintain even evaporation. Reservoirs are purged every 10–15 days, and pumps, filters, and float valves are inspected to guarantee system reliability.
5. Technology and sensors: data-driven excellence
Sensors are your greenhouse’s best friends, providing continuous data that drives smart decisions. At Integra-AT, we routinely recalibrate humidity, temperature, radiation, and conductivity sensors, cross-verifying their data with field observations. Cleaning external sensors like radiation probes ensures accurate environmental monitoring, crucial for fine-tuning conditions.
We also emphasize meticulous record-keeping — tracking maintenance dates, system observations, resource consumption, flow rates, and climate data. This empowers growers to anticipate issues, optimize operations, and continuously improve with each campaign.
At Integra-AT, maintenance is not just a task; it’s a commitment to efficiency, quality, and long-term success. Because in agriculture, what you don’t care for is lost — and what you maintain well performs better.
Ready to maximize your greenhouse’s potential? Contact our experts for tailored advice and advanced solutions designed for your climate and crops.