May 2024 - 67

SGAFT
greenhouses to multi-acre ranges. Large, multi-head
systems capable of tailoring individual nutrients via
computer are ultra-effective but beyond a small grower's
means. The simpler technology, in a relative sense, is as
valuable in a small operation and affordable.
Robotics and other large scale automated technology
are also routinely beyond a small grower's means. It's fair
to expect these tech categories to navigate trickle down
paths. After all, if not for NASA needing to invent cordless
tools for astronauts to use in space my cabinet of DeWalt
cordless tools would be empty today. SGAFT will present
state-of-the-art technology to help small growers envision
their future. Once introduced, however, content focus will
shift to technology that's realistic for small operations.
TECHNOLOGY LADDERS
Any technology category can be described using a
common ladder. This concept presents technology in
logical, successive steps. The bottom rung represents
entry level technology, or none at all, while the top rung
represents state of the art.
For irrigation, the bottom rung is hand watering -
a level of technology that hardly a greenhouse lacks.
The second step is the first generation of drip
irrigation, the one before button emitters that only
those of us with gray hair remember using. Another
step up is pressure compensating emitters. Next
comes a group of steps advancing system control.
The first of this group is time clock solenoid valve
control. Then, the time clock is incorporated into
an environment control system for smarter decision
making. Another step up the ladder integrates on-site
weather station data, making it smarter yet. If the
greenhouse experiences A or B the system responds
with Y or Z.
A different grower's irrigation tech ladder
may include steps for subirrigation technology.
Recirculating systems such as flood and drain trays
or hydroponic systems such as nutrient film channels
may fit the operation. Each grower's irrigation tech
ladder may be unique with different systems and
products occupying different steps. Due diligence is
advised as growers learn to construct tech ladders
to best serve their unique needs.
TECH LADDER ASTERISK
Creating a working technology ladder
includes a second reality layered over the
earlier reality of limited money. That our
ladder has a top rung is inaccurate because
technology keeps advancing. For each tech
ladder we construct, the top step today will not be the
top step tomorrow.
The extension ladder more accurately presents the
advancement of technology over time. Today's state of art
may get us up to the sixth step, next year's advancement
will need a seventh, then an eighth. There's no limit.
Think of three sections of a ladder as representing
yesterday's 20th century tech (base section) followed by
today's 21st century tech (middle section) followed by
tomorrow's 22nd century tech (upper section).
This discussion continues at sgaft.com to develop
technology ladders in other categories. It then develops
the concept of each operation being on different steps
of different tech ladders in time, which then allows one to
direct the next tech dollar to the next logical step up the
ladder that best serves the operation.
Konjoian's Horticulture Education Services created
SGAFT to serve the unique needs of small greenhouse and
farm operations. Peter Konjoian's unapologetic mission
for the project is to help fellow small growers integrate
complementary technologies, appropriate at their
operational scale, to maximize profitability.
24_002824_Greenhouse_Product_News_MAY Mod: March 18, 2024 10:12 AM
Print: 03/27/24 1:21:43 PM page 1 v7
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GREENHOUSE PRODUCT NEWS 67
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May 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May 2024
