Drone-applied greenhouse shading for temperature control
Managing light and temperature inside greenhouses is critical to maintaining crop consistency and protecting yield during periods of high solar radiation. Drone-applied greenhouse shading provides a fast, accurate, and repeatable way to control growing conditions without the disruption of traditional access methods.
This project demonstrates how specialist spraying drones can be used to apply shading coatings evenly across greenhouse roofs, improving environmental control while significantly reducing labour time and operational disruption.
The Situation
During periods of high sunlight, greenhouse crops are exposed to excessive heat and radiation, which can lead to plant stress, uneven growth, and reduced crop quality. Effective shading is essential to regulate internal temperatures and protect crops during sensitive growth stages.
Traditional greenhouse shading methods often rely on manual application using access equipment such as cherry pickers or scaffolding. These methods are labour-intensive, time-consuming, and can disrupt normal greenhouse operations while work is carried out.
Inconsistent application is another common issue. Manual shading can result in uneven coverage, leading to variable light levels across the growing area. This inconsistency can undermine the effectiveness of shading and contribute to uneven crop development.
Objectives of the Project
- To control light and temperature within greenhouse environments more effectively
- To apply shading coatings evenly and accurately across greenhouse roofs
- To reduce labour time and access equipment requirements
- To minimise disruption to greenhouse operations
- To improve crop consistency and growing conditions during high-risk periods
