IFAS Circular# 1029, Basic Concepts in Environmental Computer Control of Agricultural Systems

IFAS Circular# 1029

Basic Concepts in Environmental Computer Control
of Agricultural Systems

F.S. Zazueta, R. Bucklin, P.H. Jones and A.G. Smajstrla

Opening Paragraph:
Computer control technologies make use of computer systems and other hardware to monitor physical conditions of an environment, make decisions about actions required to modify the environment, and act on devices that will result in changes to the environment. For example, in a greenhouse, a computer can be used to monitor temperature, and turn heaters on and off at appropriate intervals to maintain a constant temperature. Computer controls are particularly useful in systems in which 1) many variables are controlled, 2) there is an large number of devices that must be controlled, 3) frequent or constant attention is required, and 4) labor costs are high.

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