In Japan, a one-hectare multi-tunnel greenhouse in Japan, designed for hydroponic lettuce cultivation using an MGS (Mobile Gutter System), was completed.
As builder J. Huette reports, the project was conceived from the outset to maximize production efficiency and ensure crop stability. The reinforced multi-tunnel structure was designed to provide optimal performance under the country's climatic conditions. In addition, anti-condensation gutters are integrated, facilitating efficient drainage and acting as longitudinal reinforcement elements, increasing the greenhouse's overall durability and robustness.
© J. Huete Greenhouses, SL
One of the project's key features is the ventilation system, which combines motorized butterfly-type roof vents with two-stage perimeter ventilation. Both systems are automatically adjusted by sensors to maintain temperature and humidity within optimal parameters, creating a stable environment suitable for the rapid vegetative development of the lettuce. This natural control of climatic conditions is complemented by recirculating fans that homogenize the air and prevent stratification, ensuring a uniform atmosphere throughout the cultivated area.
The greenhouse also incorporates solutions focused on energy savings and sustainability. These include double horizontal screens with a high level of resistance to oxidation and UV rays, capable of moderating temperatures between day and night, creating a more stable microclimate, and increasing light efficiency thanks to diffuse light transmission. The rainwater harvesting system using PVC pipes also contributes to optimizing water resources in a country with high management standards.
© J. Huete Greenhouses, SL
A fundamental aspect of the project is automation. The facility features an advanced climate control system that incorporates weather stations and state-of-the-art sensors to record wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, and other crucial environmental parameters. This data is integrated into climate management software that automatically regulates ventilation, screens, and other elements, allowing operators to monitor and adjust operations in real time. The electrical system has been designed with individual protective panels for each component, reinforcing the safety, operational precision, and efficiency of the installation.
The production of lettuce in NFT gutters using an MGS system represents a strategic added value. This hydroponic system, widely recognized for its ability to optimize planting density, ergonomic operation, and homogeneous root oxygenation, allows for faster cycles, greater efficiency in crop management, and better space utilization. Thanks to its integration with the greenhouse's technological infrastructure, the grower obtains uniform, stable, and high-quality harvests, even under demanding climatic conditions.
For more information:
J. Huete Greenhouses
[email protected]
www.jhuete.com
