Agri-Environment Science Program

State of the Art Technology for Agriculture Education

Agri-Environment Science Program

Breakthrough technology reducing the consumption of water and fertilization in agriculture

Without AutoAgronom

With AutoAgronom

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WATER

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System Advantages
Excessive fertilization and uncontrolled irrigation are two of the major causes of environmental pollution, water shortages, climate change, and severe health problems that are being faced worldwide today. AutoAgronom, is a breakthrough technology that has proven to provide dramatic reductions in the consumption of water and fertilizer used in agriculture. AutoAgronoms advanced proprietary algorithms are the results of over 15 years of research and of field trials that have been conducted in numerous countries and with a range of crops. AutoAgronom: Monitors the soil solution at the root of the plant to provide optimal irrigation and fertilization according to plant needs, in real time. Increases crop yield by up to 20% compared to other plant control systems. Reduces the cost of the use of water and fertilizers up to 30% - 40%. Reduces environmental pollution by reducing the usage of fertilizers and reducing aquifer and soil contamination. Can be controlled remotely over the internet. The training system enables students to master basic and advanced agriculture concepts using the E-learning content for theoretical understanding and the system for practical work.

444 East Industrial Park Dr., Manchester, NH 03109, USA Tel: +1 (800) 221-2763 Fax : +1 (603) 625-2137 www.intelitek.com

The Concept
The Agri -Environment Science Program introduces students to fundamental concepts of agriculture such as irrigation, fertilization, soil management, and principles of greenhouse design and control. In addition, the program introduces students to environmental concepts. The heart of the program is the AutoAgronom, a system that monitors and manages the plants environment by continually collecting and analyzing data from the plants roots and acting on that data by controlling irrigation, fertilization, and other parameters. By working with the system, students investigate the effects that various parameters such as temperature, irrigation, radiation, fertilization and more, have on the plant growth process. The Agri -Environment Science Program is based on the blended learning concept combining theoretical E-Learning study with practical work. The Program is provided as a turnkey project consisting of the following major components: 1. AutoAgronom: The brain of the p rog ra m i s a s t a t e of t h e a r t computerized plant environment controller. AutoAgronom measures and monitors the soil conditions near the plants roots in real time and calculates the plants requirements. Based on predefined formulas and the data collected, AutoAgronom controls irrigation and the release of fertilizers with minimal human intervention. AutoAgronom can provide yield increases of up to 20% and savings of up to 40% in water and fertilizer usage. 2. E-learning content: Courseware that enables anytime, anywhere, self-paced study in agricultural technologies: Irrigation Fertilization Soil management Greenhouses. In addition, specific modules cover concepts of environmental pollution and water treatment. The courseware covers the basic and advanced theory using graphics, animation and interactivity, giving students the tools they will need for practical work. 3. Greenhouse ( optional ): The greenhouse is supplied fully equipped with a drip controlled irrigation system, fully controlled fans and heaters that provide control of internal temperature, misters for humidity control, and an advanced controlled shading system that provides control of solar radiation within the greenhouse.

The interactive E-learning modules enable students to study, at their own pace, various subjects related to agriculture. In addition, the concepts of operation and case studies of AutoAgronm are taught before students are exposed to the actual system. The curriculum includes guided practical assignments that complement the theory and enable students to practice and apply their knowledge in real life situations. These seven modules are discussed below.

General Concepts
Principles of Irrigation The history of irrigation Basic irrigation concepts Principles of water-soil adhesion Soil water status, capillary and gravitational motion Factors that affect evaporation from soil Introduction to Greenhouse Technology Parameters that affect plant growth Physical structure and coverings of greenhouses Aspects of greenhouse planning Biological processes of plant growth and photosynthesis Light and temperature measurement within a greenhouse

Environmental Engineering
Introduction to Environmental Engineering Air pollution Air pollution control Acid rain Natural greenhouse effect Global warming and dimming Ozone depletion Solid waste treatment Hazardous waste disposal Deep well injection Clean energy Introduction to Environmental Pollution Air pollution Water pollution Land degradation Noise pollution

AutoAgronom System
The Concept of AutoAgronom Principles behind AutoAgronom AutoAgronoms approach to cultivation management Factors that affect nutrient absorption through plant roots The importance of oxygen in plant cultivation Oxygen supply to plants Effects of capillary and gravitational forces on the motion of soil water Hydroponics Using AutoAgronom Installation Navigation through the program Creation and analysis of graphs of historical and current data Significance and method of adjustment of important system parameters Programming and implementation of controller commands Applications of AutoAgronom This module presents a variety of case studies of the application of precision agriculture to different crops under different conditions. It thereby gives the students an appreciation of the value of the technology. Students learn how to gauge the effectiveness of a greenhouse project by studying available data and performing comparative analyses.

Introduction to Wastewater Management Wastewater treatment Pumping technologies Water flow Disinfection Groundwater recharge

Soil and Agriculture Soil classification and its relevance to plant growth Definitions of soil, soil content and origin Erosion Soil textures and structures Advanced Irrigation Systems Types of irrigation systems Hydraulic concepts in irrigation design Simplified drip irrigation systems Auto-compensated drip systems Microoverhead sprinkler irrigation Filtration systems Automation and irrigation control systems Water quality Wastewater treatment and recycling Crop-specific irrigation issues Irrigation network planning