The main objective of this work has been the development of a virtual sensor (VS) based on the water balance dynamics of tomato crops in greenhouses, using coconut coir substrate as an example in this case. Such sensors are used to provide a viable and economical alternative to expensive or...

Free-drainage or "open" substrate system used for vegetable production in greenhouses is associated with appreciable NO3- leaching losses and drainage volumes. Simulation models of crop N uptake, N leaching, water use and drainage of crops in these systems will be useful for crop and water...