Variability of Soil Water Content, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity in Strawberry and Tomato Greenhouses in Winter

Purpose: Monitoring and control of environmental condition is highly important for optimum control of the conditions, especially in greenhouses and plant factories, and the condition is not uniform within the facility. Objectives of the study were to investigate variability in soil water content and to provide information useful for better irrigation control. Methods: Experiments were conducted in a strawberry-growing greenhouse (greenhouse 1) and a cherry tomato-growing greenhouse (greenhouse 2) in winter. Soil water content, electrical conductivity (EC), and temperature were measured over the entire area, at different distances from an irrigation pump, and on ridge and furrow areas. Results: When measured over the entire greenhouse area, soil water content decreased and temperature and electrical conductivity increased over time from morning to afternoon after irrigation. Water content decreased by distance from the irrigation pump up to 70 m and increased after that, and temperature showed an inverse pattern. Soil water contents on the ridge were lower than those on the furrow, and the differences were 10.2~18.4%, indicating considerable variability. The lowest EC were observed on the furrow and highest values were observed on the ridge. Soil water contents were less and temperature levels were greater at the window side than in the center locations. Conclusions: Selection of number and location of soil water content sensor would be the first step for better water content monitoring and irrigation control. Results of the study would provide basic data useful for optimum sensor location and control for underground greenhouse environment.