What is Automatic Planting Factory?
Also called smart farm,It is no longer a new thing to cultivate leafy vegetables with artificial light and nutrient solution. At Beijing Sino-horizon Agriculture, we are passionate about creating innovative and smart indoor planting solutions. A planting factory refers to a closed space (that can isolate external insect pests and harmful substances in the air, like PM2.5) in which things like water, fertilizer, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide are supplied to plants through automatic control technology and digital technology. This allows them to grow healthy in a rapid and pollution free manner.
Benefits of Automatic Planting Factory
- Saving labor: Because the hydroponic growing system is controlled by the program, the container farming system does not need as many as laborers trained in a traditional agricultural setting. Planting is easy with the unmanned operation of up to 100 planting factories monitored by only one mobile phone.
- Diversity of planting vegetables: Since the container farming system is changeable, restrictions like physical space and soil conditions can be removed to realize scale-combined production.
- Controlled living conditions for plants (water, fertilizer, sunlight, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity, etc.
- Before the air enters into a planting factory, it is purified, filtered, and sterilized to isolate pests; it makes the reduction or avoidance of pesticides possible.
- Production cost is reduced with the application of solar energy and insulation materials for heat and energy preservation.
- Because the planting factory is remotely monitored, it is convenient to mark the source area and control the production process.
Growing Cycle
Microgreens:
Production cycle of 15–20 days per batch.
Head Lettuce:
Production cycle of 20–90 days per batch.
Chinese Cabbage:
Production cycle of 20 days per batch.
Scallions, Chives:
Can be harvested repeatedly, approximately every 20 days.
Mint, Basil:
Production cycle of approximately 150 days per batch.
Endive:
Production cycle of 25–35 days.
Wheatgrass:
Production cycle of 7 days.
Tea Plant:
Production cycle of 35 days.
Rice:
Production cycle of over 60 days.
Wheat:
Significant increase in yield.
Structure & Components
- Minimum combination unit
modular container - Exterior size
14m (length) × 2.5m (width) × 3m (height)
- Temperature and Humidity Control System
It is equipped with four 3-horsepower heating and dehumidifying air conditioners. These are strategically installed at both ends in a staggered layout. This ensures precise temperature and humidity control. - Cooling Mist Humidification System
It is used for foliar fertilizer application, general humidification, or aeroponic cultivation to maintain optimal plant moisture levels. - Fresh Air System
A combined fresh air system disinfects incoming air and promotes internal air circulation, ensuring a clean and healthy growing environment. - CO₂ Generator
Strategically positioned on both sides of the top section, the CO₂ generator reliably releases carbon dioxide to enhance photosynthesis. It includes a CO₂ concentration display and an alarm system for monitoring and safety. - Supplementary Lighting System
It is installed between the ascending and descending chains of the vertical farm, with individual control for each layer. The lighting system adjusts according to plant needs to optimize growth. - Shading System
It is equipped with a reflective thermal insulation cotton shading system that helps regulate temperature within the farm while preventing excessive light exposure.
- Water & Fertilizer Integration and Irrigation System
The vertical farm is equipped with two integrated water and fertilizer systems—one dedicated to irrigation water supply and the other for preparing and applying liquid fertilizer. The control system allows seamless switching between the two as needed.
Nutrient Solution Formulation: Customizable nutrient solutions are tailored to meet the specific requirements of plants at different growth stages, ensuring optimal development and yield.
Three Irrigation Methods: The system supports multiple watering techniques, including: sub-irrigation, sprinkler irrigation and injection irrigation.
- Crop Growth Monitoring System
Sensors: Equipped with 12 four-in-one sensors that monitor temperature, humidity, light intensity, and CO₂ concentration to ensure optimal growing conditions. Additionally, the water and fertilizer system includes a pH detection device to maintain nutrient balance.
Cameras: The system features both a surveillance camera for general monitoring and a close-range camera for detailed observation of plant growth conditions.
Control System: Powered by AI algorithms (currently optimized for hydroponic lettuce), the system offers multiple control options, including:
Automated control using data models for precise growth management.
Local control for on-site adjustments.
Remote monitoring via an app for real-time oversight from anywhere.
A single control unit can simultaneously manage up to 50 vertical farms, ensuring scalability and efficient operation.
- Robotic Farming System (optional at an additional charge)
6-axis robotic arm: Provides flexible and precise movement for planting and harvesting tasks.
4.5-meter digital slide rail: Enables the robotic arm to move across multiple grow trays for efficient operation over a wide area.
Vision recognition and positioning: Utilizes advanced image processing technology to identify and accurately position plants for automated tasks.
Two-finger gripper: Designed for gentle handling of plants to prevent damage during planting, harvesting, or maintenance.
- Plant Growth Chamber (optional at an additional charge)
Seedlings are first grown externally in a plant growth chamber before being transplanted into the vertical farm system for further cultivation.
If required, we offer standalone plant growth chambers to meet customers' specific needs.
Components Details
Two Air Conditioners
CO2 Transmitter
Control Cabinet
Video Surveillance
Fresh Air Blower
Soil Temperature & Humidity Sensor
Internal Ventilation System
Sprinkler & Drip Irrigation System
Tempered Glass Interlayer
Temperature & Humidity Indicator
List of Smart Container Planting Factory
| Model No. | Planting Area Dimension | Capacity | Function | Planting Crops | |
 13.7*2.4*2.9 meters |
Planting area length: 11.9 meters; Width of aisle: 0.5 meters | Standard design:4 layers to place totally 500 pieces rectangle growing trayes (40*40cm) or 1900 pieces roundgrowing pot (Dia.15cm) | Temperature automatic control Air humidity automatic control Drip irrigation spray Growth lighting Monitoring of Water PH value,water level,CO2 Growth situation and pest perception Camera monitor,plant growth conditions shows on your cell phone |
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13.7*2.4*2.9 meters |
Planting area length: 11.9 meters; width of aisle: 0.5 meters | Standard design:4 layers to place totally 500 pieces rectangle growing trayes (40*40cm) or 1900 pieces roundgrowing pot (Dia.15cm) | Temperature automatic control Air humidity automatic control Drip irrigation spray Growth lighting Monitoring of Water PH value,water level,CO2 Growth situation and pest perception Camera monitor to see growth condition on cell phone Mobile phone, computer synchronied remote group control and measurement |
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 13.7*2.4*2.9 meters |
Planting area length: 11.9meters; width of aisle: 0.5 meters | Standard design: 4 layers to totally place 500 pieces rectangle planting trays (40*40cm) or 1900 pieces round plant pots (Dia.15cm) | Temperature automatic control Air humidity automatic control Drip irrigation spray Growth lighting Monitoring of Water PH value,water level,CO2 Growth situation and pest perception Camera monitor Mobile phone, computer synchronied remote group control and measurement Energy-saving 7KW solar power generation system |
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 14*2.5*3.0 meters |
Planting area length: 11.9meters; width of aile: 0.5 meters | Standard design:4 layers to place totally 500 pieces rectangle growing trayes (40*40cm) or 1900 pieces roundgrowing pot (Dia.15cm) | Growth and pest perception Equipped with sensors and webcam for monitor of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, pH value, illumination, water level Control and adjust function of parameters of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, PH value, filling light intensity, shading light, sprinkler intensity; Fresh air, ventilation, air filtration, hydrogen and oxygen ion air disinfection and water and fertilizer integration preparation functions; Container case is made of double-layer hollow toughened glass with excellent light transmittance and heat insulation performance. Container case equipped with 4 sets of Internet curtain either to shade the sun or to keep heat. Toughened glass is used to increase the effect of photosynthesis in the planting area. Mobile phone, computer synchronied remote group control and measurement Energy-saving 3.6KW solar power generation system |
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Inquiry Form
Case Studies & On-Site Production
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Strawberry Cultivation System -
CCTV On-Site Filming
Is a automatic planting factory More Efficient?
Is a automatic planting factory More Efficient?
Yes, a automatic planting factory uses less water, requires minimal space, and achieves higher year-round yields without seasonal limitations. It supports a diverse range of crops within a single facility, making it a far more efficient agricultural method compared to traditional farming techniques.
Does a automatic planting factory Require Water?
Does a automatic planting factory Require Water?
Yes, it does require water. However, the system recycles and reuses water efficiently, resulting in significantly lower water consumption than traditional farms, with minimal waste.