The MAYER 2018 is a simple-to-operate, universal filler for single-container filling and is easily adaptable to other applications. While the machine feeds the mix as needed, one or two persons placing a container below the mix delivery can fill pots or plant bare root material and handle similar jobs. For larger containers or higher volume, the hopper capacity can be extended. Other options are car-sized tires, a sturdy frame, and a hitch that allow easy maneuvering in the field.
Contact: 618-443-5065 or
www.mayer4u.com

Useful for a single zone of operation or complex, multiple-zone applications, the Growmaster Procom from MicroGrow features state-of-the-art control algorithms based on internal conditions as well as outdoor weather conditions. Also included are four separate operation modes. Manual override switches are located on the front panel for ease of use. A large, informative display constantly updates all greenhouse conditions and equipment operations. The Procom is easy to use and simple to install on new and existing projects. It offers energy-saving features for commercial growers and precise automation for research applications. A companion vapor-pressure-deficit irrigation and propagation system also is available.
Contact: 951-296-3340 or
www.microgrow.com

AgrowSoft, LLC’s CEA-pro is a real-time environmental control system that can monitor and control temperature, relative humidity, root-zone temperature, CO2, irrigation (by time, by light, or by vapor pressure deficit), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC). The latest version, CEA-pro 3.0, adds real-time video monitoring. With an internet connection, growers can remotely see plants, workers, conditions and control statistics. By using a real-time environmental monitoring and control system, growers can reduce fuel and utilities expenses, disease pressure, and water and fertilizer expenses while improving yields.
Contact: 607-724-4828 or
www.agrowsoft.com

Bouldin & Lawson recently introduced the new SBC PRO slider bed conveyor. The conveyor has a modular design that lets the customer choose between several options and allows for easy expansion of lengths. With options of fully assembled or as a ready-to-build kit, the SBC PRO offers high quality with a lower price.
Contact: 800-443-6398 or
www.bouldinlawson.com

 

The HANNA fertigation system from HANNA Instruments provides precise control of pH and fertilizer injection. Unlike flow-driven systems of the past, the HANNA fertigation system constantly measures the actual EC and pH of the water, allowing the system to add the precise concentration of fertilizer directly to the irrigation supply. The bypass system does not limit line flow or pressure, which allows the user to inject fertilizer from 5 gallons per minute (GPM) up to 300 GPM accurately. The HI8000 series controller included with the system has 10 programs that allow the user to set various EC and pH values for a variety of plants. The system also controls up to 32 irrigation valves for complete automation of the fertigation process.
Contact: 800-426-6287 or
www.hannainst.com

A new industrial-grade label applicator for continuous-duty applications in shipping, packaging, loading-dock, warehouse, and distribution-center environments is now available from Avery Dennison Printer Systems. The applicator, called the Avery Dennison ALS 204, automatically applies preprinted product-identification labels to boxes and other items at packaging-line speeds up to 40 meters per minute. The ALS 204 is equipped with advanced electronics and dual-precision stepper motors for fast, accurate label application. The applicator is controlled directly or from a remote programmable logic controller via serial, parallel, wireless, Ethernet, or software interfaces. It can also be optionally configured to apply encoded radio-frequency-identification labels.
Contact: 626-304-2000 or
www.averydennison.com

The Blackmore Company’s Perfection “Compactor Model” tray filler provides a special compactor box that allows for uniform fill on any tray at any speed, cell-to-cell and tray-to-tray. It offers high clearance (up to 10 inches) for a wide variety of plug tray to pot filling applications. You can pack soil tightly or loosely with quick, simple, calibrated adjustments. It has self-cleaning drive sprockets and low maintenance. The belt vibrator is speed and height adjustable. Hard rubber tires and locking swivel castors make for easy movement on concrete by one person.
Contact: 800-874-8660 or www.blackmoreco.com

The Rapid Tagger from Rapid Automated Systems saves labor by inserting tags into pots or trays at up to 750 flats per hour. Designed for use in Rapid Automated’s manual, automatic, or Punch ’n Gro lines, updates make tray changeovers even easier.
Contact: 616-662-0954 or
www.rapidautomated.com

 

The Plug Popper from Antal/Cayson Equipment dislodges plugs from their trays in a matter of seconds, which means no more broken stems or damaged roots. It works with a simple foot-pedal operation. There are no cords, hoses, or motors to maintain. The Plug Popper is easy to use and handles any tray with the swap of an insert. The pin-lock system allows the extraction and hold-down pins to be completely adjusted to fit virtually any tray. It weighs only 40 pounds.
Contact: 877-758-4767 or
www.plugpop.com

Javo robot systems feature robot arms for putting down, picking up, spacing out, and sorting plants. A container-transport system can also be connected. The put-down robot puts the plants in to the container, which moves up for the desired inter-row distance. Plants are automatically placed in trays, and the pot size can be adjusted in a matter of minutes. The robot takes the plants from the conveyor belt automatically and places them on a trolley or other object. They are then put on the ground with the pot fork.
Contact: 770-428-4491 or
www.javonl.com

Solaris, the greenhouse and irrigation division of McConkey Co., has improved the value of its ITS watering booms by using them for additional applications, such as spraying, lighting, and transport. Monorail trolley carts can be added when space is tight. They are easy to assemble and can move a dozen flats between bays or connected greenhouses. Attaching a chemical injector allows easy and consistent coverage over broad or small areas. To increase light to photoperiod-sensitive crops, lights can be attached to the irrigator to run at night, triggering or delaying blooms as needed.
Contact: 800-426-8124 or
www.mcconkeyco.com