HORTIMED OFF LINE DSS     (download Off Line DSS)

Introduction

The OFF LINE DSS consist from two parts, the DSS software and the DSS database. The software was developed in visual C++ and the database was developed in Microsoft access. The software application (dss.exe) is a Single Document Interface (SDI) application with a user friendly environment (Menus, Dialogs) and presentations items (spreadsheet, graphs). Any user can learn the operation of the program easy and fast, also if he is not familiar with computer software or with agricultural applications. The DSS database is a Microsoft access application that  accompanies the dss. The database contains  predefined data that the user can use to the dss. The data that contains the database consist of:

1)      Meteorological data from different countries and regions supplied by all HORTIMED partners.

2)      Physiological crop data relative to the evapotranspiration and the nutrient uptake supplied by HORTIMED deliverables.

3)      Economical and operational data for different types of water sources supplied by all HORTIMED partners.

A form-dialog environment that is incorporated in the database can be used from the advanced user to change the data or ad new ones.

The purpose of the DSS software, is the search, from the available water sources,  the combination that will minimize the used water (for the irrigation) cost for a specific greenhouse application.

The quality and the quantity of the water is one of the most important factors in the success of a hydroponic cultivation. The available water ionic concentration determine the appropriate irrigation system (open or closed) and the amount of the drain water needed to keep in balance the maximum Electrical Conductivity in the root solution and the total yield production.

The drain water must be minimized (in open or closed systems) in order to reduce:

1)      the pollution to the environment by water rich in Nitrogen and other chemicals.

2)      The cost of fertilizers.

3)      The amount of water used for horticultural production.

Final results at the main window of the DSS