Can automated systems deliver superior seed quality on a large scale? Seed breeding companies such as BASF Nunhems face the challenge of precisely controlling the seed osmo priming process in - a key seed preparation step that significantly affects seed quality and germination. To achieve optimum results, osmo priming requires full control over parameters such as temperature, pH level, moisture content and duration of treatment. Manual monitoring of this process often proves insufficient, increasing the risk of inefficiency and loss of quality control. Automation in the form of advanced SCADA systems and PLCs, such as the JUMO variTRON, can be the key to success. The example of BASF Nunhems, the world's leading vegetable seed producer, shows how automation is changing the approach to breeding, increasing efficiency and guaranteeing process stability. Read on to find out how modern measurement and automation systems and solutions can improve seed quality and the efficiency of your industrial crop!
Osmoconditioning, also known as osmotic priming or osmo priming, is a technique of preconditioning seeds for germination by soaking them in a solution of low osmotic potential. As a result, the seeds absorb the liquid, which initiates the first stages of the germination process, but without fully starting it. This treatment significantly accelerates and homogenises the germination process, shortening the growth cycle and allowing earlier harvesting or transplanting.
With osmoconditioning, seeds germinate at a more uniform rate, which is important in agriculture and horticulture, where consistency of growth facilitates plantation management. In addition, seeds become more resistant to environmental stressors such as drought, salinity or fluctuating temperatures, increasing their ability to survive in harsh conditions.
Critical to the effectiveness of osmoconditioning is the precise monitoring and adjustment of parameters such as solution pH, temperature, humidity and air access. Proper adjustment of these conditions promotes optimal germination, healthy seedling development and better crop quality.
BASF Nunhems approached us with their seed priming challenges and we quickly saw how complex their needs were. As a leading vegetable seed producer, the company needed solutions for better, more automated control of the osmotic priming process, which has a direct impact on seed quality and germination rate.
The biggest challenge was controlling several key environmental factors simultaneously, such as:
In addition, they needed an alarm system for the seed flooding processes with the solution, which would inform them that the environmental conditions were deviating from the desired parameters. It would prevent over- or under-soaking of the seeds.
BASF has many conditioning tanks that need to be monitored. They are arranged in 4 different rows, each controlled by a single control cabinet with our proposed PLC solution. The JUMO variTRON 500 PLC ushers in a new era in seed breeding with integrated process control and monitoring. Our system architecture combines five JUMO variTRON 500 PLCs with 54 mTRON I/O modules and 84 JUMO TYA 432 thyristor power controllers.
Together with the customer, we upgraded the seed culture to a centralised control system that supports multiple tanks in four rows. The smartWARE SCADA software visualises processes, stores data and manages alarms to maintain ideal conditions during osmotic priming. In addition, the software provides a convenient view of measurement data via web browsers.
As we mentioned, it is crucial for the entire conditioning process to adjust the pH of the flooding solution to the specific needs of the seed to be treated. For this application, we proposed the digiLine series of digital pH probes , due to their reliability and ease of calibration, as well as their ability to communicate with the PLC and SCADA.
The main features of the solution are:
BASF has a number of conditioning vessels that need to be monitored using PLCs, SCAD software and thyristor power controllers.
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My name is Ewelina Szmit and I have been working in content marketing for several years, combining my professional skills with my passion for writing. I am convinced that even the most technical topics can be presented in an interesting and accessible way for everyone. Outside of work, I unleash my creativity by creating newspaper collages. I like to spend my free time being active, walking my dog or running.
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