CCS replaces legacy DOS fertigation system at Harrow Research Centre
Harrow Research and Development Centre replaced its legacy DOS-based fertigation system with a modern Windows-based platform from Climate Control Systems. The upgrade maintains existing nutrient control methods while improving usability and support.
Key takeaways
Harrow Research Centre upgraded its fertigation system from DOS to Windows.
The new system maintains PPM-based nutrient control.
The upgrade supports long-term research and system reliability.
The Harrow Research and Development Centre has upgraded its long-running fertigation system, replacing a legacy DOS-based platform with a Windows-based system developed by Climate Control Systems.
The project marks the latest step in a partnership between the two organizations that began in the 1980s, when they collaborated on early fertigation control technology. The original system focused on precise nutrient delivery using parts-per-million targeting and remained in operation for decades, managing nearly 100 nutrient recipes across multiple zones.
The upgrade was driven in part by the increasing difficulty of maintaining hardware compatible with DOS-based systems. In response, Climate Control Systems redeveloped its fertigation software within a modern platform while maintaining the existing PPM-based approach used by researchers.
The new system supports the facility’s existing nutrient recipes and has been expanded to meet current research needs. It also provides updated functionality and improved usability compared to the original system.
The project preserves the precision and flexibility researchers rely on while delivering improved usability and long-term support.
The system was commissioned in the past month, marking the retirement of the original platform and the transition to updated infrastructure intended to support ongoing controlled environment agriculture research.
FAQ
Q: Why was the fertigation system upgraded?
A: Legacy DOS hardware became difficult to maintain and replace.
Q: What system replaced the original platform?
A: A Windows-based CCS Fertigation Manager system.
Q: What approach does the system use for nutrient control?
A: It uses a parts-per-million targeting approach.
Q: How long was the original system in use?
A: It remained in operation for decades.
Q: What does the new system improve?
A: It improves usability, support and compatibility while maintaining existing capabilities.
What this means
The upgrade allows the research facility to continue using established fertigation methods while transitioning to supported technology.
Photos courtesy of Climate Control Systems.