Optimizing resource allocation for greenhouse potted plant production

A procedure for studying the profitability of greenhouse potted plant production systems subject to resource constraints was developed. The constrained condition and resources were the crop production schedule, greenhouse space, labor, and budget. A database containing the information for determining the required resources and operating costs for growing various crops was established. The database also provides the estimated revenue from sales of the crops, on a per pot basis. An algorithm was developed to determine first the feasibility of a given production plan and then determine the quantities of crops to be grown in order to yield an optimum profit. The result of this algorithm may serve to optimize allocation of resources for year-round production. The algorithm along with the crop database was incorporated into a user-friendly micro-computer program.