The Beijing Municipal Government is planning to build 50 automated greenhouses in the city within four years so that vegetables can be grown in a safe, environmentally friendly way.

In one of the demo bases in Beijing's Tongzhou district, computer terminals display real time data of the air, soil temperature and moisture. The high-tech system conducts customized fertilization and irrigation schemes for different soil conditions.

The base also deploys physical and biological methods to control pests and interior temperature. The bases ensure high yields, the Beijing Daily reports.

The whole production process is closely monitored and the products are traceable, the report says.

[editor hannah]