1. Optimal environmental control:
Greenhouses allow growers to control crucial environmental factors affecting plant growth such as temperature, humidity, light, and carbon dioxide levels. As a result, plants can thrive in ideal conditions, promoting photosynthesis and robust development.
- Temperature: Greenhouses help maintain stable temperatures suited to the needs of each crop. This is particularly important for crops with specific temperature requirements. For example, tomatoes require daytime temperatures ranging from 20-25°C and nighttime temperatures from 15-18°C, while cucumbers require daytime temperatures between 25-30°C and nighttime temperatures from 18-22°C.
- Humidity: Greenhouses help regulate humidity within appropriate ranges, avoiding conditions of either waterlogging or dehydration. The ideal humidity for most crops ranges from 50-70%.
- Light: Greenhouses are designed to allow natural light to penetrate while supplementing with artificial light if necessary. Light plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, aiding in nutrient synthesis and growth.
- Carbon dioxide levels: Greenhouses can adjust carbon dioxide levels in the environment, creating conditions for more efficient photosynthesis.
2. Protection against pests, diseases, and adverse environmental effects:
Greenhouses protect crops from harmful agents such as pests, insects, birds, frost, strong winds, hail, and floods. As a result, crops suffer less damage, minimizing losses in productivity and product quality.
- Pests and diseases: Greenhouses limit the infiltration of pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides, ensuring product safety, and protecting the environment.
- Insects: Insect screens are used in greenhouses to prevent harmful insects such as aphids, thrips, and fruit flies.
- Birds: The roof and screens of greenhouses protect crops from birds, preventing them from eating seeds, fruits, or nesting on plants.
- Frost: Greenhouses maintain higher temperatures compared to the external environment, protecting crops from frost damage, especially important in winter.
- Strong winds: Greenhouses are designed to withstand strong winds, protecting crops from breakage or damage.
- Hail: The roof of the greenhouse shields crops from hail damage, preventing fruits from being crushed or plants from being broken.
- Floods: Greenhouses can be designed higher than ground level to avoid flooding in case of floods.
3. Enhanced fertilizer and irrigation usage:
In greenhouses, growers can control the amount of water and fertilizer supplied to crops more efficiently. As a result, crops receive adequate water and nutrients necessary for growth, leading to increased productivity and product quality.
- Automatic irrigation systems: Automated irrigation systems ensure accurate and timely water supply to crops, avoiding overwatering or underwatering.
- Foliar fertilization: Foliar fertilization allows crops to absorb nutrients quickly and efficiently compared to soil fertilization.
4. Extension of the growing season:
Thanks to environmental control capabilities, greenhouses help extend the growing season for crops. For example, tomatoes can be grown year-round in greenhouses, rather than only during the summer and fall outdoors.
