Introduction to Greenhouse Cultivation System 2023

6. INTRODUCTION TO GREENHOUSE CULTIVATION SYSTEM

Greenhouse is a frame structure that covers transparent materials such as glass, polyethylene and
polycarbonate, etc. It consists of two parts frame and covering material. The greenhouse covering
material acts as a barrier to the passage of air and traps energy inside the greenhouse, which heats
both the plants and the soil within it. This wall, like the air near the ground, raises the temperature
within the greenhouse. Greenhouses may be used for the cultivation of high-quality fruits, flowers,
various crop nurseries, ornamental and medicinal plants.

The most commonly grown species in greenhouses are vegetables with medium thermal
requirements (tomato, pepper, cucumber, melon, watermelon, marrow, green bean, eggplant); the
aim is to extend the growing calendars beyond the conventional open-air cultivation season, and thus
increase profitability. Nowadays, the production of greenhouse crops in geographical areas without
suitable climate conditions, is highly questionable since it entails significant and expensive artificial
climate control. In any case, economic results determine the final selection of a greenhouse project
location.

The benefits of greenhouses are high production per unit area because the genetic potential of the
crop can be completely exploited, vegetables and nurseries can be grown off-season that obtain high
market prices, good quality products and it is easy to protect the crops from pests, diseases and
extreme climatic conditions. Greenhouse farming is a highly intensive industry that needs
considerable labour and capital inputs. Because of this, all factors important for a successful
enterprisers should be carefully considered by potential growers.

Greenhouse Technology is the technique of providing favourable environment condition to the

plants. It is rather used to protect the plants from the adverse climatic conditions such as wind, cold,
precepitation, excessive radiation, extreme temperature, insects and diseases. It is also of vital
importance to create an ideal micro climate around the plants. This is possible by erecting a
greenhouse / glass house, where the environmental conditions are so modified that one can grow any
plant in any place at any time by providing suitable environmental conditions with minimum labour.

Greenhouses are framed or inflated structures covered with transparent or translucent material large
enough to grow crops under partial or fully controlled environmental conditions to get optimum
growth and productivity.

The existence of root media can only be regulated by traditional agricultural practices by tillage,
manure, fertilizer application, irrigation etc. In open field cultivation, there is no influence over sun,

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temperature, air composition, humidity, etc. However, greenhouse cultivation can be used as one of
the solutions for these parameters. Some of the benefits of greenhouse cultivation are efficient use of
agro-chemicals by minimizing emission of waste and recycling, efficient use of solar, wind and
thermal energy, off season cultivation, better insect and disease control, reduced use of pesticides,
protect plants from environmental hazards such as heavy rain, strong wind, excess solar radiation and
extremes of temperature and humidity, better quality of produce, higher productivity, high-income
generation for small land holdings.

In recent decades, greenhouse area is getting popular worldwide, due mainly to the increased use of
plastic greenhouses for growing vegetable crops. Site selection is a key factor for profitable and
sustainable greenhouse production. The main factors determining location and site selection of a
greenhouse production area are: cost of production, quality of produced yield, and transportation cost
to markets. Obviously, cost and quality of production depend on the local climate and the greenhouse
growing conditions. The level of investment in technology (simple or sophisticated greenhouses and
equipment), as well as management, depends primarily on the local climate.

Classification of Greenhouses

Greenhouse structure of various types are used for crop production. Although there are advantages in
each type for a particular application, in general there is no single type greenhouse, which can be
constituted as the best. Different types of greenhouses are designed to meet the specific needs. The
different types of greenhouses based on shape, utility, material and construction are briefly given
below:

Greenhouse type based on shape

For the purpose of classification, the uniqueness of cross section of the greenhouses can be
considered as a factor.

Greenhouse type based on Utility

Classification can be made depending on the functions or utilities. Of the different utilities, artificial
cooling and heating are more expensive and elaborate. Hence based on this, they are classified in to
two types.
a) Greenhouses for active heating.
b) Greenhouses for active cooling.

Greenhouse type based on construction

The type of construction predominantly is influenced by structural material, though the covering
material also influences the type. Higher the span, stronger should be the material and more
structural members are used to make sturdy tissues.

Greenhouse type based on covering material

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Covering materials are the important component of the greenhouse structure. They have direct
influence on greenhouse effect, inside the structure and they alter the air temperature inside. The
types of frames and method of fixing also varies with covering material.

The structural requirements and the cost per unit area for different models of low cost green houses
for cultivation of vegetables are detailed below with diagrams to enable an interested entrepreneur to
construct a, low cost green house on his own accord. However, the local weather conditions and the
individual’s necessity play a major role in the selection of the model.

Advantages of greenhouses

 The yield may be 10-12 times higher than that of outdoor cultivation depending upon the type
of greenhouse, type of crop, environmental control facilities.
 Reliability of crop increases under greenhouse cultivation.
 Ideally suited for vegetables and flower crops.
 Year round production of floricultural crops.
 Off-season production of vegetable and fruit crops.
 Disease-free and genetically superior transplants can be produced continuously.
 Efficient utilization of chemicals, pesticides to control pest and diseases.
 Water requirement of crops very limited and easy to control.
 Maintenance of stock plants, cultivating grafted plant-lets and micro
 Propagated plant-lets.
 Hardening of tissue cultured plants
 Production of quality produce free of blemishes.
 Most useful in monitoring and controlling the instability of various ecological system.
 Modern techniques of Hydroponic (Soil less culture), Aeroponics and Nutrient film
techniques are possible only under greenhouse cultivation.

Greenhouse Production Strategies

When planning the installation of a greenhouse, two main questions must be answered:

 Where will the production be marketed (domestic or export markets or both)?

 What type of commodities will be produced (edible or ornamentals)?

In general, optimum climatic conditions and low production costs (with good quality) are key to the
selection of a location;transportation costs are also an important consideration when markets are far
away. Other technical and socio-economic aspects (water and electricity supply, labour availability
etc.) also influence production costs and competitiveness.

Greenhouse Local Site

The specific selection of a greenhouse location must take into account a variety of factors described
below.

Topography

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In principle, the location must be flat in width direction, with a slope in the main axes between 0 and
0.5 percent, and never over 1–2 percent, as this would require terracing. In some cases, however, a
south-oriented inclined plot (in the Northern Hemisphere) may be acceptable if the chosen
greenhouse type adapts well; in this case, mechanization is rare (such as on Spain’s south coast,
where low-cost greenhouses are common on the coastal slopes). Normally, on steep terrains, it is
recommended to build several separate greenhouses with axes parallel to contour lines. Provisions
must be made for the evacuation of rainfall water, and greenhouses should not be situated in hollow
lands.

Microclimate

As with liquids, cold air moves downwards (as it is heavier than hot air) to the lower parts of the site,
and stays there if there is no wind to carry it away. Therefore, it is essential that the local topography
is suitable for effective drainage of cold air during calm nights. Frequently foggy areas should be
avoided. Areas that are well illuminated and free from shadows (hills, buildings) are preferred.

Harsh weather conditions

Sites should be protected from cold winds (usually from the north in the Northern Hemisphere),
using windbreaks or taking advantage of the topography. If snow is to be expected, greenhouses
must be positioned sufficiently far from trees or other obstacles to the wind, since snow may
accumulate around such obstacles.

Irrigation

It should be emphasized that the availability of water (in sufficient quantity and of good quality) is
an essential requirement for greenhouse growing of high added value crops. Many areas have been
abandoned due to the lack of water in sufficient quantities and of acceptable quality (salinity) in the
Mediterranean Basin.

Drainage

The drainage conditions must be good, especially in regions of high rainfall. Places with a high water
table must be avoided.

Soil characteristics

Whether cultivation is directly in the soil or in pots or containers, the soil must have properties
appropriate for horticultural crops.

Pollution

For greenhouses located in urban areas, air pollution conditions must be evaluated, not only in terms
of incidence on the plants themselves, but also with regard to residues deposited on the greenhouse,
which can limit solar radiation (e.g. dust from factories) or damage the greenhouse cladding material.

Availability of space

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Space may be required for future enlargement, auxiliary facilities (e.g. water basins for collection of
rainfall water or storage of irrigation water) and buildings (e.g. handling, stores, offices).

Availability of labour

If local labour is not available, it is necessary to consider the costs inherent in acquiring labour.
Infrastructures

Proximity to transport networks (e.g. roads, railway), access to communication systems (e.g.
telephone, internet) and availability of energy (e.g. gas, electricity) must all be considered.

Orientation

The position must be chosen to avoid shadows from hills or neighbouring buildings. It is necessary
to adapt the shape and slope of the roof to dominant winds, while maintaining the objective of
maximum light in the greenhouse.

Site selection is crucial for profitable and sustainable greenhouse production. The climate influences
the type and level of greenhouse technology (structure and internal equipment for climate control)
and subsequent crop production conditions, which in turn influence product cost and quality. The
distance to markets, especially in export-focused production, can be a limiting factor for profitable
greenhouse cultivation. An economic compromise between the investment costs of the greenhouses
and equipment and their agricultural performance is necessary to produce proper quality
commodities at a competitive level.

Greenhouse design and construction

The term greenhouse refers to a structure covered with a transparent material for the purpose of
admitting natural light for plant growth. Two or more greenhouses in one location are referred to as a
greenhouse range. A building associated with the greenhouses that is used for storage or for
operations in support of growing of plants, is referred to as a service building or head house.

Design criteria of construction

For locating the greenhouse, a piece of land larger than the grower‟s immediate need should be
acquired. The ultimate size of the greenhouse range should be estimated. Area should then be added
to this estimated figure to accommodate service buildings, storage, access drives and a parking lot.
The floor area of service buildings required for small firms is about 13% of the greenhouse floor
area, and it decreases with the increase in size of the firm. On an average, service buildings occupy
10% of the growing area. The service building is centrally located in a nearly square design of the
firm, which minimizes distance of movement of plants and materials. Doors between the service
buildings and the greenhouse should be wide enough to facilitate full use of the corridor width.
Doors at least 3.1 m wide and 2.7 m high are common. It is good to have the greenhouse gutter at
least 3.7 m above the floor to accommodate automation and thermal blanket and still leave the room
for future innovations.

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Construction of glass greenhouses

Glass greenhouses have an advantage of greater interior light intensity over plastic panel and film
plastic covered greenhouses. Glass greenhouses tend to have a higher air infiltration rate, which leads
to lower interior humidity, which is advantageous for disease prevention. On the other hand, glass
greenhouses have a higher initial cost than double-layer film plastic greenhouses. While comparing
the price of a glass greenhouse to a film plastic greenhouse, one needs to take into account the initial
purchase price of each as well as the cost of re-covering the film plastic greenhouse every three to
four years.

Several types of glass greenhouses are designed to meet specific needs. A lean-to-type design is used
when a greenhouse is placed against the side of an existing building. This design makes the best use
of sunlight and minimizes the requirements for roof supports. It is found mostly in the retail industry.
An even-span greenhouse is one in which the two roof slopes are of equal pitch and width. By
comparison, a un-even-span greenhouse has roofs of unequal width, which makes the structure
adaptable to the side of a hill. This style is seldom used today because such greenhouses are not
adaptable to automation. Finally, a ridge-and-furrow design uses, two or more A- frame greenhouses
connected to one another along the length of the eave. The sidewall is eliminated between
greenhouses, which results in a structure with a single large interior. Basically, three frame types are
used in glass greenhouses, which are wood frames ( 6.1 m in width), pipe frames ( 12.2 m in width)
and truss frames (15.2 m in width). Latest glassgreenhouses are primarily of the truss frame type.
Truss frame greenhouses are best suited for prefabrication.

All-metal greenhouses proved cheaper to maintain since they required no painting. At present,
virtually all glass greenhouse construction is of the metal type. The structural members of the glass
greenhouse cast shadows that reduce plant growth during the dark months of the year. Aluminum
sash bars are stronger than wooden ones; hence wider panels of glass can be used with aluminum
bars. The reduction in materials and the reflectance of aluminum have given these metal greenhouses
a great advantage over wooden greenhouses in terms of higher interior light intensity.
Glass greenhouse construction of today can be categorized as high profile or low profile.

The low profile greenhouse is most popular in the Netherlands and is known as the Venlo
greenhouse. The low profile greenhouses uses single panels of glass extend from eave to ridge.

The low profile greenhouse slightly reduces exposed surface area, thereby reducing the heating cost,
but more expensive to cool. The high profile greenhouses require more than single panel to cover the
eave to ridge. A problem with this design is the unsealed junction between pieces of glass in the
inner layer. Moisture and dust may enter between the layers and reduce light transmission.

Construction of pipe framed greenhouses

The choice of construction of pipe framed greenhouses often favours low initial investment and
relatively long life. Galvanized mild steel pipe as a structural member in association with wide width
UV- stabilized low density polyethylene (LDPE) film is a common option of greenhouse designers.

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Material requirement

The structural members of greenhouse are:

(a) Hoops
(b) Foundation
(c) Lateral supports
(d) Polygrip assembly
(e) End frame
The following materials are required for a greenhouse having 4m 20 m floor area:
(i) GI pipe class A ( 25 mm diameter, 85 cm long, 30 m total length)
(ii) GI pipe class B ( 15 mm diameter, 6.0 m long, 21 No.s)
(iii) GI sheet ( 20 gauge, size 90 24 cm, 4 sheets)
(iv) MS flat ( 25 3 mm size, 4 m length)
(v) Lateral support to end frames (10 mm diameter rod, 10 m length)
(vi) Cement concrete ( 1: 3: 6 mix, 1.0 m3)
(vii) UV- stabilized LDPE film (single layer 800 gauge, 5.4 m2/kg, 154 m2)
(viii) Polygrip ( channel 2000 3.5 4 cm, 2 No.s; Angle 2000 2 2 cm, 2 No.s; both made from the
procured 20 gauge GI sheet, key 6 mm diameter, 56 mm length)
(ix) Wooden end frames (5 5 cm wood, 0.15 m3)
(x) Nuts and bolts 9 6 mm diameter, 35 mm long, 70 sets)
(xi) Miscellaneous items like nails, hinges and latches as per requirement

Procedure of erection

(1) A 4m by 20m rectangular area is marked on the site, preferably orienting the longer dimension in
east-west direction. This rectangle will act as the floor plan of the greenhouse.
(2). Mark four points on the four corners of the rectangle.
(3) Start from one corner point and move along the length of marked rectangle, marking a point
every 1.25 m distance until reaching the other corner (16 bays; 17 points). The same procedure is
repeated on the other side of the rectangle.
(4). Dig 10 cm diameter holes upto 70 cm depth on all marked points with the help of bucket auger
(or) a crowbar. This way a total of 34 holes on both the parallel sides of the greenhouse floor is
obtained.
(5) Polygrip sections formed according to the drawing into two 20m length.
(6). Fix the prefabricated polygrip channels to the foundation pipes on 1.25 m spacing with the help
of 6 mm diameter bolts.
(7). Set these assemblies on temporary supports between the holes with the foundation pipes hanging
vertically in the holes.
(8). Pour cement concrete mix of 1: 3 : 6 around foundation pipes in such a way that the lower15 cm
to 20 cm ends are covered in concrete. The concrete is compacted around the foundation pipes with
the help of the crowbar and is allowed to cure for 2-3 days.
(9) After curing, fill the soil around the foundation pipes to the ground level and compact it well.

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(10). Position end frames on the two ends. Mark the position of legs and dug holes for fixing of legs.
Now install both the end frames.
(11). Put the ringside of lateral support members on adjacent foundation pipe to the corner, and other
side is hooked to the end frame.
(12). Put all the hoops in the foundation pipes in such away that straight portion of hoop is inserted
into the foundation and rests on the bolt used for fixing of polygrip channel .
(13). Take a 20 m long ridge line by spacing 15 mm diameter pipes together. Put the 20m long pipe
at the ridge line of the hoops.
(14) Use cross connectors on the ridge line pipe, in such a way that one half of it remains on the one
side of the hoop and the other half on the other side.
(15) Put two bolts of 6 mm diameter in the holes provided in the ends of cross-connector. Tie a few
of them with the help of nuts.
(16) Repeat the same procedure for joining all the hoops with ridge line pipe.
(17) While forming cross-connectors, the distance between the cross-connectors or hoops should be
maintained 1.25 m center to center. This poly grip mechanism will provide a firm grip of the ridge
line pipe and hoops at right angles without allowing for slippage.
(18) Spread polyethylene film over the structure from one end to the other end without wrinkles and
keeping the edges together.
(19) Place polyethylene film between the polygrip channel and right angle strip and secure them
under pressure with the help of iron rods. The film is stretched gently and fixed on the other parallel
side by polygrip. This way the polyethylene is secured on both the longer sides.
(20) On the other two remaining ends, polyethylene is nailed to the end frames using wooden battens
and nails.
(21) The remaining portion of the end frames is covered with polyethylene film, which is secured
with wooden battens and nails.
(22) Mechanical ventilation, heating and cooling equipment is installed on the frames as per the crop
requirement.

Note that the materials and their dimensions in this ‘‘procedure of erection’’ are assumptions.

Greenhouse Climate Control and Energy Use

Driving Forces for Greenhouse Climate Control and Sustainable Energy Use

All greenhouse cultivation systems, regardless of geographic location, comprise fundamental climate
control components; depending on their design and complexity, they provide more or less climate
control, and condition to a varying degree plant growth and productivity.

Air temperature – as well as solar radiation and air relative humidity – is one of the most important
variables of the greenhouse climate that can be controlled. It conditions not only crop development
and production but also energy requirements, which can account for up to 40 percent of the total
production costs. The majority of plants grown in greenhouses are warm-season species, adapted to
average temperatures in the range 17–27 °C, with approximate lower and upper limits of 10 and
35 °C. If the average minimum outside temperature is < 10 °C, the greenhouse is likely to require
heating, particularly at night. When the average maximum outside temperature is < 27  °C,

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ventilation will prevent excessive internal temperatures during the day; however, if the average
maximum temperature is > 27–28  °C, artificial cooling may be necessary. The maximum
greenhouse temperature should not exceed 30–35  °C for prolonged periods.

In temperate climates, as in the Netherlands, heating and ventilation enable the temperature to be
controlled throughout the year, while at lower latitudes, such as in Almería (Spain) and Volos
(Greece), the daytime temperatures are too high for ventilation to provide sufficient cooling during
the summer. Positive cooling is then required to achieve suitable temperatures.The second important
variable is humidity, traditionally expressed in terms of relative humidity. Relative humidity within
the range of 60–90 percent has little effect on plants. Values below 60  percent may occur during
ventilation in arid climates, or when plants are young with small leaves, and this can cause water
stress. Serious problems can occur if relative humidity exceeds 95  percent for long periods,
particularly at night as this favours the rapid development of fungus diseases such as Botrytis
cinerea. The increased interest in maintaining adequate transpiration to avoid problems associated
with calcium deficiency (Plate  1) has resulted in humidity being expressed in terms of the vapour
pressure deficit (VPD) or the moisture deficit, both of which are directly related to transpiration.
Maintaining the VPD above a minimum value helps to ensure adequate transpiration and also
reduces disease problems. During the day, humidity can usually be reduced using ventilation.
However, at night, unless the greenhouse is heated, the internal and external temperatures may be
similar; if the external humidity is high, reducing the greenhouse humidity is not easy.

Greenhouse Aerial EnvironmentsManagement

Successful production depends on growers providing a suitable environment for the plants. The
aerial environment in greenhouses is a key component in the success of these facilities. But what
makes one indoor environment better than another? Specific test instruments allow an objective
evaluation and quantification of environmental parameters. Instruments may be used to troubleshoot
the ventilating, heating, and cooling systems that influence the greenhouse environment. Instrument
readings can be compared to recommended environmental conditions. As always, instruments must
be used properly to obtain values that truly represent the production system.

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This fact sheet provides general principles for proper evaluation of the aerial environment in
greenhouse structures. An emphasis is placed on the use of hand-held instruments for a “spot check”
of the environment and ventilation system. The principles are equally valid in other plant production
spaces such as germination chambers, propagation rooms, and growth chambers.

Temperature is the most easily measured aerialenvironmental parameter. However, each plant
species has its own optimum range and timetable for features such as productivity, flowering, and
timing to market. Other commonly measured characteristics related to plant production include
humidity, light level, ventilation rate, air speed, and carbon dioxide concentration. These parameters
are fairly easily measured and are needed to more fully characterize the plant environment. An
evaluation of the indoor environment must emphasize the air space directly surrounding the plants.

Contaminant gases and dust concentrations may be a problem in some environments but are less
easily quantified. Contaminant gases include carbon monoxide [CO], nitric oxide [NO] and nitrogen
dioxide [NO2] that may be released from a heating system or ethylene which is a by-product of plant
metabolism. Finally, airflow visualization is a useful tool to evaluate air distribution from a
ventilation system.

Principles of Aerial Environment Measurements

1. Measure in the right place. It is important to measure the characteristics of air that the plants are
exposed to, in addition to the air moving around them. Usually environmental control sensors used in
daily management, such as thermostats and thermometers, are located for human convenience at
head level. Get close to the plants and make some subjective evaluations within the plant canopy
before taking measurements. Notice if there are variations in conditions experienced by the crop.
Note any conditions such as health problems at the top versus the bottom of the crop. Look for
consistent problems near edges of benches or in certain areas of the greenhouse such as near a heater
or evaporative cooling pad. Find a pattern to the variation in conditions around the greenhouse. Air
characteristics such as temperature, humidity, and particularly levels of contaminant gases such as
carbon monoxide and ethylene can vary greatly within a greenhouse. Compare measurements taken
in different locations throughout the production facility. Include nursery and storage areas if
appropriate. Decide what it is that you want to measure, where you want to measure, and position the
instrument accordingly.

2. What is the instrument measuring? The instrument can only read what it is exposed to. Be aware
of what part of the instrument does the sensing. Installing an instrument within an environment can
alter the conditions immediately adjacent to the instrument. For example, positioning an air velocity
meter in the jet of air exiting a fan disturbs that air by forcing it to go around the meter. The
measured velocity represents a disturbed airflow. Often this effect cannot be completely avoided.
Avoid standing directly in the air jet exiting a fan since your body adds a large obstruction to airflow;
instead stand to the side of the fan away from the air jet. Similarly, a temperature probe positioned in
direct sunlight will indicate a higher temperature than a probe positioned more appropriately in shade
or inside an aspirated box.

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3. Understand how the instrument works. By understanding basic principles of how an instrument
detects air characteristics, instrument troubleshooting becomes easier when odd readings are
obtained. A reading is only as good as the understanding that went into determining it. For sensitive
instruments, determine if fluctuating readings are a natural part of the environment being
characterized or part of the instrument measuring mechanism. Find out how long it takes the
instrument to determine and display a stabilized reading.

Greenhouses can be too dusty and humid for some precision instruments to work properly when
installed permanently. For example, instruments that measure humidity change by the expansion and
contraction of fibers are unreliable in most greenhouses. Some instruments may work properly when
new, but then go out of calibration with the accumulation of dirt or corrosion. Be able to diagnose
such problems by understanding how the instrument measures and by comparing it with another
instrument. Calibration and maintenance of a correct calibration over time is one of the
responsibilities of instrument use. Hand-held instruments may be brought in to determine the
accuracy of permanently installed instruments and to take readings at additional locations.

4. Question each reading. Determine if the reading makes sense in the environment being considered.
Take more than one reading. A set of three readings at one location often is necessary to confirm that
sporadic measurements are reliable. Due to gusty conditions, air velocity measurements may never
settle down into one distinct reading, so a range of readings should be averaged.

5. Record readings and observations. Summarize the results and observe if there is a pattern. Notice
if measured conditions correspond to an observed or perceived problem. Be sure to include
conditions that affect the plant production environment, such as season, outside weather conditions,
plant density,management practices, and stage of the crop. Growing conditions change during the
day and from season to season. It may be necessary to use a recording instrument, a maximum-
minimum instrument, or simply more than one “reading session” to correctly characterize an
environment.

Once measurements are taken, the resulting data should be compared to desirable conditions.
Improvements to the growing environment can then be pursued with more certainty about current
conditions and future achievements. Desirable aerial characteristics depend on plant species and
development stage. Within greenhouses, usually a range of temperature is acceptable. Frequently,
contaminant gases and humidity need to be kept belowa threshold. For young plants, air speed is
reduced to avoid chilling, while during hot weather a minimum desired air speed will be required for
cooling or carbon dioxide replenishment for fast growing plants.

With proper use of instruments, environment conditions can be monitored for improvement.
Understanding how the instrument obtains its reading is one key to successful troubleshooting of the
environment. It is important to monitor conditions near the crop. One measurement goal is to
determine where and why variability in conditions exists. Compare current conditions to
recommended conditions for the plants being grown. Improvement to the environment can then be
made and quantified with additional instrument measurements.

Greenhouse management

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Greenhouse management is defined as a program that prepares individuals to produce, store, and
deliver plant species in controlled indoor environments for wholesale, commercial, research, or other
purposes.

The three most important greenhouse management practices are optimal temperature control,
consistent air circulation and proper moisture delivery. Air and soil temperature are widely known to
be important for seed germination, but the specifications for each type of seed are so different it can
be hard to manage.

Root zone heat can be provided in the floor or under the crop on benches. The basic floor system
consists of pipe embedded in layer of sand or concrete. Warm water, pumped through the pipes,
conducts the heat to the plants placed on the floor. The sand or concrete distributes the heat evenly
across the floor surface.

In general the greenhouse business management requires the owner to know and do the following
activities.

 Commercial business crops

 Selecting commercial crops
 Determining growing schedule
 Analyzing expenses
 Evaluating the commercial crop
 Caring for commercial plants after harvest and during marketing

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