Protected Cultivation Environmental and H&S Implications

Scope of this Unit

Health and Safety Implications Working with glass structures can have safety implications if they are damaged Manual Handling Operations Regulations COSHH Build up of pests requires control Use of fumigation to control pests requires particular care

Environmental Implications Monoculture techniques used on a commercial scale can lead to excessive use of pesticides and fertilisers that can be detrimental to the environment Biological control methods are now more commonly used and more closely regulated Energy consumption for crops needing a year round heated environment More efficient insulation methods and heat exchangers have reduced energy consumption

Environmental Implications The need for irrigation systems leads to water consumption. Water collection and recycling systems have drastically reduced water consumption. Visual impact of structures on the rural landscape. Better sighting & screening. Limited life of polythene cover, leads to waste products. Recycle?