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Greenhouses and Environmental Control Aquaponics Greenhouses and Environmental Control

Greenhouses and Environmental Control Benefits Environmental control Heating Cooling Ventilation Crop Protection Wind Rain Hail Snow Etc. Exclusion and Bio-security Pests Disease Food safety

Greenhouses and Environmental Control Increases quality and quantity of crops Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Combines basic greenhouse structure with computer controlled equipment Maintain temperature Humidity Ventilation Grower has total control over all factors that effect crops Greater success Increased profitability REF: Greenhouses and Environmental Control

Greenhouse Styles Originally to grow tropical plants in cool climates Coverings Polyethylene Insulated Polycarbonate Glass New advancements Computerized control systems Energy-saving coverings Efficient cooling systems Increase crop health Reduce operational costs

Greenhouse Styles Glass Best light transmission Poor insulation Expensive Dual layer polyethylene – air pocket in between Inexpensive Well insulated 5 year life Polycarbonate sheets Rigid with vertical channels Looks nice Well insulated 15-20 year life More expensive than polyethylene

Greenhouse Styles Tropical climate Screened walls Clear overhead roof Helps keep out pests Good ventilation Clear overhead roof Good light Protection from heavy rain/wind

Greenhouse Styles Single bay greenhouse Walls and covering from roof to ground Multi-bay (Gutter connect) greenhouse Multiple bays that connect at the gutter Interior walls posts only with no covering Exterior walls have greenhouse covering Additional bays can easily be added on exterior sides

Cooling Systems and Designs Evaporative cooling Naturally ventilated Vents in walls and roof Ventilation provides cooling More sustainable less energy is used Fan and Pad System Cooling pads are installed on one end and fans are installed on the opposing end Fans are engaged when cooling is needed Additional cooling provided by water pump circulating water through evaporative pad High Pressure Fogging More horse power for operation than fan and pad Mist of water that quickly evaporates and cools

Environmental Controller Computer that senses conditions in greenhouse and controls equipment to provide optimal environment for crop production Heating Cooling Ventilation Fans Artificial lighting When and how much roof vent is opened Weather station connected to computer senses inclement weather approaching

Plant Lighting Proper lighting increases yields up to 40% 1000-watt metal halide lights for lettuce and herb production Monitor light level with probes constantly Transmitted to controller that adjusts for plant needs

Floor Covering Clean and free of weeds Concrete best option Gravel Expensive Gravel Sand Plastic Rubber Patio tile

Energy Curtains Shield crop from intense sunlight Maintain heat Installed inside greenhouse above crop and below roof – gutter height Retractable Attached to greenhouse controller

Ventilation Essential to plant health Horizontal Air Flow (HAF) Fans Over-humid conditions Slow development Increase in disease Horizontal Air Flow (HAF) Fans Circulate air

Insect Screening, Air Curtains and Double-Door Entryways Prevent pests from entering the greenhouse

Back-Up Generators Continuous power Power outages Protection of fish and plant crops

Harvesting, Packing, and Cold Storage Commercial facilities Cold for lettuce and herbs Cool for tomatoes

Reducing Greenhouse Energy Costs Fuel costs are one of the highest costs Adoption of energy efficient technologies and innovative measures

Recommendations for Heating Heaters that run on wood, wood waste, agricultural by-products Use alternative forms of fuel Water heater/chiller Maintains stable temperature in water system Allows for air temperature to exceed normal acceptable limits In-floor, radiant hydronic heat High installation cost – energy savings and increased plant health Fewer BTU’s to heat water than air Even distribution of heat Plant roots are kept warm and dry Better health Faster growth

Recommendations for Cooling Natural ventilation Less energy than running fans and pumps

Recommendations for Insulation Rigid foam under floor around exterior Reduces heat loss Prevents moisture intrusion Keeps floor dry Reduces disease, pest, fungus problems

Recommendations for Greenhouse Construction Invest in professional consulting Properly build greenhouse Properly install equipment

Reference Nelson, R. L. Aquaponic Food Production Raising Fish and Plants for Food and Profit. 2008. Nelson and Pade, Inc. Montello, WI. Pgs. 164-173. With contributions from John S. Pade