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Definition, principles, importance and scope of protected cultivation of horticultural crops
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Introduction
Objectives of Protected Cultivation
Limitations of Protected Cultivation
Importance
Challenges in Protected Horticulture
Issues in Protected horticulture
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Protected Cultivation
Advantages and Constraints of Protected Horticulture
Principles of Protected cultivation/horticulture
Different growing structures for protected horticulture (glasshouse, naturally ventilated greenhouse, hi-tech and semi hi-tech structures, polyhouses, heating tunnel, screen house, rain shelters)
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Introduction
On the basis of environment control
On the basis of technology used
On the basis of structure/shape
Based on construction material
Based on utility or use
Other Structures
Based on soil and climate
Historical perspective and status of protected horticulture in Nepal and around the world
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History of greenhouse industry
Global status of greenhouse production
History of greenhouse technology in Nepal
Selection of site and designing of appropriate protected structures based on microclimate
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Selection of Site for Greenhouse
Basic Design Considerations of Greenhouse
Parts of greenhouse
Loads carried by protected structure
Types of Cladding Material in a Greenhouse
Properties of an Ideal Greenhouse Covering Material
Greenhouse covering material
Principles of protected farming and common practices of farming (soil based and soilless – hydroponics, substrate based, aeroponics and aquaponics)
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Principles of Protected Farming
Soilless culture
Sources of Nutrients in Soilless Culture
Sources of Macronutrients
Sources of Micronutrients
Organic and Alternative Sources
Reasons to Follow Soilless Culture
Types of Soilless Farming
Hydroponics
Advantages of Hydroponics
Disadvantages / Limitations of Hydroponics
Types of Hydroponics
Nutrient film technique (NFT)
Deep flow technique /Flood and drain
Drip-system/technique
Wick system/ technique (Capillary movement)
Root dip method
Floating method
Aeroponics
Principles of aeroponics
Aquaponics
Types of Aquaponics
Effect of different environmental and soil factors on crop growth in protected culture: temperature, humidity, soil moisture, air circulation, pH, electrical conductivity, solar radiation and light intensity.
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Introduction
Temperature
Light
Relative humidity
Ventilation
Carbon dioxide
Techniques to maintain optimal temperature inside greenhouse
Greenhouse cooling techniques
Greenhouse Heating Systems
CO2 enrichment
Humidity management
Dehumidification
How to dehumidify the greenhouse?
Controlling light levels
Soil Moisture Management inside greenhouse
pH Management inside Greenhouse
Electrical conductivity Management inside Greenhouse
Roofing structures, roofing materials and ventilation systems
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Introduction
Covering/roofing materials
Greenhouse covering materials
Ventilation Systems in Greenhouses
Micro irrigation technology, fertigation practices and soil management
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Introduction
Rules of Watering
Types/ Categories of Micro irrigation
Methods of irrigation under greenhouse condition
Advantages and Disadvantages of hand watering in Greenhouse
Advantages and Disadvantages of Perimeter Watering Irrigation in Greenhouse
Advantages and Disadvantages of Overhead Sprinkler Irrigation
Advantages and Disadvantages of Boom watering system
Advantages and Disadvantages of drip irrigation system
Fertigation system
Fertilizers
Fertilizer Application Methods
Fertilizer Injectors
Soil Management inside a Greenhouse
Key Components of Soil Management
Media preparation for greenhouse production
Methods of Decontamination
Fungal Disease Management inside Greenhouse
Temperature necessary to kill soil pests
Automation of irrigation and nutrient management
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Introduction
Principles of Automated Irrigation and Nutrient Management
Components of an Automated System
Automated Irrigation Techniques in Greenhouses
Automated Nutrient Management (Fertigation)
Irrigation decisions
Crop management: training, pruning, staking and use of PGRs
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Introduction
Training of Plants
Pruning of Plants
Staking and Support Systems
Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs)
Major insect-pests and diseases in protected cultivation and their integrated management
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Introduction
Causes of Insect and Disease Infection in Greenhouses
Causes of Disease Outbreaks in Greenhouses
Major Insect-Pests in Protected Cultivation
Master Protected and Precision Horticulture – Notes, Case Studies and Practical Insights – with Rahul

Disadvantages / Limitations of Hydroponics

a. High Initial Investment

  • Requires costly setup of tanks, pumps, nutrient delivery systems, and monitoring equipment.
  • Advanced systems like NFT, aeroponics, and vertical hydroponics need automation and sensors, further increasing expenses.
  • Not easily affordable for small-scale or resource-poor farmers.

 

b. Technical Knowledge and Management

  • Demands skilled management of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nutrient solution, and oxygen levels.
  • A small error in nutrient concentration or system design can affect crop health drastically.
  • Farmers need training and continuous monitoring for successful operation.

 

c. Dependence on Power and Technology

  • Requires continuous electricity supply for pumps, aeration, and climate control.
  • Power failure or technical malfunction can quickly lead to crop damage or failure.
  • High dependence on modern equipment and infrastructure.

 

d. Disease and Pest Spread

  • Although soil-borne problems are eliminated, waterborne diseases (e.g., root rot by Pythium) can spread rapidly through nutrient solution.
  • Entire system can be affected if pathogens contaminate the shared nutrient reservoir.

 

e. Limited Crop Suitability

  • Best suited for short-duration, high-value crops like lettuce, strawberry, tomato, cucumber, herbs, and ornamentals.
  • Large perennial trees or deep-rooted crops are not suitable for hydroponic systems.
  • Some crops show nutrient sensitivity, requiring frequent adjustments.

 

f. Environmental and Input Concerns

  • Disposal of used nutrient solution may cause environmental pollution if not managed properly.
  • Relies mainly on chemical fertilizers which may not be sustainable in the long term.
  • Organic hydroponics (bioponics) is still under research and less reliable.

 

g. Risk of System Failure

  • Any interruption in nutrient or water supply leads to quick wilting and crop loss, as plants have no soil buffer.
  • System failures due to pump breakdown, leakage, or poor aeration can result in total crop loss within hours.
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