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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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Historical perspective and status of protected horticulture in Nepal and around the world
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Automation of irrigation and nutrient management
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Master Protected and Precision Horticulture – Notes, Case Studies and Practical Insights – with Rahul

Greenhouse covering material

a. Glass

  • Most traditional and constructed with slanted sides, straight and caves
  • Aluminum frame and glass cladding buildings provide low maintenance and have aesthetic lines, as well as light structure.
  • Disadvantages: Fragile and high costs. Low humidity due to air leakage, so, necessary to humidify glass greenhouses.

 

b. Fiber glass

  • Light, strong and hail-proof
  • Low quality fiberglass will discolor, reducing penetration of light
  • Good quality fiberglass; expensive as glass

 

c. Plastic cover (Polyethylene)

  • Commonly used plastic; thermoplastic
  • Soften on heating and hardens with cooling and the process is reversible
  • Stiff, robust, resist and recover from loads and deformations
  • Water condensation problem, due to temperature difference outside and inside which cause damp, wet environment and disease development
  • Condensation reduces light intensity within greenhouse

 

d. Plastic cover (Polyvinyl chloride film)

  • UV resistant vinyl films; durable 4-5 years
  • Polyethylene: 1-2 years
  • High cost than polythene
  • The vinyl films tend to hold a static electric charge due to which it attracts and holds the dust

 

f. Tefzel T2 film ( Ethylene tetra fluoro ethylene)

  • Recent addition of plastic covering
  • Used as transparent covering on solar collector
  • Life expectancy : 20 years or more
  • Light transmission is 95% ( single) and 90% double layer
  • High heat trapping capacity: reduce cost of cooling
  • Disadvantage: Only available low width rolls (1.5 m)

 

g. Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) rigid panel

  • High life expectancy : 10-20 years
  • Corrugated panels: greater strength
  • Panels are flexible enough to conform shape Quonset greenhouse
  • Resistant: Hails and other damages

 

h. Acrylic and polycarbonate rigid panel

  • Side walls, end walls and for retrofitting old greenhouses
  • Acrylic: More rigid, highly inflammable, popular due to high light transmission and longer life
  • Polycarbonate: Less rigid than acrylic, low price, flame resistance and resistance to hail damage
  • Available with coating to prevent condensation
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