Hey! Content is protected. You can share this page via the share button 😊
Course Content
Definition, principles, importance and scope of protected cultivation of horticultural crops
0/9
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)
0/8
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
0/3
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
0/7
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)
0/22
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.
0/17
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
0/4
Introduction
Covering/roofing materials
Greenhouse covering materials
Ventilation Systems in Greenhouses
Micro irrigation technology, fertigation practices and soil management
0/19
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
0/1
Introduction
Master Protected and Precision Horticulture – Notes, Case Studies and Practical Insights – with Rahul

Reasons to Follow Soilless Culture

a. Efficient Use of Resources

  • Water saving: Up to 80–90 percent less water required compared to soil cultivation due to recirculation and precise application.
  • Nutrient efficiency: Direct supply of balanced nutrients reduces wastage and leaching losses.
  • Higher productivity per unit area due to controlled input delivery.

 

b. Overcoming Soil-Related Problems

  • Poor or degraded soils: Suitable for regions with saline, alkaline, sandy, or rocky soils.
  • Soil-borne diseases and pests: Eliminates problems like nematodes, Fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt, etc.
  • No dependency on soil fertility, making it possible to grow crops anywhere, including urban areas.

 

c. Increased Yield and Quality

  • Uniform and faster plant growth due to balanced nutrient supply.
  • Off-season production possible with integration into protected structures.
  • Improved quality: Better size, shape, color, and taste of fruits and vegetables.

 

d. Space and Location Flexibility

  • Can be practiced in non-agricultural lands, rooftops, greenhouses, deserts, and urban areas.
  • Useful for vertical farming and rooftop gardens where soil is absent.
  • Enables year-round cultivation, independent of local soil and climate conditions

 

e. Environmental Benefits

  • Reduced need for chemical pesticides due to absence of soil-borne problems.
  • Minimal nutrient runoff into the environment when managed properly.
  • Can use renewable energy (solar pumps, LED lighting) for sustainability.

 

f. Economic and Commercial Importance

  • Ensures higher returns per unit area with premium-quality produce.
  • Widely adopted in hydroponics, aeroponics, and nutrient film techniques for high-value crops like lettuce, strawberry, tomato, and herbs.
  • Growing demand for residue-free, export-quality produce increases profitability.

 

g. Research and Technological Advancement

  • Provides a controlled environment for scientific experiments on plant nutrition and physiology.
  • Useful for precision farming through sensors and automation.
  • Adopted in space research programs (NASA experiments for space crop production).
Previous
Next
Home Courses + Research Blog
Scroll to Top