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Course Content
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
Master Protected and Precision Horticulture – Notes, Case Studies and Practical Insights – with Rahul

Soil Moisture Management inside greenhouse

Maintaining optimal soil moisture inside a greenhouse is more challenging than in open fields because of controlled climatic conditions, restricted rainfall entry, and high evapotranspiration rates. Effective soil moisture management ensures efficient water use, stable microclimate, better nutrient uptake, and high crop productivity.

Here are the key techniques for soil moisture management:

a. Soil Moisture Monitoring

  • Tensiometers: Indicate soil water tension (0–80 kPa) and guide irrigation timing.
  • Electrical resistance blocks (gypsum blocks): Measure soil moisture content.
  • Modern sensors (capacitance probes, IoT-based systems): Provide real-time data integrated with irrigation controllers.

 

b. Efficient Irrigation Systems

  • Drip irrigation: Delivers water precisely to the root zone, minimizing evaporation.
  • Micro-sprinklers/misters: Maintain uniform soil moisture and microclimate for seedlings and leafy crops.
  • Sub-surface irrigation: Prevents surface evaporation and reduces fungal growth.
  • Capillary mats: Common for potted plants; ensure uniform bottom-up watering.

 

c. Irrigation Scheduling

  • Based on crop water requirement and evapotranspiration (ET) values.
  • Frequent light irrigations for seedlings, but deep, less frequent irrigations for fruiting crops (tomato, cucumber).
  • Soil maintained near field capacity avoids both drought stress and waterlogging

 

d. Soil & Substrate Management

  • Soil amendments: Cocopeat, vermiculite, perlite, and peat moss increase water-holding capacity.
  • Mulching (plastic/organic): Reduces evaporation losses, moderates soil temperature.
  • Raised beds: Improve drainage and prevent root diseases.

 

e. Water Quality & Salinity Management

  • Greenhouse irrigation often uses groundwater, prone to salinity.
  • Regular monitoring of EC (Electrical Conductivity) is necessary.
  • Leaching fraction method: Occasional deep irrigation to flush salts beyond root zone.

 

f. Automation & Smart Systems

  • Automated drip fertigation: Delivers both water and nutrients with precision.
  • Climate-linked irrigation: Controllers adjust irrigation based on humidity, temperature, and solar radiation.
  • IoT & AI models: Predict crop water requirement in real-time.
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