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

Types of Cladding Material in a Greenhouse

Cladding materials form the outer covering of the greenhouse. Their main role is to transmit maximum sunlight, provide insulation, protect from rain, wind, and pests, and create a suitable microclimate for crop growth. The choice depends on cost, durability, and crop requirement.

 

A. Glass

  • Light Transmission: Excellent (85–90%), allows maximum natural sunlight.
  • Durability: Long lifespan (20–25 years).
  • Advantages: Best for high-value crops, strong against UV degradation, aesthetically superior.
  • Limitations: Very expensive, heavy, fragile, requires strong supporting structures.

 

B. Flexible Plastic Films (Polythene Sheets)

  • Types: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), UV-stabilized polythene.
  • Light Transmission: Moderate to high (75–85%).
  • Durability: Short lifespan (2–3 years, with UV stabilization up to 4 years).
  • Advantages: Lightweight, inexpensive, easy to install and replace.
  • Limitations: Susceptible to tearing, degradation under sun, less insulating compared to glass.

 

C. Rigid Plastic Sheets

i. Polycarbonate Sheets

  • Light transmission: 80–85%, with good diffusion.
  • Lifespan: 10–15 years.
  • Advantages: Impact-resistant, good insulation, lighter than glass, fire-resistant.
  • Limitations: Expensive, prone to scratching, may yellow over time.

 

ii. Acrylic Sheets (Polymethyl Methacrylate – PMMA)

  • Light transmission: Very high (90–92%), close to glass.
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years.
  • Advantages: Lightweight, durable, excellent clarity, UV-resistant.
  • Limitations: Brittle compared to polycarbonate, higher cost.

 

iii. Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP)

  • Light transmission: 75–85%, depending on thickness.
  • Lifespan: 8–10 years (if UV-protected).
  • Advantages: Strong, durable, good for curved roof structures.
  • Limitations: Discolors and becomes brittle without UV protection.

 

D. Shade Nets

  • Material: Woven polyethylene or polypropylene.
  • Purpose: Controls light intensity (reduces 30–75% sunlight).
  • Advantages: Used for shade-loving crops, protects from hail and birds.
  • Limitations: Not suitable for winter crops requiring maximum light.

 

E. Insect-proof Nets / Screen Nets

  • Material: High-density polyethylene with fine mesh.
  • Purpose: Protects crops from insect entry and viral disease transmission.
  • Advantages: Provides ventilation while blocking pests.
  • Limitations: Reduces airflow, may increase humidity if not ventilated properly.

 

F. Other Modern Films

i. EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) Films

  • Better clarity, flexibility, and insulation than standard polythene.
  • Used in hi-tech polyhouses.

 

ii. Multi-layer Films

  • Combine UV-stabilization, anti-drip, and anti-dust properties.
  • Provide better durability and light management.
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