Greenhouse Equipment Needs Greenhouses, as an important innovation in modern agriculture, play a significant role in increasing agricultural production. To manage a greenhouse optimally, various equipment such as heating systems, cooling systems, irrigation, and lighting must be accurately measured based on environmental conditions and plant…
Greenhouses, as an important innovation in modern agriculture, play a significant role in increasing agricultural production. To manage a greenhouse optimally, various equipment such as heating systems, cooling systems, irrigation, and lighting must be accurately measured based on environmental conditions and plant needs. This article will discuss how to determine the need for equipment in greenhouses.
Saeian Industry Technical Group, a leading knowledge-based company in climate control, has launched its fifth generation of products. Additionally, the second generation of industrial greenhouse electrical panels from this group has been released to the market. The company has successfully implemented numerous projects in Iran by localizing BMS systems (smart building systems for commercial and residential buildings).
To determine the need for various equipment in greenhouses, environmental conditions and the type of plants being cultivated must be reviewed. This section explains how to measure the need for some basic equipment.
Temperature control in greenhouses is of high importance. Some greenhouses need heating systems, while others require cooling systems. To measure the need for this equipment, factors such as plant type and regional climate conditions must be considered.
| Greenhouse Type | Fan Need | Heater Need | Humidifier Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical Greenhouses | Requires ventilation (fans) | Requires temperature control | Requires a humidifier (if the air is dry) |
| Cold Climate Greenhouses | Requires less ventilation | Requires a heater to maintain temperature | Requires less humidification |
| Moderate Greenhouses | Requires average ventilation | Requires a heater in cold seasons | May require a humidifier |
Irrigation is vital for plant growth in greenhouses. The type of irrigation system depends on the greenhouse type and the plants’ water needs. To measure the need for irrigation, factors such as plant evaporation and transpiration rates, soil type, and regional rainfall must be reviewed.
This table shows different greenhouse types and the appropriate irrigation systems for each:
| Greenhouse Type | Suitable Irrigation System | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Greenhouses | Drip Irrigation | These greenhouses require precise and uniform moisture supply. Drip irrigation is the best option as it reduces evaporation and water consumption. |
| Cold Climate Greenhouses | Sprinkler Irrigation Systems | In cold climate greenhouses with low evaporation rates, sprinkler irrigation systems can work well and provide adequate surface moisture for plants. |
| Moderate Greenhouses | Drip Irrigation or Tape Irrigation Systems | In moderate greenhouses, depending on the plant type and moisture needs, both drip irrigation and tape irrigation systems can be used. These systems prevent water wastage. |
| Apartment Greenhouses | Drip Irrigation | Indoor greenhouses require precise and uniform irrigation. Drip irrigation is particularly efficient in small and apartment greenhouses. |
| Sunny Greenhouses | Drip Irrigation or Snow Irrigation Systems | In these greenhouses with sufficient sunlight, using drip irrigation or snow irrigation systems (which compensate for some evaporation) is suitable. |
| Large Industrial Greenhouses | Drip Irrigation and Tape Irrigation Systems | For large greenhouses, using a combination of drip irrigation and tape irrigation systems results in high efficiency and optimal water consumption. |
In greenhouses that do not have sufficient natural light, the use of lighting systems is necessary. To measure the need for light, the amount of natural light in the area, plant types, and their light needs must be considered.
This table reviews the lighting needs of greenhouses based on different conditions:
| Greenhouse Type | Lighting Need | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Greenhouses | Low | These greenhouses usually require a lot of natural light and use supplemental lighting in case of light deficiency. |
| Cold Climate Greenhouses | High | In cold climate greenhouses with less access to natural light, there is a greater need for lighting systems. |
| Moderate Greenhouses | Medium | These greenhouses may need additional lighting, especially during low-light seasons or cloudy days. |
| Apartment Greenhouses | High | Indoor greenhouses usually require artificial lighting as they do not receive sufficient natural light. |
| Sunny Greenhouses | Low | In greenhouses located in sunny areas, there is enough natural light and usually no need for additional lighting. |
Selecting the appropriate equipment for greenhouses should be based on the specific needs of the plants and the environmental conditions of the area. To optimize energy consumption and increase greenhouse productivity, systems that precisely match the greenhouse needs should be used.
