Greenhouses

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Related Topics: Greenhouses, Nursery Production, Pests

Related Topics: Greenhouses, Insects, Pests

Related Topics: Greenhouses, Pest Management

Greenhouse Production

production of crops in a greenhouse structure.

Publications

Fan and Pad Greenhouse Evaporative Cooling Systems

Jonathan A. Watson, Celina Gómez, Ray Bucklin, James Leary, and Dennis McConnell

In Florida, greenhouse temperatures can easily exceed 100°F during the summer if they are not equipped with active cooling systems. Such high temperatures reduce crop quality and worker productivity. Evaporative cooling is the most common method for reducing the temperature inside a greenhouse, but it has limitations in our hot, humid climate. Air conditioning or refrigeration systems can be used, but their installation and operating costs are usually prohibitive.

Greenhouse Ventilation

Jonathan A. Watson, Celina Gómez, D. E. Buffington, Ray Bucklin, Richard W. Henley, and Dennis McConnell

Greenhouse ventilation involves removing air from inside the greenhouse and replacing it with outside air. The ventilation may be natural (caused by wind and temperature forces) or mechanical (accomplished by using fans). The purposes of ventilation are to control high temperatures during the summer caused by the influx of solar radiation, to maintain relative humidity at acceptable levels during winter, to provide uniform air flow throughout the greenhouse, and to maintain acceptable levels of gas concentration in the greenhouse. Ventilation systems for greenhouses must be considered for three climatic conditions that typically occur during the year—winter, summer, and spring–fall.

Heating Greenhouses

Jonathan A. Watson, Celina Gómez, D. E. Buffington, Ray Bucklin, Richard W. Henley, and Dennis McConnell

A greenhouse has one purpose: to provide and maintain the environment that will result in optimum crop production for maximum profit. This includes an environment for work efficiency as well as for crop growth. This publication is limited to describing equipment and methods used to control or maintain a desirable temperature in a greenhouse during those periods when supplemental heat is required.

Fans For Greenhouses

Y. Zhang, J. A. Watson, D. E. Buffington, R. A. Bucklin, R. W. Henley, and D. B. McConnell

This article introduces some important fan properties that you should consider when select a fan, such as types, noise levels, volume flow rates and characteristic curves. Inspection and maintenance guidelines are provided for maintaining the functionality of the fans and minimizing breakdowns.

Greenhouse Heating Checklist

Y. Zhang, J.A. Watson, R.A. Bucklin, P.H. Jones, B.A. Barmby, D.B. McConnell, R.W. Henley

Heating requirements inside greenhouses are affected by outdoor climates, structure characteristics, types of heating systems, and the strategies of operation and management. A properly maintained greenhouse can reduce the energy consumption and thus contribute to energy savings. This article addresses the issues that might lower the system efficiency and provides a checklist to ensure the best performance of the system.

Maintenance Guide for Greenhouse Ventilation, Evaporative Cooling Heating Systems

Y. Zhang, J.A. Watson, R.A. Bucklin, R.W. Henley, D.B. McConnell

Heating, cooling and ventilation are three main environmental control methods to maintain the desired growing environments. Regular maintenance of the equipment is the key to an effective performance. Any small changes or a minor downtime could reduce the overall efficiency of these systems which could lead to crop failure. This fact sheet will emphasize corrective and preventive maintenance procedures for ventilation, evaporative cooling and heating systems.

Auxiliary Power Units For Greenhouse Operations

Y. Zhang, J. A. Watson, R. A. Bucklin, and R. W. Henley

Greenhouses require energy to thrive. Most greenhouses require fans, water pumps, heating equipment for operation. A backup generator will keep a greenhouse operational with uninterruptible power supply. When selecting a generator, it is crucial to know how much power the backup generator needs to maintain the essential operations of the greenhouse. Besides, choosing a proper unit and installing and operating it correctly are critical for success. This article provides guidelines for generator s

Florida Greenhouse Design

Y. Zhang, J. A. Watson, R. A. Bucklin

Greenhouse design considerations are critical in regulating optimal climatic conditions where plants are grown. The structural systems, building components and materials, and machinery equipment play a central role in greenhouse efficiency. Yet, many design considerations vary greatly with region and geography. This article describes greenhouse design considerations specific to Florida’s unique environment. It a includes descriptions of framing types and materials, design load consideration with