Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
In sunlight, plants use photosynthesis to turn CO
2
and water into oxy-
gen and sugar.
In the dark, plants switch to the same system animals use to stay alive,
the building and repair of the organism itself.
Added to this phenomena of growth, is the fact that as the temperature increases, chemical
activity speeds up.
The closer to the 'ideal' temperature in a greenhouse, the better the chance there is
for the plants to grow to maturity. The ideal temperature for plant growth is, interest-
ingly, 73° F at the leaf surface or about the same temperature as humans enjoy.
In a climatically adapted greenhouse,
temperatures can be carefully regu-
lated so the minimum and maximum
temperatures are adjusted so the
plants can comfortably tolerate heat
and cold thereby creating the best
possible conditions for growth.
Ideal growing conditions are
provided in a greenhouse and in an
aquaponics system for maximum
crop productions:
All of the food (nutrients) for the
plants arrives before the plants need it or want it.
The water is always available and is refreshed a couple of times a day
The light levels are always perfect in the structure
The air circulates in a gentle fashion to help with pollination and to help avoid dampness
in the structure
The temperature is pleasant and varies a bit so as not to be monotonous
There are no bugs or weeds or poisons or harsh chemicals used to contend with, ever.
As a result of an ideal environment:
The plants grow faster than the seed packets say they will
