Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Many possibilities exist to increase yield, reduce production costs per unit area
or plant, retain the longer cultivation period long, and improve the product qual-
ity of greenhouse crops. This is due to an introduction of innovative approaches
(originated in horticulture and other activity fields), and the use of a combination of
optimum performance measures associated with protected cultivation.
Conclusions
There is a wide spectrum of approaches in protected cultivation that enable growers
in different climatic regions to adopt and adjust the preferred technology for each
specific crop. High-tech greenhouses produce high yields but also require high ini-
tial cost whereas the naturally ventilated plastic tunnels and greenhouses, as well as
screenhouses, are a low-cost alternative suitable for growers with limited capital or
in regions with a fluctuating demand.
Significant progress has been achieved in both practical application and basic
understanding of protected cultivation principles and practices. Due to the energy
crisis and the increasing price of fuel, growers now need to adopt climate control
approaches that reduce conventional energy consumption, and increase the use of
renewable energy sources like solar, or geothermal. Researchers and growers need
to fine tune the irrigation needs to meet the exact needs of horticultural crops in
close consideration with a climate control strategy.
The use of sophisticated materials and additives in order to fine tune the radia-
tion intensity and spectrum are becoming important in efficiently utilizing the heat
associated with solar radiation and reducing the cooling requirements in mild cli-
mates to increase the energy savings. Advances in genetics and molecular biology
are leading to the development of crops that are much less prone to stresses and
hence can be grown in many different regions in terms of climates and soils.
Future research will focus on more durable and efficient structures, sustainable
covering and substrate materials, more efficient climate control systems that in-
crease energy savings, the breeding of varieties that are more resistance to biotic
and abiotic stresses, and improving the development of production management
strategies. These studies are needed in order for the horticultural industry to meet
the growing food demand under future uncertainties such as climate change and
changing global economies and markets.
References
Abdelmageed AHA, Gruda N (2009) Influence of high temperatures on gas exchange rate and
growth of eight tomato cultivars under controlled heat stress conditions. Europ J Hortic Sci
74(4):152-159
Adams P (2002) Nutritional control in hydroponics. In: Savvas D, Passam HC (eds) Hydro-
ponic production of vegetables and ornamentals, 463 pages. Embryo Publications, Athens,
pp 211-261
