Search Results

Transpiration and water uptake play an important role in the growth of horticultural crops, such as tomatoes. Water uptake ensures the transport of nutrients. However, the transpiration rate is affected by the humidity level in the greenhouse. High levels of humidity restrict transpiration and lead to fungal diseases resulting in yield losses. Under northern latitudes, using more airtight structures combined with high levels of artificial lighting increase the humidity level inside the greenhouses. To decrease humidity, growers have to dehumidify by ventilating and heating at the same time, leading to increased energy consumption. However, to our knowledge, the literature does not report on the energy consumption needed to dehumidify. To evaluate this energy consumption, we used a greenhouse simulation model of heat and mass exchanges integrated into a general greenhouse control and management software system (GX). Evapotranspiration, condensation on the cladding, and infiltration and ventilation rates were taken into account for the water balance. Based on 1 year of climatic data, three sets of simulation were realized: 1) no dehumidification; 2) standard dehumidification by ventilation and heating; 3) dehumidification with heat exchangers. Results indicate that for an acceptable level of humidity within a greenhouse tomato crop (vapor pressure deficit >5 kPa), the energy consumptions with standard dehumidification and with heat exchangers are 25% and 15% higher, respectively, than without dehumidification. These results are being used to establish recommendations for the management of humidity under northern latitudes.

The main objective of this research was to produce a simulated model that permitted the evaluation of operating costs of commercial greenhouse tomato growers with respect to heating methods (hot air, hot water, radiant and heat pumps) and the use of artificial lighting for 1991 and 1992. This research showed that the main factors that negatively influence profitability were energy consumption during cold periods and the price of tomatoes during the summer season. The conventional hot water system consumed less energy than the heat pump system and produced marketable fruit yields similar to those from the heat pump system. The hot water system was generally more profitable in regards to energy consumption and productivity. Moreover, investment costs were less; therefore, this system gives best overall financial savings. As for radiant and hot air systems, their overall financial status falls between that of the hot water system and the heat pump. The radiant system proved to be more energy efficient that the hot air system, but the latter produced a higher marketable fruit yield over the 2-year study.

Climate control is an important aspect of greenhouse crop management. Shading is one popular method for reducing excess solar heat radiation and high air temperatures in the greenhouse during the summer season. A new innovative technology has recently been developed and is based on the injection of liquid foam between the double layers of polyethylene of the greenhouse roof. The foam can be used as a shading method during the warm days of the summer. This is the first investigation into the effect of shading using the liquid foam technology on greenhouse and plant microclimates. Our research was conducted over 2 years in two different areas of Canada. Experimental greenhouses were retrofitted with the new technology. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) were transplanted. Two shading strategies were used: 1) comparison of a conventional nonmovable shading curtain to the liquid foam shading system and application of liquid foam shading based only on outside global solar radiation; and 2) application of foam shading based on both outside global solar radiation and greenhouse air temperature. Data on the greenhouse microclimate (global solar radiation, air temperature, and relative humidity), the canopy microclimate (leaf and bottom fruit temperatures), and ventilation (opening/closing) were recorded. Our study showed that the retractable liquid foam technology improved greenhouse climate. Under some conditions (very sunny and hot days), a large difference in air temperature (up to 6 °C) was noted between the unshaded and shaded greenhouses as a result of liquid foam application (40% to 65% shading). Foam shading also increased relative humidity by 5% to 12%. Furthermore, bottom fruit temperatures stayed cooler 3 h after shading treatment was stopped. As well, a reduction in ventilation needs was observed with liquid foam shading.