Introduction To Greenhouse Farming
One of the modern system of farming
that is growing rapidly around the world today is greenhouse farming. Greenhouse
farming is a rapidly evolving field with significant potential to improve food
security, sustainability, and the efficiency of agricultural practices. Country
such as Nigeria needs to start practicing this system of farming due to the
hike in food prices and current security challenges facing the country. This is
why greenhouse farming could be one the solutions to food security.
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| Simple and Affordable Greenhouse |
Greenhouse Farming
Greenhouse farming is a system of farming
in which plants are grown in a controlled environment such as glass, in some
cases with artificial lightening objects to control and increase the safety of
plants in the farm. This system of farming allows farmers to increase crop
growing seasons, increase crop production, and grow crops in a more secure
environment.
Categories of Greenhouse Farms
1.
Glass
Greenhouses: Green House farming can be
structured with glass panels that provide good light transmission to the farm.
2.
Plastic
Film Greenhouses: Use polyethylene films that are
cost-effective and provide good light diffusion.
3.
Hoop
Houses: Simple, tunnel-shaped structures
covered with plastic film, typically used for season extension.
4.
Polycarbonate
Greenhouses: Greenhouse farm can also be made
by using polycarbonate panels that are lightweight, durable, and offer good
insulation to the farm.
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| Internal Structure Of A Greenhouse |
Components of Greenhouse farm
1.
Heating
Systems: The process of maintain optimal temperatures
during colder season in a greenhouse faming system.
2.
Cooling
Systems: The process of using regular fans,
evaporative cooling system, or shades to reduce the temperatures of the hot
weather.
3.
Lighting Systems Gms: The process of lighting can extend
daylight hours or enhance light intensity.
4.
Irrigation
Systems: The process of Driping irrigation,
hydroponics, or misting systems provide precise water delivery.
5.
Ventilation: Ensures proper air circulation to control humidity and CO2
levels
Advantages of Green House Farming
1.
Unlimited
Growing Seasons: Green House Farmers can grow crops
throughout the year without being stopped be seasonal condition.
2.
Increased Quality
and Output Result: When the farming system can be
controlled, it will reduce the risk of pests and diseases, leading to higher
outputs and better quality produce.
3.
Enhanced Controlled
Environment: Greenhouses made it easy to
directly control the lightening, temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels, to
enhance the growth conditions of the farm plants.
4.
Reduction
in The Use of Pesticide: The
controlled environment helps to minimize pest infestations, thereby minimizing
the need for chemical pesticides which improves the overall quality of farm
produce.
5.
Water
Efficiency: Standard Greenhouse farming system
uses less water than traditional farming due to effective irrigation systems
they adopt.
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| Greenhouse farming |
Common Crops that survive in greenhouse farming
- Fruits:
Melons, citrus fruits, and Strawberries.
- Vegetables:
Peppers, Tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and lettuce.
- Flowering plants:
orchids, Roses, and various cut flowering plants.
Drawback of greenhouse farming system
1.
High Initial
Costs: Setting up a greenhouse can be
cost effective due to the cost of materials and technologies needed.
2.
Energy
Consumption: The process of heating and cooling
the farm systems can lead to high costs.
3.
Management
Complexity: It requires careful monitoring and
management of environmental conditions.
Other Innovations of modern farming
- Hydroponics:
Growing plants in nutrient-rich water without soil.
- Aquaponics:
Combining hydroponics with aquaculture, where fish and plants are grown
together.
- Vertical Farming:
Stacking growing layers to maximize space usage.
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| Greenhouse pest control |