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2. Greenhouses and Environmental Control
Aquaponics
Greenhouses and Environmental Control

3. Greenhouses and Environmental Control
Benefits
Environmental control
Heating
Cooling
Ventilation
Crop Protection
Wind
Rain
Hail
Snow
Etc.
Exclusion and Bio-security
Pests
Disease
Food safety

4. Greenhouses and Environmental Control
Increases quality and quantity of crops
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
Combines basic greenhouse structure with computer controlled equipment
Maintain temperature
Humidity
Ventilation
Grower has total control over all factors that effect crops
Greater success
Increased profitability
REF: Greenhouses and Environmental Control

6. Greenhouse Styles Originally to grow tropical plants in cool climates
Coverings
Polyethylene
Insulated Polycarbonate
Glass
New advancements
Computerized control systems
Energy-saving coverings
Efficient cooling systems
Increase crop health
Reduce operational costs

7. Greenhouse Styles Glass
Best light transmission
Poor insulation
Expensive
Dual layer polyethylene – air pocket in between
Inexpensive
Well insulated
5 year life
Polycarbonate sheets
Rigid with vertical channels
Looks nice
Well insulated
15-20 year life
More expensive than polyethylene

8. Greenhouse Styles Tropical climate Screened walls Clear overhead roof
Helps keep out pests
Good ventilation
Clear overhead roof
Good light
Protection from heavy rain/wind

9. Greenhouse Styles Single bay greenhouse
Walls and covering from roof to ground
Multi-bay (Gutter connect) greenhouse
Multiple bays that connect at the gutter
Interior walls posts only with no covering
Exterior walls have greenhouse covering
Additional bays can easily be added on exterior sides

10. Cooling Systems and Designs
Evaporative cooling
Naturally ventilated
Vents in walls and roof
Ventilation provides cooling
More sustainable less energy is used
Fan and Pad System
Cooling pads are installed on one end and fans are installed on the opposing end
Fans are engaged when cooling is needed
Additional cooling provided by water pump circulating water through evaporative pad
High Pressure Fogging
More horse power for operation than fan and pad
Mist of water that quickly evaporates and cools

11. Environmental Controller
Computer that senses conditions in greenhouse and controls equipment to provide optimal environment for crop production
Heating
Cooling
Ventilation
Fans
Artificial lighting
When and how much roof vent is opened
Weather station connected to computer senses inclement weather approaching

12. Plant Lighting Proper lighting increases yields up to 40%
1000-watt metal halide lights for lettuce and herb production
Monitor light level with probes constantly
Transmitted to controller that adjusts for plant needs

13. Floor Covering Clean and free of weeds Concrete best option Gravel
Expensive
Gravel
Sand
Plastic
Rubber
Patio tile

14. Energy Curtains Shield crop from intense sunlight Maintain heat
Installed inside greenhouse above crop and below roof – gutter height
Retractable
Attached to greenhouse controller

15. Ventilation Essential to plant health Horizontal Air Flow (HAF) Fans
Over-humid conditions
Slow development
Increase in disease
Horizontal Air Flow (HAF) Fans
Circulate air

16. Insect Screening, Air Curtains and Double-Door Entryways
Prevent pests from entering the greenhouse

17. Back-Up Generators Continuous power Power outages
Protection of fish and plant crops

18. Harvesting, Packing, and Cold Storage
Commercial facilities
Cold for lettuce and herbs
Cool for tomatoes

19. Reducing Greenhouse Energy Costs
Fuel costs are one of the highest costs
Adoption of energy efficient technologies and innovative measures

20. Recommendations for Heating
Heaters that run on wood, wood waste, agricultural by-products
Use alternative forms of fuel
Water heater/chiller
Maintains stable temperature in water system
Allows for air temperature to exceed normal acceptable limits
In-floor, radiant hydronic heat
High installation cost – energy savings and increased plant health
Fewer BTU’s to heat water than air
Even distribution of heat
Plant roots are kept warm and dry
Better health
Faster growth

21. Recommendations for Cooling
Natural ventilation
Less energy than running fans and pumps

22. Recommendations for Insulation
Rigid foam under floor around exterior
Reduces heat loss
Prevents moisture intrusion
Keeps floor dry
Reduces disease, pest, fungus problems

23. Recommendations for Greenhouse Construction
Invest in professional consulting
Properly build greenhouse
Properly install equipment

24. Reference
Nelson, R. L. Aquaponic Food Production Raising Fish and Plants for Food and Profit Nelson and Pade, Inc. Montello, WI. Pgs
With contributions from John S. Pade