Greenhouse what is it
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding Greenhouses: Structure, Function, and Technological Advancements
Greenhouse Structure and Design
A greenhouse is a frame structure covered with transparent materials such as glass, polyethylene, or polycarbonate. It consists of two main parts: the frame and the covering material. The covering material acts as a barrier to air passage and traps energy inside, heating both the plants and the soil within the greenhouse. This trapped energy raises the temperature inside the greenhouse, creating a controlled environment conducive to plant growth1. Greenhouses are used for cultivating high-quality fruits, flowers, various crop nurseries, ornamental, and medicinal plants. They offer benefits such as high production per unit area, off-season crop growth, and protection from pests, diseases, and extreme climatic conditions1.
Climate Control in Greenhouses
Greenhouses modify environmental conditions to optimize crop production. They form a physical barrier between the interior and the ambient environment, resulting in less light, reduced air movement, and lower CO2 concentration during the light period. Conversely, water vapor pressure and air temperature are higher inside the greenhouse compared to the outside environment. Initially, the primary objective of greenhouses was to increase temperature, but it has become evident that controlling a complex set of growth factors, including temperature, is crucial for optimal plant growth2.
Technological Advancements in Greenhouse Farming
Internet of Things (IoT) in Greenhouse Farming
The integration of IoT in greenhouse farming has introduced smart solutions for automating various parameters such as plant monitoring, internal atmosphere control, and irrigation. IoT-based systems enable precise and secure management of crop parameters, supporting off-season crop growth even in severe climatic zones. These systems utilize cloud/edge computing, IoT protocols, data analytics, and sensors to enhance the efficiency and productivity of greenhouse farming3 4.
Historical and Modern Developments
Modern greenhouses are designed to achieve high efficiency and productivity by maintaining optimal environmental conditions year-round. Advances in climate-specific structural designs, glazing materials, temperature control, artificial lighting, and hydroponic systems have significantly improved greenhouse farming. Different greenhouse designs, such as the tall Venlo greenhouses of the Netherlands and passive solar greenhouses of China, have been developed to suit local climatic conditions and maximize return on investment5.
Sustainable Agriculture and Global Research Trends
Greenhouse farming is recognized as an efficient agricultural management system that intensifies food production and ensures food supply. Research trends in greenhouse technology focus on various aspects, including water use for irrigation, optimal greenhouse structure design, soil conservation, energy consumption, climate control, and pest control. The research approach has shifted from increasing production and cost savings to emphasizing resource conservation and sustainability6.
Closed Greenhouse Systems
Closed greenhouse systems integrate climate control equipment and techniques to collect, store, and reuse solar energy for heating and cooling. These systems aim to improve crop yield and quality while enhancing energy and water efficiency. They are particularly beneficial in arid climate conditions, where maintaining a favorable microclimate is challenging. Research on closed greenhouse systems focuses on optimizing design parameters and techniques to achieve profitable and sustainable production7.
Microclimate Management in Greenhouses
Field tests on naturally ventilated single-sloped greenhouses have shown that these structures can create a favorable microclimate for vegetable growth. Variations in temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation are managed to maintain an energy-balanced environment. Greater height and shorter span in single-sloped greenhouses facilitate heat preservation and energy saving, leading to higher product quality, improved yield, and shorter cultivation time8.
Conclusion
Greenhouses play a crucial role in modern agriculture by providing controlled environments for optimal plant growth. Technological advancements, particularly in IoT and climate control, have significantly enhanced the efficiency and productivity of greenhouse farming. As research continues to focus on sustainability and resource conservation, greenhouses will remain a vital component of sustainable agriculture, addressing food supply challenges in the twenty-first century.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Greenhouse structures, construction and design
Greenhouses can produce high-quality fruits, flowers, and vegetables, offering high production per unit area and easy protection from pests and diseases.
A Survey on IoT in Agriculture for the Implementation of Greenhouse Farming
IoT-based greenhouse farming improves crop management, plant monitoring, and climate control, addressing food crises and promoting sustainable agriculture.
A Survey on IoT in Agriculture for the Implementation of Greenhouse Farming
IoT-based greenhouse farming enables efficient control of crop parameters, addressing food crisis and environmental challenges.
History of Controlled Environment Horticulture: Greenhouses
Modern greenhouses are efficient and productive due to advancements in climate-specific structural designs, glazing materials, temperature control, artificial lighting, and hydroponic production systems.
An Analysis of Global Research Trends on Greenhouse Technology: Towards a Sustainable Agriculture
Global greenhouse research trends focus on resource conservation and sustainability, with a shift from production and cost savings to resource conservation and sustainability.
Rigorous Journal
Highly Cited