FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CROP PERFORMANCE IN DOUBLE-COVERED POLYTHENE GREENHOUSES

The fuel consumption of identical double-covered and single-covered polythene greenhouses has been compared for three years, both being heated to the temperature recommended for production of early tomatoes in Ireland.
The fuel saving in the double-covered house was between 30% and 35%.

Crop production in these houses has also been evaluated.
In 1977 this was unsatisfactory due to inadequate control of humidity.
In 1978 humidity was controlled by the use of fan ventilation, but this led to a large increase in fuel consumption.
In 1979 a different humidity control regime was employed, and now only 2% of fuel consumption was attributable to humidity control, while an excellent standard of crop production was also achieved.

Optimalisation of Plant Growth under Protected Cultivation through Microclimate Control

T. O’Flaherty, M.J. Maher

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1981.107.14