ISHS Acta Horticulturae 148: III International Symposium on Energy in Protected Cultivation
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS CREATED BY PLASTIC GREENHOUSE COVERS |
| Authors: | J. Ferare, K.L. Goldsberry |
| Abstract:
Four quonset shaped greenhouses covered with: 1) new double layer, air inflated, 4 mil Japanese PVC; 2) new Monsanto 603 polyethylene; 3) 2 year old double walled, 4 mil PVF (DuPont Tedlar) and 4) a single layer of 5 oz. Tedlar coated Lascolite FRP panels (4 years old) were evaluated for heat conserving conditions, transmission of solar flux and the environment created for plant growth. The fuel used in the double glazed structure ranged from 34 to 40 percent less than that required for the single layer FRP treatment. During the evaluation period, 17 September 1982 to 2 May 1983, the average percent of global radiation transmitted was 10 to 17% lower under the double glazings than in the single FRP treatment. Black and white surface temperatures due to the cover treatment varied, but those of the plant foliage were similar. The 4 mil PVC material was not suited to the winter conditions of Colorado, and removal of condensate between the double layers of the PVF cover was required for maximum transmission of solar radiation. | |
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