Vital Equipment for Greenhouse Commercial Farming

greenhouse commercial farming

In many parts of the world, especially subarctic temperatures, growing crops outdoors is not possible. In some countries, such as Canada, outdoor temperatures are unsuitable for growing various crops and plants. Hence, greenhouse farming is the solution.

Small-scale greenhouse farming is easier because you don’t require a lot of equipment. However, using greenhouses for commercial farming becomes a little complex. While there are a lot of advantages of greenhouse farming, the operating expenses are high. Hence, you want to have maximum yield.

The following are some equipment that can help commercial farmers immensely:

High Tunnel Greenhouse

High tunnel greenhouse structures are for farming on a large scale that does not restrict farmers from growing crops in one season. Greenhouses, in general, protect crops from pests, especially rodents, birds, etc. Tunnel greenhouses are easier to erect. You don’t have to install ventilation or heating/cooling equipment.

The greenhouse consists of a metal structure covered with fabric. For ventilation, all you have to do is lift the flap on one side of the tunnel. Heating is done naturally, with the help of sunlight. It is an inexpensive method of greenhouse farming. These structures are also more mobile than other greenhouse structures; you can move them from one location to another. You can also extend it if you want to increase the space. In the long run, these structures prove to be profitable for farmers.

However, greenhouse tunnels are destroyed by wind, storms, and ice. These may not be suitable for cold temperatures. Moreover, you cannot control and maintain temperature.

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Wide Span Greenhouse

This type of greenhouse structure is larger than high tunnel greenhouses. These require heating and cooling systems. In addition to this, there are high-level pipes that provide water to the crops. The wide-span greenhouse also has gutters that provide irrigation to the plants. These gutters also function as basket systems. The structure of a wide-span greenhouse is also robust. The foundation is made up of concrete and can cope with severe weather conditions. The area is larger so you can grow more crops.

The material that covers the greenhouse is an essential factor to consider, especially considering the light intensity and UV radiation reaching the crops. Apart from plastic fabric covering, there is the option of fiberglass and glass covering as well.

Wide-span greenhouses are an excellent option for growing fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, capsicum, and other vegetables, that grow in hot to moderate climates.

Apart from greenhouse structures, choosing light fixtures and equipment for air quality control is equally important. The following provides a list of other equipment for greenhouses:

Light fixtures

In the winter or rainy season, crops may not receive proper sunlight. Hence, farmers need an alternative. Lighting fixtures are an alternative that boosts crop growth. LED lights, specifically for a greenhouse, not only boost growth but also save on energy.

Climate control

Maintaining the air quality and temperature of a greenhouse allows farmers to grow crops in unsuitable outdoor temperatures. To do so, climate control equipment, such as thermometers and thermostats, is essential. In addition to this, maintaining suitable soil conditions, such as PH, water level, is also vital. Likewise, controlling humidity also increases the viability of the crop. Hence, you need climate control equipment that ensures that the conditions are suitable for farming.

Ventilation

Ventilation in a greenhouse is essential for crop growth. It avoids overheating. Exhaust and circulation fans from professional providers like Canarm provide the necessary ventilation to crops.

Conclusion

These are some important equipment for growing healthy crops and ensuring that farmers can profit from the production.