Greenhouse farming has been a part of our growing history worldwide since at least the Roman era. But evolving technology and climate change are transforming how and why we grow in greenhouses. Let's examine some of the benefits of greenhouse farming.
What is Greenhouse Farming?
Greenhouse farming is primarily growing plants or crops in a structure with walls and a roof made principally of transparent material. The interior of a greenhouse exposed to sunlight is significantly warmer than the external temperature, protecting its plants from extreme conditions. And providing an opportunity to grow year-round in harsh conditions.
Benefits of Greenhouse Farming
Increased Production
Greenhouse farming can increase crop production because you can create the optimal climate conditions needed for plant growth and grow more plants per square foot than growing crops in an open field.
Minimizing Production Risks
Being in an enclosed space prevents crops from suffering damage from extreme climate-related events such as sudden increases or drops in temperature. It can also keep crops away from birds and other animals that may harm crops.
Maximizing Profits
Studies suggest that profits per crop per square foot can be two to three times as big when executing greenhouse farming instead of open-field agriculture when combining the practice with other approaches such as hydroponics. By utilizing resources more efficiently, you create less waste, which can translate into bigger profits.
Disease & Pest Prevention
Greenhouses can prevent problems such as pests as well as provide more control against other diseases. The enclosed space can be restricted to only the essential staff, and fewer people going in and out means a lesser risk of bringing unwanted elements close to the crops. It also allows you to isolate problems should they occur. Moving diseased or infected plants away from the rest of the crops can save your harvest!
Year-Round Growing
A greenhouse is a relatively independent climate-controlled space, allowing the growing crops all year-round instead of just seasonally. Even in the harsh winter cold or intense summer heat, high-quality crops can be grown, provided you have the necessary technology to create the right climate inside the greenhouse.
Increased Stability and Security
Since outside conditions don't necessarily impact plants or workers, the greenhouse's protected environment provides a safe and stable condition.
Greenhouse Technology
The technology required to create climate-controlled environments inside greenhouses is also contributing to the benefits of greenhouse farming. Greenhouse technology creates ideal environmental conditions for plants or crops, along with automation. While it's used primarily to protect plants from unfavorable climatic conditions, it's evolved to provide increased yields and reduced labor and resource costs using sensors to monitor conditions and automation to perform menial tasks based on the data. Commercial greenhouse growers now have a wide range of technologies to ensure the highest productivity levels with minimum labor.
