Greenhouse Horticulture

Resource added for the Landscape Horticulture Technician program 100014.

Greenhouse horticulture is one of the most intensive agricultural systems, focusing on the production of high-value products. This book presents current research findings that cover a wide range of new technologies and novel agricultural practices, which are preconditions for successful production in a very competitive global environment.

A greenhouse provides an essential means of livelihood to its owner and must be economically practical for the particular climate in which it stands. Greenhouses: Advanced Technology for Protected Horticulture addresses the major environmental factors of light, temperature, water, nutrition, and carbon dioxide, and features extensive discussions of greenhouse types, construction, and climate control. The book highlights technology such as hydroponics, computer control of environments, and advanced mathematical procedures for environmental optimization. Greenhouses: Advanced Technology for Protected Horticulture is the definitive text/reference for the science of greenhouse engineering and management. The author Dr. Joe J. Hanan, Professor Emeritus of Colorado State University, is the recipient of the Society of American Florists' (SAF) 2000 (Millenium) Alex Laurie Award for Research and Education. The Alex Laurie Award is presented annually to an individual who has made broad-scope, long-lasting contributions to the floriculture industry through research or education. The award is named for Alex Laurie, a professor at The Ohio State University, who pioneered work in many areas of floriculture. "Joe is one of the most precise floricultural researchers I have known," said Dr. Gus De Hertogh, Chairman of SAF's Research Committee. "That excellence is reflected in his latest book, Greenhouses, Advanced Technology for Protected Horticulture, which was published in 1998, nine years after his official 'retirement.'"

“How to Master Greenhouse Horticulture” is a practical guide that provides aspiring greenhouse horticulture entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to successfully establish and manage a profitable business. In this book, you will find a step-by-step approach to understanding the fundamentals of greenhouse horticulture, including an overview of the industry, its benefits, and the challenges it presents. You will also gain valuable insights into conducting market analysis to identify potential opportunities and target markets for your greenhouse products. The book delves into the specifics of choosing the right crops for your greenhouse, with detailed information on potato, tomato, and cucumber cultivation techniques. Additionally, it explores other potential crops that can be grown in greenhouses, allowing you to explore diversification options for your business. Setting up and managing a greenhouse is a crucial aspect of horticulture business success, and this book provides comprehensive guidance on selecting the ideal greenhouse structure, designing an efficient layout, and implementing sustainable practices. It also covers essential topics such as equipment selection, creating an optimal growing environment, and managing pest and disease control. Furthermore, the book offers valuable insights into crop management techniques, including seed selection, soil preparation, irrigation, and pruning. It also provides guidance on determining the right time for harvest, postharvest handling, quality control, and packaging. To ensure the success of your greenhouse horticulture business, the book also covers marketing and sales strategies, financial planning and analysis, risk management, and sustainability practices. By following the practical advice and strategies outlined in this book, you will be well-equipped to establish and grow a thriving greenhouse horticulture business.

This book consists of 3 titles: Greenhouse: Greenhouse gardening offers numerous benefits beyond extending the growing season. It provides a controlled environment that protects plants from pests, diseases, and extreme weather conditions, creating an ideal microclimate for optimal growth. With precise control over temperature, humidity, and light levels, gardeners can cultivate a wide range of plants that might not thrive in their local climate otherwise. Greenhouses also allow for efficient use of space, enabling vertical gardening, hydroponic systems, and other innovative cultivation techniques. Additionally, greenhouse gardening promotes sustainability by reducing water consumption, minimizing the need for chemical pesticides, and enabling year-round production of fresh, locally grown produce. Horticulture: Horticulture encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including plant biology, genetics, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, and environmental science. It involves understanding the specific needs of different plant species, such as their preferred growing conditions, nutritional requirements, and pest and disease management strategies. Irrigation Systems: An irrigation system is a method used to supply water to crops or landscapes in a controlled manner, typically to assist with crop growth or maintain landscapes. There are various types of irrigation systems, including drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and flood irrigation, each with its own advantages and applications.

This book provides an integrated approach to crop growth and development and the technical aspects of greenhouse cultivation and climate management. It combines an analysis of the relationship between crop production and ambient climate with an explanation of the processes that determine the climate in a protected environment. With the ability to modify the environment comes the need for growers to strike a balance between the costs and benefits of technology. This book outlines the methods and gives several examples of how to make 'optimal' choices about technology. Sustainable management of shoot and root environment is discussed, as well as the pros and cons of vertical farming. The processes addressed in this book, like crop growth, energy balance and mass exchange, apply to any kind of greenhouse. Therefore, in spite of the word 'technology', this is not a book about high-tech greenhouses only. 'Greenhouse horticulture' is an easy-to-read textbook for all those interested in protected cultivation, from university students and teachers to professional advisers in the field and managers of horticultural companies.

Translation of the second ed.: Invernaderos de plaastico: tecnologaia y manejo.