Considering the significant investment that goes into setting up a greenhouse, every grower needs to understand the problems they are likely to face when running this project. It will be even better if the greenhouse owner understands exactly how to fix these problems.
A greenhouse project is a sensitive one. A grower must anticipate and prepare for the challenges that are not only within their control, but also those caused by nature.
Greenhouse Troubleshooting Problems
Greenhouses are popular due to their unique abilities to supplement light and warm—the two major necessities for plant growth. Ornamental flowers and tomatoes thrive in greenhouse set ups since their conditions for growth are easily controllable inside a greenhouse.
However, a controlled growth environment calls for extra measures for proper growth monitoring. Most greenhouse problems are dire because they tamper with this growth environment, as we will learn in this article.
Air Filtration
It would be incorrect to categorize greenhouses as sealed environments. Instead, greenhouses are forced air pressure environments fitted with air filtration and sterilization capabilities during intake and exhausting of air. Filtration and sterilization of air is done for pest and disease prevention while proper ventilation is for Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) control.
The major problem affecting air filtration is air filters clogging, leading to less airflow. In order to determine whether the airflow is optimal, greenhouse operators use wind speed sensors. Luckily, modern automated ventilation systems are fitted with sensors that alerts the greenhouse owner when it’s time interchange the filters.
To avoid this problem, air filters should always be inspected regularly to determine those that need replacement. Do not blindly rely on the manufacturer’s recommendations on when to change your filters.
Greenhouse Temperature Swings
The year 2020 saw some states experiencing record-high temperatures. California state, for instance, recorded an astonishing 130 degrees.
How, then, would you regulate your greenhouse’s heat during such high temperature periods?
One of the best ways to attain to control extremely hot environmental conditions is by use of either a shade cloth or greenhouse whitewash.
A whitewash coats the greenhouse glass with at least one non-permanent, washable paint. If you are using an automated glass cleaning machines, you just need to fill the system with whitewash rather a cleaning solution.
Whereas whitewashing aims at reducing the radiant temperatures, it also regulates the amount of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) light getting into contact with the plant. If the light passing through drop below your targeted levels, you might have to wash off the paint and replace it with a more diluted paint mix.
During colder climates, you have to use a heating system. A heating system is likely at fault when you have inspected all the leaks and gaps yet you are still experiencing cold spots.
The best time to thoroughly inspect and fix the heating systems is during early spring. Ensure that all the heating equipment and thermostats are in perfect condition when entering the winter season.
Mold and Pest Problems
Pythium and other vector diseases can be easily transmitted by either contaminated water or irrigation equipment. For any grower experiencing pythium problems continuously, it is recommended that they decontaminate the entire watering problem (including lines and water tank).
When mixed with water, hydrogen peroxide is a great disinfectant.
All water tank disinfections should be scheduled after watering cycle to ensure that the tanks are empty. In that case, the grower should fill 20% of the water tank with the concentrated solution.
If the problem persists even after watering system sanitization, it might be the time for deep-cleaning the warehouse.
Crops Drying Out
If your crops are consistently dehydrating, you need to inspect all electronic controls that are responsible for watering timing and cycles.
Every grower should be proactive about scanning for potential problems likely to affect the greenhouse. With that in mind, develop some SOPs that guides your team on the right way to handle different scenarios.
Conclusion
Greenhouse success in not only determined by the environmental factors surrounding it, but also by how well the greenhouse owners prepare for the unexpected challenges. Preparing for the above problems will keep you a step ahead even as you prepare for that bumper harvest.
