The classification of greenhouse is made according to its shape. The generic shapes include Flat Arch, Gable, Sawtooth, Raised Dome, Tunnel and Skillion. There other types include:
- Multi-span Structures
These greenhouses have a surface area that is smaller than a number of single span greenhouses of same production capacity. Such constructions help in less heat loss and are also energy saving. These structures are more robust and thus, suffer less damage during difficult weather conditions.
Some other types of structures are:
- Shade Houses
These structures are covered with woven or materials that allow sunlight, moisture and air circulation. The cover material for such structures is such that offers particular environmental modification like reduced light and protection from severe weather conditions. The height of varies, depending on the type of crop. This type of greenhouse technology in India is used in warmer regions.
- Screen Houses
These types of greenhouses are designed with insect screening material instead of glass or plastic. They too offer protection from bad weather conditions and are used in hot or tropical climates.
- Crop Top Structures
These greenhouses have a roof, but no walls. The roof may be made of glass, plastic, shade cloth or insect screening. These structures offer modifications of the growing environment like protection from rain or low light condition.
Classification of Greenhouse Technology
The basic fact of greenhouses is that higher technology structures help in controlling good growing condition. The below mentioned technologies of greenhouse are basically used for commercial greenhouses.
- Low technology greenhouses
These greenhouses have certain production and environment limitations. They are usually less than 3 meters in total height. Few of the most common types are ‘Tunnel Houses’ or ‘Igloos’. These structures do not have vertical walls and are note well ventilated. They are quite inexpensive and easy to erect.
- Medium technology greenhouses
These greenhouses are in the mid-way between cost and productivity. They are characterised by vertical walls with roof or side-wall ventilation systems. These structures are usually layered with single or double skin plastic or glass screens. The productions in such greenhouses are medium, but are quite efficient than field production.
- High technology greenhouses
These greenhouses offer supreme quality crop production and are majorly used by organisation. They also offer great environmental performance with contemporary laboratory furniture. The weather control systems in such structures are mostly automated and they offer brilliant opportunities of environment sustainability.
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