Cover materials excluding near infrared radiation: effect on greenhouse climate and plant processes

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperAcademicpeer-review

    23 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Only about half of the energy that enters a greenhouse as sun radiation is in the wavelength range that is useful for photosynthesis (PAR, Photosynthetically Active Radiation). Nearly all the remaining energy fraction is in the Near InfraRed range (NIR) and warms the greenhouse and crop and does contribute to transpiration, none of which is necessarily always desirable. Materials or additives for greenhouse covers that reflect or absorb a part of the NIR radiation have recently become commercially available. Besides lowering greenhouse temperature (which is the primary aim), a NIR-excluding cover has quite a few side-effects, that may become relevant in the passive or semi-passive greenhouses typical of high-energy climates. For instance, the ratio of assimilation to transpiration (the water use efficiency) should increase. By lowering the ventilation requirement, such a cover may hinder in-flow of carbon dioxide, thereby limiting the photosynthesis rate. A previous desk study has shown that in cooler climates such as The Netherlands, a permanent NIR filter may increase year-round energy requirement up to 10%. In this work we present the first results of a rose crop glasshouse experiment with an internal movable, NIR-reflecting screen. We analyse the effect on greenhouse temperature, carbon dioxide management and humidity and on crop transpiration. We then discuss the most appropriate application of a NIR-selective filter, in view of the prevailing climate and the available ambient management option.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationInternational Workshop on Greenhouse Environmental Control and Crop Production in Semi-Arid Regions
    Place of PublicationLeuven
    PublisherISHS
    Pages477-482
    Volume797
    ISBN (Print)9789066055810
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008
    EventInternational Workshop on Greenhouse Environmental Control and Crop Production in Semi-Arid Regions -
    Duration: 20 Oct 200824 Oct 2008

    Workshop

    WorkshopInternational Workshop on Greenhouse Environmental Control and Crop Production in Semi-Arid Regions
    Period20/10/0824/10/08

    Keywords

    • Greenhouse temperature
    • Light management
    • NIR filter
    • Water use efficiency

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Cover materials excluding near infrared radiation: effect on greenhouse climate and plant processes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this