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AgriEngineering
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Environmental Control for Greenhouse Crops
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Environmental Control for Greenhouse Crops

A special issue of AgriEngineering (ISSN 2624-7402).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 March 2023) | Viewed by 33775

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Chrysoula Nikita-Martzopoulou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: greenhouse structures; livestock structures and equipment; environmental control of greenhouses and livestock buildings

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to “Environmental Control of Greenhouse Crops”. Greenhouse crops are one of the main development kingpins of primary production.

Glasshouses or plastic greenhouses have long been used worldwide to promote the growth of plants for the production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, especially during cold periods of the year. Climatic factors such as solar radiation, temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, and wind speed interact with the greenhouse structure and the crop to produce the greenhouse climate. Understanding these interactions is very important, such that they can be modified to provide as near to optimum conditions as possible for crop growth.

Energy balance equations are used to construct models which permit prediction of climatic conditions in a greenhouse from outside weather conditions given certain properties of the structure and crops.

Apart from the attention given to control of the aerial environment of greenhouse crops, it must be emphasised that soil environment is also of great importance. The main factors of soil environment, namely temperature, water status, nutrition, and soil volume, must all be at or near their optimum values if the full effects of an optimum aerial environment are to be achieved.

In a universal market, the greenhouse product should be of excellent quality in order to be competitive. In addition, innovative techniques should be applied to protect human health and the natural environment, which favours the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems.

The cost of heating and cooling, in order to create optimum conditions for both better quality and higher yields, are the major sources of production expenditures in terms of both initial investment and annual operational costs.

The cost of energy consumed during cold periods ranges from around 50% up to 80% of the total annual operational costs. This fact influences the price of products. Therefore, any effort to save energy is of great importance.

For this Special Issue, potential topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Environmental analysis
  2. Energy conservation
  3. Heating and cooling systems
  4. Supplementary and photoperiodic lighting
  5. Use of renewable energy sources to control the environment (heating and cooling)
  6. CO2 enrichment
  7. Ventilation (natural, fan ventilation)
  8. Computational fluid dynamics
  9. Covering materials

Prof. Dr. Chrysoula Nikita-Martzopoulou
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. AgriEngineering is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • passive or hybrid heating and cooling systems
  • energy conservation
  • earth to air heat exchangers
  • computational fluid dynamics
  • wind pressure coefficients
  • wind tunnel
  • ventilation
  • temperature
  • humidity
  • light
  • CO2 concentration
  • glass
  • plastic film

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 6642 KiB  
Article
Turbulence Models Studying the Airflow around a Greenhouse Based in a Wind Tunnel and Under Different Conditions
by Georgios Partheniotis, Sotirios D. Kalamaras, Anastasia G. Martzopoulou, Vasileios K. Firfiris and Vassilios P. Fragos
AgriEngineering 2022, 4(1), 216-230; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering4010016 - 25 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2679
Abstract
Turbulence phenomena created around a greenhouse due to different wind loads are key factors in its structural design and significantly affect the ventilation rates through its side and roof openings. Using the turbulence models of ANSYS FLUENT software to investigate the airflow around [...] Read more.
Turbulence phenomena created around a greenhouse due to different wind loads are key factors in its structural design and significantly affect the ventilation rates through its side and roof openings. Using the turbulence models of ANSYS FLUENT software to investigate the airflow around an arched-roof-greenhouse-shaped obstacle placed inside a wind tunnel was the aim of this study. Velocity and pressure areas around the obstacle were examined by selecting three different turbulence models (Standard, RNG and Realizable k–ε models) under three different airflow entry velocities (0.34, 1.00 and 10.00 m s−1) in the wind tunnel. All k–ε models showed that when the air velocity was intensified, the airflow was identified as turbulent. The horizontal velocity profile predicted more accurately the presence of vortices in contrast with the vector sum of the perpendicular velocity components. Vortices were formed upstream, above the roof and downstream of the obstacle, and the applied models showed that when airflow velocity increases, the size of the upstream vortex decreases. Finally, there was a strong indication from the modeling results that the vortex on the roof of the obstacle was an extension of the vortex that was created downstream. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Control for Greenhouse Crops)
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17 pages, 1686 KiB  
Article
Improvement of the Performance of an Earth to Air Heat Exchanger for Greenhouse Cooling by the Incorporation of Water Finned Tubes—A Theoretical Approach
by Vasileios K. Firfiris, Sotirios D. Kalamaras, Anastasia G. Martzopoulou, Vassilios P. Fragos and Thomas A. Kotsopoulos
AgriEngineering 2022, 4(1), 190-206; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering4010014 - 24 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3429
Abstract
Proper climatic conditions in greenhouses are one of the major parameters to ensure optimum crop development. The installation of heating and cooling systems are the common solution to form a proper microclimate inside the greenhouse. However, the operation of these systems is accompanied [...] Read more.
Proper climatic conditions in greenhouses are one of the major parameters to ensure optimum crop development. The installation of heating and cooling systems are the common solution to form a proper microclimate inside the greenhouse. However, the operation of these systems is accompanied by energy consumption. Therefore, many methods and alternative systems are sought to encounter this issue. A system which has been examined as an alternative solution for full or partial cover of a greenhouse is the Earth to Air Heat Exchanger (EAHE). Up to now, many research works have concentrated on the investigation and operation of such systems. In this study, a method to enhance the efficiency of the EAHE is examined based on the simultaneous flow of water (Water assisted earth to air heat exchanger—WAEAHE) following the concept of a double pipe heat exchanger which has been widely used in other applications. Furthermore, the improvement of the systems’ efficiency is investigated via the application of fins on the internal pipe of the heat exchanger. For the purpose of the study, different case studies have been investigated in order to reach safe results conserving the parameters affecting its efficiency. The results of the theoretical analysis have shown that the application of an internal water pipe can increase the system’s efficiency sufficiently, while it is further increased with the application of fins. In fact, the application of fins can lead to an increase of the overall heat transfer coefficients varying from 36–68%. In the current study, only the energy efficiency of the system was estimated. This system needs to be further investigated to be technically and financially efficient and applicable in actual case studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Control for Greenhouse Crops)
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18 pages, 7488 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Climatic Parameters on Strawberry Production in a Small Walk-In Greenhouse
by Napassawan Khammayom, Naoki Maruyama and Chatchawan Chaichana
AgriEngineering 2022, 4(1), 104-121; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering4010007 - 3 Feb 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 10367
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of different environmental factors such as temperature, solar radiation, and relative humidity on the quality of strawberries in terms of their shape, size, and sugar accumulation. The experiment was carried out in a [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of different environmental factors such as temperature, solar radiation, and relative humidity on the quality of strawberries in terms of their shape, size, and sugar accumulation. The experiment was carried out in a small walk-in greenhouse in Matsusaka city, Japan. Harunoka strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) were cultivated from September to May of the following year. Production was evaluated on 20 February 2021 (peak season) and 5 April 2021 (end season). To evaluate the influence of environmental factors on strawberry fruit quality, the weight, shape, and soluble sugar content were recorded and compared to each other. According to the environmental data, the average temperature between day and night at peak harvest was around 12 °C, which was suitable for high-quality strawberry cultivation. However, the average temperature difference between day and night was approximately 4 °C at the end of the season. In addition, there were no significant differences in solar radiation and relative humidity between both seasons. Increasing temperatures led to the decline in the soluble sugar content at the end season. Thus, it can be concluded that the temperature difference between day and night is a major factor affecting strawberry production. The assessment of the impact of environmental conditions on strawberry quality can be used as a guideline not only in temperate climates, but also in other climates, such as in tropical countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Control for Greenhouse Crops)
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Review

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17 pages, 2040 KiB  
Review
Application of Internet of Things (IoT) for Optimized Greenhouse Environments
by Chrysanthos Maraveas and Thomas Bartzanas
AgriEngineering 2021, 3(4), 954-970; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering3040060 - 29 Nov 2021
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 11103
Abstract
This review presents the state-of-the-art research on IoT systems for optimized greenhouse environments. The data were analyzed using descriptive and statistical methods to infer relationships between the Internet of Things (IoT), emerging technologies, precision agriculture, agriculture 4.0, and improvements in commercial farming. The [...] Read more.
This review presents the state-of-the-art research on IoT systems for optimized greenhouse environments. The data were analyzed using descriptive and statistical methods to infer relationships between the Internet of Things (IoT), emerging technologies, precision agriculture, agriculture 4.0, and improvements in commercial farming. The discussion is situated in the broader context of IoT in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and global warming in agriculture through the optimization of critical parameters such as temperature and humidity, intelligent data acquisition, rule-based control, and resolving the barriers to the commercial adoption of IoT systems in agriculture. The recent unexpected and severe weather events have contributed to low agricultural yields and losses; this is a challenge that can be resolved through technology-mediated precision agriculture. Advances in technology have over time contributed to the development of sensors for frost prevention, remote crop monitoring, fire hazard prevention, precise control of nutrients in soilless greenhouse cultivation, power autonomy through the use of solar energy, and intelligent feeding, shading, and lighting control to improve yields and reduce operational costs. However, particular challenges abound, including the limited uptake of smart technologies in commercial agriculture, price, and accuracy of the sensors. The barriers and challenges should help guide future Research & Development projects and commercial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Control for Greenhouse Crops)
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Other

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7 pages, 1688 KiB  
Technical Note
A Hydraulic Evapotranspiration Multisensor
by Dedalos Kypris, Georgios Nikolaou, Eustathios Evangellides and Damianos Neocleous
AgriEngineering 2022, 4(4), 1164-1170; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering4040072 - 21 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2279
Abstract
An exclusively mechanical stand-alone automatic device, self-adjusting to weather changes for controlled irrigation, that operates only on the energy of piped water, without electricity, is the described low-cost “Hydraulic Evapotranspiration Multisensor-HEM”. It is composed of an Evaporation Pan with water left to evaporate, [...] Read more.
An exclusively mechanical stand-alone automatic device, self-adjusting to weather changes for controlled irrigation, that operates only on the energy of piped water, without electricity, is the described low-cost “Hydraulic Evapotranspiration Multisensor-HEM”. It is composed of an Evaporation Pan with water left to evaporate, a Floater with a Magnet floating in this water, a Hydraulic Device managing a Hydraulic Water Valve having means to adjust irrigation frequency, and a system that returns water to said Pan, through an Adjustable Dripper, to replace that lost by evaporation. During the Evaporation Phase, gradually the water level is lowered to a predetermined level, at which the floating Magnet acts on said Hydraulic Device to start irrigation. Water from the irrigation line is returned to the Evaporation Pan at the proper for the irrigation time rate. When the lost water is replaced irrigation is terminated and the system resets. On installation Irrigation Frequency and Irrigation Time are set with two graduated screws, for normal weather and the conditions of the particular plantation. HEM responding to weather changes modifies the irrigation schedule set, either by shortening, at a high evaporation rate, the time interval between consecutive irrigation cycles to protect plantations from water deficit stress or extending this time interval at a low evaporation rate to save water. Assessing the performance of HEM, by taking the estimations of evapotranspiration from the Penman–Monteith method shows high accuracy in the studied site. Considering the advantages of the product against the programmable irrigation controller devices, HEM provides optimum irrigation control in field crops and makes it a powerful “green tool” to be used in Mediterranean greenhouses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Control for Greenhouse Crops)
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8 pages, 1242 KiB  
Technical Note
Reduction in Blockage Property of UV-Blocking Greenhouse Covering Material: In Situ and Lab Measurement Comparison
by Chryssoula Papaioannou, Nikolaos Katsoulas and Evangelini Kitta
AgriEngineering 2022, 4(1), 171-178; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering4010012 - 21 Feb 2022
Viewed by 2524
Abstract
The goal of this research was to compare and evaluate the measurements taken by different instruments regarding alterations while varying the ultraviolet (UV)-blocking property of cladding material during its usage under real greenhouse conditions. The UV-blocking covering material, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), is enriched [...] Read more.
The goal of this research was to compare and evaluate the measurements taken by different instruments regarding alterations while varying the ultraviolet (UV)-blocking property of cladding material during its usage under real greenhouse conditions. The UV-blocking covering material, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), is enriched with additives that are scattered in several layers during the manufacturing process, resulting in the reinforcement of its properties mechanically as well as optically. The duration of this study was three years, and the instruments used were: (a) sensors measuring the UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface in its A and B components; and (b) a portable spectroradiometer capable of measuring the transmissivity of a material, only in the UV-A region. Three covering materials were used with different UV radiation transmissivity. The transmittance was measured both in the laboratory (on samples taken from the roof) and in the field (where the greenhouses were located). Equations were defined to describe the variation in UV radiation transmission increase rate as a function of field exposure time. Lastly, it is important to note that the specific UV radiation sensors were extremely accurate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Control for Greenhouse Crops)
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