Greenhouse Equipment and Supplies + Complete Guide

Greenhouses play a vital role in modern agriculture as controlled environments for growing plants. With the right equipment, ideal growing conditions can be provided for a variety of plants and agricultural production can be guaranteed throughout the year. In this article, we will examine the types of greenhouse equipment needed to set up and manage a greenhouse, focusing specifically on ventilation, heating, and cooling systems that play a key role in regulating the greenhouse environment.

Table of contents

• Greenhouse Structure and Cover
• Greenhouse Ventilation Equipment
• Greenhouse Heating Systems
• Greenhouse Cooling Systems
• Greenhouse Irrigation Systems
• Greenhouse Lighting Systems
• Smart Control Systems
• Alvand Industrial Group; To Equip Your Greenhouse

Greenhouse Structure and Cover

The greenhouse structure is the main skeleton of the structure, which provides a controlled environment for plant growth. The material of the structure is usually metal, wood, or plastic. Metal structures are the most popular option due to their high strength and long lifespan. Wooden structures also have a natural appearance but are more vulnerable to moisture. Plastic structures are lightweight and inexpensive, but less durable.

The greenhouse cover is the outer layer of the structure that protects the plants from environmental factors and directs sunlight into the greenhouse. Common covers include glass, polycarbonate, and nylon. Glass transmits light well, but is heavy and fragile. Polycarbonate is lighter, more impact-resistant, and better thermal insulation. Nylon is the cheapest option, but is less durable and vulnerable to UV rays.

Ventilation equipment in the greenhouse

Proper greenhouse ventilation is one of the key factors in achieving maximum yield and quality of agricultural products. A suitable greenhouse fan not only regulates the greenhouse temperature but also controls relative humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and uniform air distribution.

Why is ventilation important?

Temperature regulation: In hot seasons, ventilation prevents excessive temperature rise, while in cold seasons, it helps distribute the heat produced by the heating system evenly.
Humidity control: High humidity can lead to the spread of fungal and bacterial diseases. Ventilation reduces excess humidity by creating airflow.
Carbon dioxide supply: Carbon dioxide is essential for photosynthesis. Proper ventilation ensures the uniform distribution of carbon dioxide within the greenhouse.
Prevention of pollutant accumulation: Ventilation removes polluted air and allows fresh air to enter, preventing the buildup of harmful gases and contaminants.

Ventilation Fans

Ventilation fans are among the necessary equipment for greenhouses and are produced in various types, including axial and circular. The choice of greenhouse exhaust fan type depends on various factors such as greenhouse size, crop type, and weather conditions. Ventilation fans are produced with different capacities, and choosing the appropriate capacity requires precise calculations.

The Impact of Ventilation on Air Quality and Plant Growth

Proper ventilation improves air quality in the greenhouse, leading to better plant growth. Fresh air contains the oxygen needed for plant respiration and the carbon dioxide required for photosynthesis. Additionally, adequate ventilation prevents the buildup of pollutants and harmful gases, reducing the spread of diseases.

🔹 If you are a livestock farmer and want to take action to prevent losses caused by poor hygiene in animal housing, we highly recommend checking out the related article.

Greenhouse Heating Systems

Plants require optimal temperatures for proper growth and productivity. During cold seasons, the greenhouse environment cools down, which can hinder plant development. Therefore, using heating systems in greenhouses is of great importance.

Types of Greenhouse Heaters

There are several types of heaters used for warming greenhouses:

🔸 Greenhouse Furnaces: These jet heaters typically use fossil fuels like gas or diesel to directly transfer heat into the environment.

🔸 Radiant Heaters: These heaters warm objects inside the greenhouse by emitting infrared waves.

🔸 Cabinet Heaters: With an efficiency of around 90% and significant heating capacity, these heaters are the best option for greenhouse heating. Due to their specialized design, they distribute heat effectively and minimize energy loss.

Greenhouse Cooling Systems

During hot seasons, controlling the internal temperature of a greenhouse is crucial for maintaining plant health. Various cooling systems are designed for this purpose, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

🔸 Industrial Evaporative Coolers: These systems lower air temperature through water evaporation. Their benefits include low installation and maintenance costs. However, the high humidity they generate may not be suitable for certain plants, and their efficiency decreases in humid regions.

🔸 Misting Systems: These systems disperse ultra-fine water droplets into the air, which evaporate to cool the environment and increase relative humidity. They are highly effective for localized cooling and maintaining optimal humidity levels.

🔸 Industrial Ventilation Fans & Pad Systems: These systems consist of a wet cellulose pad and a fan. Warm air passes through the pad, cooling down in the process. They are ideal for medium to large greenhouses and offer high efficiency.

Choosing the best cooling system for a greenhouse depends on factors such as plant type, greenhouse size, regional climate conditions, and budget. For expert consultation, feel free to contact the Alvand Industrial Group.

Greenhouse Irrigation Systems

Proper irrigation is one of the most important factors in the success of greenhouse cultivation. The choice of irrigation system depends on various factors such as plant type, greenhouse size, and climatic conditions.

🔸 Drip Irrigation: In this method, water is delivered drop by drop directly to the plant roots. This system helps save water, reduces evaporation, and increases soil moisture around the roots.

🔸 Sprinkler Irrigation: In this method, water is sprayed as artificial rain over the plants. It is suitable for plants with shallow roots.

🔸 Misting Irrigation: In this system, water is dispersed as fine droplets in the air. It is ideal for increasing air humidity and cooling the greenhouse environment.

Greenhouse Lighting Systems

Light is a vital element for plant growth and plays an important role in photosynthesis. In greenhouses, especially during the cold seasons or in enclosed environments, providing adequate light for plants is crucial.

🔸 HID Lamps (High-Intensity Discharge): These lamps produce intense light and were widely used in the past. However, they consume a lot of energy and generate significant heat.

🔸 LED Lamps: LED lamps are more energy-efficient, have a longer lifespan, and produce less heat compared to HID lamps. Additionally, their light spectrum can be adjusted to meet the lighting needs of different plants.

Smart Control Systems

Modern greenhouses, by utilizing smart control systems, have become ideal environments for plant growth. These systems use precise sensors to continuously measure environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels. With the help of controllers, they automatically adjust heating, cooling, irrigation, and lighting systems. Greenhouse management software provides comprehensive data and allows for precise planning, helping farmers enhance the productivity and quality of their crops. In this way, smart greenhouses become environments where all environmental conditions are precisely controlled, and plant needs are met in the best possible way.

Conclusion

Choosing the right equipment for a greenhouse is the key to success in greenhouse farming. Given the diversity of plants and various climatic conditions, selecting the appropriate equipment is of utmost importance. Alvand Industrial Group, with its wide range of high-quality equipment, has taken an important step towards improving greenhouse productivity. The future of greenhouse farming, relying on modern technologies and the use of smart systems, is moving toward producing higher quality agricultural products year-round. Investing in modern equipment can lead to sustainable farming and increased production.

Alvand Industrial Group: For Your Greenhouse Equipment

With years of experience, Alvand Industrial Group is one of the leading manufacturers of heating and industrial ventilation equipment in Iran. The diverse range of products offered by this group, including jet heaters, industrial fans, ventilation systems, and poultry equipment, are of high quality and energy-efficient, meeting the needs of various industries, including agriculture, animal husbandry, and greenhouse farming. For more information on products and services, contact the experts at Alvand Industrial Group now and benefit from free consultations.