Flashcards on Controlled Environment Agriculture: Glasshouses and Polytunnels
Controlled Environment Agriculture: Glasshouses & Polytunnels
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Protected crop growing (glasshouses and polytunnels)
12 cards
Card 1
Question: Why are glasshouses and polytunnels used for growing crops?
Answer: They provide protection and an enclosed environment where the grower can control the climate to increase yields and enable early or out-of-season crop
Card 2
Question: Give examples of crops commonly grown in polytunnels commercially.
Answer: Strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, aubergines, lettuces and flowers.
Card 3
Question: How does the transparent cover of a glasshouse or polytunnel benefit crops?
Answer: It allows sunlight to pass through and traps heat (greenhouse effect), warming soil and plants and raising the internal temperature.
Card 4
Question: How can artificial lighting be used in protected crop growing?
Answer: To extend day length and sometimes boost light intensity, increasing photosynthesis and production.
Card 5
Question: What is the effect of raised temperature inside a polytunnel on plant growth?
Answer: Higher temperature increases the rate of enzyme reactions, including photosynthesis, which increases plant growth.
Card 6
Question: Why must ventilation or shading be used in a glasshouse or polytunnel?
Answer: To prevent temperatures rising too high, which could harm plants.
Card 7
Question: How does irrigation need to be managed in protected crop growing?
Answer: Crops must be irrigated with careful control because too little or too much water can reduce growth.
Card 8
Question: Why is controlling humidity important inside polytunnels?
Answer: High humidity can encourage spread of diseases caused by fungi and bacteria.
Card 9
Question: How does protection from wind benefit crops in polytunnels or glasshouses?
Answer: It reduces temperature drops and transpiration water loss, and protects plants from wind damage.
Card 10
Question: How do polytunnels help protect crops from frost?
Answer: They reduce exposure to frost, helping prevent ice crystal formation in cells that would cause cell bursting and damage sensitive crops.