Greenhouse technology involves creating controlled environments for optimal plant growth using transparent structures to trap solar radiation. It has been adopted globally for year-round cultivation, protection from adverse weather, and improved crop quality. Different types of greenhouses, including glass, plastic, and hydroponic, exist to cater to various agricultural needs and environments.

1. Protected Cultivation

2. Introduction of Greenhouse
Technology
Greenhouse technology is the practice of using
controlled environmental conditions to create an
optimal growing environment for plants.
It involves the use of structures, usually made of
transparent materials like glass or plastic, to trap
solar radiation and maintain a controlled climate.
Greenhouses allow for around year cultivation of
plants, protection from adverse weather
conditions, and the ability to optimize growth
factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and
carbon dioxide levels.

3.  Protected cultivation on commercial scale is
undertaken in over 50 countries acrossthe globe.
 First modern greenhouses were built in Italy in the
thirteenth century.
 In India, green house technology started
in 1980 and initially it wasusedfor researchonly.
 In India, first polyhouse was designed and set up in
1985 at Leh(J&K).
 In India , Maharashtra is covered major area of green
house.

4. Protected Cultivation:
A technique wherein the microclimate
around the plant is controlled fully, partially or
modified to protect the crop from adverse
weather.
Protected cultivation ensures:
Conservation of soil moisture
Efficient use of energymainly solar

5. PresentScenario
Country ha (‘000)
China 81.0
Spain 70.4
South Korea 47.0
Japan 36.0
Turkey 25.0
India 25.0
Italy 16.5

6. Needof ProtectedCultivation
 Higher yield
 Year around cultivation
 Better quality
 Off-season production
 Assured production
 Generate self employment for the educated
rural youth in the farm sector

7.  Least pesticide residues
 Controlled pollination
 Vagaries of weather
 Easier plant protection
 Weed free cultivation

8. Types of Greenhouses
 Traditional or Glass Greenhouses: These greenhouses have transparent
glass walls and roofs, providing excellent light transmission. They are often
permanent structures and require a solid foundation.
 Plastic Film Greenhouses: These greenhouses use polyethene or other
types of plastic film as the covering material. They are more affordable and
easier to construct than glass greenhouses. Plastic film greenhouses are
commonly used in commercial agriculture.
 Shade Houses: These greenhouses are designed to provide shade and
protect plants from excessive sunlight. They have a shading material,
typically made of woven fabric or netting, to reduce light intensity and
prevent plant stress.
 Lean-to-Greenhouses: Lean-to-greenhouses are attached to an existing
structure, such as a wall or building. They rely on the support of the main
structure and have one side closed, utilizing the existing wall for insulation.

9. • Shade Houses: These greenhouses are designed to
provide shade and protect plants from excessive
sunlight. They have a shading material, typically made
of woven fabric or netting, to reduce light intensity and
prevent plant stress.
• Lean-to-Greenhouses: Lean-to-greenhouses are
attached to an existing structure, such as a wall or
building. They rely on the support of the main structure
and have one side closed, utilizing the existing wall for
insulation.
• Hydroponic Greenhouses: These greenhouses are
specifically designed for hydroponic cultivation, where
plants are grown in nutrient-rich water without soil.
• They incorporate systems for water circulation, nutrient
delivery, and plant support.

11. Plant Response to Greenhouse
Environment
• Greenhouse environments can be manipulated to provide optimal conditions for
plant growth and productivity. Some key factors that influence plant response
in a greenhouse include:
• Temperature: Greenhouses allow control over temperature, ensuring
favourable conditions for plant growth. Different plants have specific
temperature requirements during various stages of growth.
• Light: Greenhouses can manipulate natural sunlight and supplement it with
artificial lighting to provide the necessary light intensity and duration for plant
growth. Light affects plant photosynthesis, flowering, and fruiting.
• Humidity: Greenhouse humidity levels can be adjusted to meet plant
requirements. High humidity reduces water loss through transpiration, but
excessive humidity can lead to disease development.