Are Greenhouses More Sustainable?

Agriculture has always been a risky business, we all know that. But in recent years, dealing with so many natural and man-made parameters - from climate change to the effects of COVID 19 - has made us realise how important it is for food security to be able to grow food in a controlled environment.

To meet these growing challenges, commercial greenhouse projects are expanding rapidly.

The results speak for themselves: yields from commercial greenhouse projects have increased by 8-10 times compared to open-air growing. Growers can now produce crops all year round. Local markets supply fresh, local food. And the use of resources such as water and fertiliser has been reduced by 40%.

 Hydroponic Greenhouse

For investors, commercial greenhouse projects mean lower production costs, lower risk and higher returns, while also contributing to more sustainable agriculture and food security. Greenhouses showcase an exciting future.

Greenhouses complement the fact that drip irrigation takes a few steps forward in sustainability, further increasing yields with fewer resources. In fact, crops grown in greenhouses are 6 to 10 times more productive than those grown in the open. This means that for every square metre of land or cubic metre of water used in a greenhouse, yields are 6 to 10 times higher compared to growing in the open. These resource savings can even be achieved by recycling water and fertiliser. The roots of greenhouse hydroponic crops are relatively small, so 40% of the drainage water can be recycled. In addition, 40 to 50 per cent of the fertiliser can be reused.

Creating optimum growing conditions

Greenhouse projects can be found in all climatic zones, including hot, cold, mild and tropical climates. One of the greatest advantages of greenhouses is the ability to achieve optimum growing conditions. This is in contrast to open areas where there is no control over the climate. For example, in winter, when it is too cold to grow tomatoes outdoors, they can be grown in a greenhouse under warm conditions. And on hot summer days, when it is too hot or dry to grow outside, they can be humidified and grown in a greenhouse. The ability to control growing conditions also reduces the risks associated with sudden changes in weather conditions, adding security and predictability for growers.

 Nursery Greenhouses

Greenhouse crops require fewer pesticides

Growing in greenhouses or crop-protected houses with netting requires 50% fewer pesticides For this and other reasons, in various countries, e.g. USA/Canada/Germany/Netherlands/Japan, regulators have started to require growers of food crops, e.g. as vegetables, to use greenhouses or crop-protected houses.

A win-win solution

Today we are seeing more regulations requiring growers of greenhouses and crop-protected houses to follow specific growing protocols. All processes must be monitored, the crop must have the desired shape, size and flavour and the number of pesticides must be within the prescribed limits and must not be applied before harvest. On the other hand, greenhouses and crop protection houses provide security for the growers, i.e. they grow and supply a quality product according to market requirements. So it is a win-win situation for both parties.

Find the right greenhouse solution for you, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.