Solar greenhouse an option for renewable and sustainable farming

Greenhouses provide a suitable environment for the intensive production of various crops. They are designed to provide control as well as to maintain solar radiation, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels in the aerial environment. CO2 enrichment decreases the oxygen inhibition of photosynthesis and increases the net photosynthesis in plants. This is the basis for increased growth rates caused by CO2 at low as well as at high light levels. Elevated CO2 concentrations also increase the optimal temperature for growth. The maximum crop response depends on the level of the balanced environmental parameters. Off seasonal cultivation is quite possible in greenhouse and it improves economic conditions of farmers. This paper reviews the available worldwide thermal modeling for heating, cooling and ventilation technologies and experimental studies of agricultural greenhouses. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.