Developing and Demonstrating Low-Energy Climate Control and Production Techniques for Greenhouse-Grown Citrus and Ornamental Crops

摘要

The aim of this study was to develop and demonstrate low energy climate control and production techniques for greenhouse grown citrus and ornamental crops. Emphasis was placed on design, fuel efficiency and plant response to warm water soil heating systems using solar energy and LP gas. An energy requirement of 28Btus output per hour per square foot of bed space will provide soil temperature of 70 exp 0 F minimum when air temperatures are maintained at 60 exp 0 F. Soil heating to 70 exp 0 increased rooting and growth of 8 foliage plant varieties by 25 to 45% compared to plants grown under 60 exp 0 F air temperature conditions. Providing soil heating, however, increased fuel consumption in the central Florida test facilities by 30% in the winters of 1980-81 and 1981-82. Solar tie-in to soil heating systems has the potential of reducing fuel usage. Solar heated water provided 4 hours of soil heating following a good collection day. Decreased in-bed pipe spacing and increased storage capacity should increase the solar percentage to 6 hours. (ERA citation 08:057089)