Effect of Architectural Design of Greenhouse on Solar Radiation Interception and Crops Growth Conditions

Optimal crops growth occurred when suitable environmental conditions are available. Thus, cropsʹ growing is limited to some special growing seasons. However, it is possible to grow crops out of their growing seasons if they prepared with sufficient solar radiation, optimum temperature and air which are essential for photosynthesis. Greenhouses are designed for this purpose. Greenhouses used in agriculture are based on a scientific principle called "greenhouse effect" in which solar radiations with low wavelength pass though the cover of greenhouse, but they can not pass through when radiated back. There are some factors which affect the greenhouse efficiency for producing suitable environmental conditions including architectural design, materials and the position of the greenhouse. Thus, a greenhouse should be located where it avoids shading and gets maximum sunlight. The importance of architectural design of greenhouse for achieving optimal environmental condition for crops growth can be showed by the great glass house at the national botanic garden of Wales in which not only suitable crowing conditions are available for crops but also it minimizes negative effects of environmental factors. Materials which are used for greenhouse can affect light interception by crops and clearly it should be in its maximum level as can be seen in ETFE material.