Evaluation of Microclimate for Cucumber Production under Polyhouse in Sangareddy District of Telangana

Abstract

Polyhouse is the most practical method of achieving the objectives of protected agriculture, where the natural environment is modified by using sound engineering principles to achieve optimum plant growth and yields. The main reason for applying micro climate control in polyhouse is to create optimal growing environment. Because of its complexity, excessive control in polyhouse can adversely affect the growing crops. Moreover, there is a need to develop an optimal ambiental control to approach these complicated objectives, including low emissions and reduced production cost. Microclimate of polyhouse is important for better plant growth and greater yield. Cucumber is a thermophilic and frost susceptible crop, growing best at a temperature above 20°C. Cucumber crop grows successfully under conditions of high light, high humidity, high soil moisture, temperature and fertilizers in polyhouse. A methodological approach of monitoring the microclimate persisted in the naturally ventilated polyhouse using the gadgets like Digital hygrometer, Lux meter etc., at three times a day i.e., 8.30 Am, 12.30 Pm and 4.30 Pm respectively. Air temperature variation in the polyhouse revealed the fact that the inside temperature (36.3℃) is less than compared to outside temperature (40.8℃) by lowering nearly 4℃ due to ample ventilation added to this, maintaining foggers in the polyhouse reduced the temperature further.