Using liquid foam technology to improve greenhouse, plant microclimates

WASHINGTON - A team of Canadian researchers has developed a liquid foam technology to improve greenhouse climates by reducing solar heat radiation and temperatures during the hot summer season.

Results showed that the shading technology worked better than conventional shading curtains.

The innovative technology by Sunarc of Canada generates retractable liquid foam and distributes it between two layers of polyethylene film used as a greenhouse covering material.

The team recorded data on the greenhouse microclimate (global solar radiation, air temperature, and relative humidity), the canopy microclimate (leaf and bottom fruit temperatures), and ventilation (opening/closing).

“Under very sunny, very hot conditions, a difference of up to 6 Degrees C in air temperature was noted between the unshaded and shaded greenhouses as a result of liquid foam application at 40-65 percent shading,” said Kamal Aberkani.

Additional benefits of the technology included an increase of up to 12 percent in greenhouse relative humidity a decrease in the frequency of roof ventilation operation, and an increase in the length of time bottom fruit temperature remained cool after shading ended. (ANI)