Effect of additional mechanical ventilation on a tropical greenhouse microclimate for growing tomatoes | |
| Author | Indriasari, Rika Yuana |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.AE-05-05 |
| Subject(s) | Tomatoes Greenhouse plants |
| Note | A thesis proposal submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. AE-05-05 |
| Abstract | The aim of this study was to determine the distribution uniformity profiles of temperature, absolute humidity and airflow for a mechanically ventilated greenhouse microclimate under humid tropics and also to determine the effect of different number and placement of additional mechanical ventilation on crop growth, yield and fruit quality. The parameters studied in this experiment were one greenhouse control (without additional mechanical ventilation) and three greenhouses with additional mechanical ventilations, HAF and varying units of exhaust fans placed at different locations. The additional mechanical ventilations in three greenhouses with treatments helped maintain the temperature relatively stable around 32 °C during solar hours, while temperature in greenhouse control reached 37 °C. Greenhouse control exhibited the highest vertical (z) air temperature, horizontal-x air temperature, horizontal-y air temperature and water vapor under all stages of plant growth. Uniformity of air temperature and water vapor in greenhouses with treatment was higher than the control greenhouse. The peak temperature was reduced by additional mechanical ventilations. Soil temperature was also higher in control greenhouse than soil temperature in greenhouses with treatments. CO2 level in control greenhouse was the lowest. Control greenhouse exhibited the latest date of first beginning of anthesis and date of first beginning of fruit. Total crop yield and percentage of marketable yield in control greenhouse was the lowest. Greenhouse with two exhaust fans at the back wall and one HAF fan gave the highest total crop yield. Greenhouse with two exhaust fans at opposite locations and one HAF fan exhibited the highest percentage of marketable yield. Fruits in control greenhouse exhibited the lowest brix value, but the highest diameter and weight per fruit. |
| Year | 2005 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. AE-05-05 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Food Engineering (AE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Salokhe, Vilas M.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Jayasuriya, H.P.W.; Max, Johannes; Singh, Sahdev ; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT fellowship Protected Cultivation Project; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2005 |