The glazing material that you choose will certainly depend on your location, but also your crops and what you are willing to invest in your operation. There are distinct differences between the several options available. It is important to keep in mind these variables will vary from operation to operation dependent on the aforementioned variables.
Let’s take a closer look at some of those variables.
Light – Plants grow optimally at 70 – 75% of available light. Heat stress occurs for plants just as it does for our bodies from over-exposure to the sun. To avoid this problem, glazing diffuses direct light. The amount of diffusion will vary from one material to the next. As light passes through the glazing and into the greenhouse it will fan out and bend around corners. This leaves fewer shadows. This is a good thing. Shadows do growers no good in the greenhouse. Plants in these conditions have been shown to 30% faster when all leaves are exposed to light, as opposed to just the upper canopy of the plant.
Longevity – The longevity of the various options is purposefully varied. If you’re growing in a temperate region with little seasonal variations you may be able to pull off a few seasons with just one installation of poly-film – double-layered is probably a better option if you’re going for longevity. If you’re in an area with frequent storms, strong winds, and heavy snow loads then you will require a durable material built to withstand these extremes. Warranties are vital to repairing broken glazing so keep that in mind when choosing a material for your operation.
Insulation – Thermal efficiency is the key to saving on energy costs. All of the materials have various sub-options to consider that will maximize energy efficiency. The goal is to retain heat in the cooler months and to help regulate over-heating during the warmer periods of the season.
---This article was taken from the Internet
