Condensation in the greenhouse - how to get rid of the problem?
Condensation in the greenhouse or hothouse is one of those problems that can significantly reduce the yield and even cause plant disease.
After watering, the moisture from the soil is constantly evaporating due to the heat. The greenhouse film traps the heat, but the air outside is cooler. This causes condensation - water droplets - to form on the surface of the film from the inside.
Experienced gardeners and farmers know that this increased moisture harms plants and reduces yields. In our article, we will tell you how you can solve this problem.
How does condensation in the greenhouse harm plants?
First, the water droplets that cover the inside of the greenhouse film at night remain on the film even after sunrise. They can't evaporate because it's too humid inside the greenhouse, and the film is impermeable to water. Remaining on the surface of the film, the droplets prevent the sun rays from penetrating, focusing them. This leads to stunted growth of stems and leaves to delayed fruiting.
Secondly, although the greenhouse should provide a sufficiently warm and humid environment for plants, excessive moisture harms them and reduces fruits' yield and taste.
Thirdly, moisture is collected in large droplets, which under gravity fall on the plants, and they remain wet for a long time. This provokes the development of various diseases. For example, such as:
- Anthracnose. Affects most often cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, and grapes. It appears as brown and yellowish spots on plant stems and leaves. The disease also affects fruits, leading to their rotting. Sick plants must be removed and burned, but the anthracnose pathogen persists in the soil. If conditions favorable for its development remain in the greenhouse, the disease can destroy crops again in the future.
- Bacteriosis. Affects all cultivated plants. It causes yellow spots to form on the surface of leaves and fruits. They gradually cause the plant to rot and die. Proper watering regimen and maintaining optimum humidity are important conditions to prevent the disease.
- Brown spot disease (cladosporiosis, leaf mould). Affects strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It affects plant leaves, first causing yellow and brown spots, then wilting and desiccation. Photosynthesis is disrupted, and the plant does not receive enough nutrition.
These diseases are common in the middle belt of Russia. In a temperate climate with cool nights, the humidity level in greenhouses often becomes too high.
What to do?
There are several ways to combat this problem.1. Ventilation.
A window should be provided in the greenhouse or greenhouse for this purpose. Periodically it should be opened to reduce the level of humidity and then closed. The disadvantage of this method is that its effectiveness is not very high - condensation still appears at night due to temperature differences.
2. Double film.
One option is to stretch two layers of film in the greenhouse. This way, the condensation will stay between the layers. This method will help protect the plants from water droplets. However, the humidity level will still be high because the moisture will not evaporate, and ventilation will not solve the problem completely. Also, water droplets reduce the transparency of the film - as we said above, this reduces access to sunlight.
This material is manufactured with special additives that affect the surface tension of water. When water vapor condenses on the film, it does not collect in large water droplets but turns into a uniform water layer. As the water flows to the dome's edges, it goes into the soil without getting on the plants or staying on the film itself. Thus, the moisture level in the greenhouse does not increase to the limit.
At the same time, another significant effect is achieved. The film retains its transparency and ability to transmit sunlight. In the climate of the middle zone, where there are already not enough sunny days, the plants must get the maximum amount of heat and light.
It is still necessary to ventilate such greenhouses - it is a prerequisite for regulating temperature and humidity. It combines the two factors - ventilation and hydrophilic film - that give the best result on maintaining a microclimate for plants.
Where can I buy such a film?
NPF "SHAR" offers hydrophilic films:
- "Svetlitsa" film – high-strength, frost-resistant film resistant to cracking as well as to sunlight, wind and hail. It provides better illumination under the dome than conventional polyethylene. It lasts at least 7 years and has proven itself in small private farms and large agricultural complexes.
- "Neva Premium" film – durable, resistant to mechanical damage a. Lasts at least 5 years, does not require removal for the winter. A profitable and economical solution.
- Комментарии
