Date of Award

2013

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.Sc.

Department

Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering

Keywords

plant root heating system, root zone temperature, greenhouse

Supervisor

R. Barron

Supervisor

R. Balachandar

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

Tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are common greenhouse crops in Canada. In order to extend the growing season and reduce energy costs, a plant root heating system has been considered in this thesis. Although there is evidence to support the argument that root zone temperature has a significant effect on energy conservation, seed germination and plant growth, information regarding the temperature distribution in the root zone and the causal relationship between root zone temperature, energy savings and fruit yield in a commercial greenhouse is still scarce. This thesis describes a greenhouse experiment utilizing heated water flow through a rectangular plastic duct system to control the root zone temperature and studies the effect of root zone temperature on yield and energy demand. The research also examines the relationship between the desired root zone temperature, the ambient temperature of the greenhouse and the required temperature of the water flowing through the duct system.

Share

COinS