Advantages and Disadvantages of Polyhouse Farming

advantages-and-disadvantages-of-polyhouse-farming
advantages-and-disadvantages-of-poly-house-farming

In this article, we are going to see the advantages and disadvantages of poly house farming

What is Polyhouse Farming?

Polyhouse is a house or structure made of translucent material like glass or polyethylene where plants are grown under controlled environmental conditions.

Advantages of poly-house farming

  • Protection against excess rain, wind current, scorching sunlight, and extremely cold conditions
  • Certain crops can be grown year-round in a particular location for a continuous supply
  • Polyhouse farming produces a uniform quality of crops
  • In poly-house farming, the production happens throughout the year
  • Protection against birds, animals, and human activities
  • In poly-house farming, productivity is 8 to 10 times higher than crops in open fields
  • Managing insect pests, diseases and weeds are easier under these structures
  • These structures are ideal for small farmers and unemployed youth in rural areas
  • Minimum required labor, water, and fertilizers are required in poly-house farming
  • Organic agriculture is easier under these structures
  • Any type of terrain, including unproductive soil, can be used for the construction of these structures.
  • Opportunity for precise irrigation and fertilization
  • Export-oriented production is possible under these structures

Disadvantages of polyhouse farming

  • Greater management is required during off-season months to ensure proper conditions are maintained
  • Poly-houses are more drought-resistant than buried gardens, but can quickly accumulate temperatures due to confined spaces
  • Building a poly-house will be more expensive in the initial setup compared to starting a garden in the ground.
  • Polyhouse costs a lot of money, not only to build but to maintain

See also:

Difference between monoculture and polyculture

Advantages and disadvantages of mulching

Intercropping – types and advantages