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