Estimation of Crop Optimal Parameter Ratio Index for Selection of Nearly Optimal Crop Mixes for Production under Protected Culture

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe optimal growing environment for various crops differs. Constructing separate protected culture facilities for different crops is not affordable for smallholder producers. Estimates of the crop optimal parameter ratio index are used to select nearly optimal multicrop mixes for production in a single protected culture facility. The crop subranking index of seven criteria of six crops was estimated by the ratio of the environment value for a protected culture facility with environmental criteria of: temperature (26°C), relative humidity (70%), air CO2 (360 mg·kg−1), light irradiance (22 W·m−2), 13 hours of daylight, growth medium pH 6.5, and plants spaced at 50 cm, in relation to the optimal environment values of the crops derived from secondary sources. The average crop suitability ranking was estimated by determining average crop subranking index values. The optimal value of the controlling parameters for Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), Pepper (Capsicum annum L.), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) were used to determine crop suitability rankings. A crop suitability ranking index equal and close to one for crops represents the best and second best crop, respectively, for growing in a protected culture facility with specific environmental design features. The crop suitability ranking index based on design environmental values for tomato, pepper, lettuce, strawberry, cucumber, and spinach were estimated to be 0.890, 0.848, 0.988, 0.720, 0.724, and 1.118, respectively. The crop with an index value one is best; in this case it would be lettuce whose index value (0.988) is closer to one. Tomato and pepper had nearly similar crop suitability indices and can be grown in the protected culture facility with the listed environmental criteria. The other crops would likely not do as well under the same criteria.