Abstract
The goal of this research was to compare and evaluate the measurements taken by different instruments regarding alterations while varying the ultraviolet (UV)-blocking property of cladding material during its usage under real greenhouse conditions. The UV-blocking covering material, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), is enriched with additives that are scattered in several layers during the manufacturing process, resulting in the reinforcement of its properties mechanically as well as optically. The duration of this study was three years, and the instruments used were: (a) sensors measuring the UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface in its A and B components; and (b) a portable spectroradiometer capable of measuring the transmissivity of a material, only in the UV-A region. Three covering materials were used with different UV radiation transmissivity. The transmittance was measured both in the laboratory (on samples taken from the roof) and in the field (where the greenhouses were located). Equations were defined to describe the variation in UV radiation transmission increase rate as a function of field exposure time. Lastly, it is important to note that the specific UV radiation sensors were extremely accurate.
Highlights
The use of ultraviolet (UV)-blocking material in greenhouse coverings leads to a decrease in pesticide usage in agricultural cultivation and production, which is one of the main goals of farming today
The results revealed that the UV-A radiation transmissivity in all tested claddings increased after their outdoor exposure (Figure 2)
From among the three covers, it appears that greenhouse UV-3% had the greatest increase in UV-A band. This part (UV-B) transmissivity (16.1% vs. 18.9% vs. 1.6%, for greenhouses UV-5%, UV-3% and UV-0%, respectively); this greenhouse (UV-0%) did not reach the high transmissivity level that the UV-3% greenhouse cover had for UV-B radiation when it was new (1.3% vs. 1.4%, Table 1)
Summary
The use of ultraviolet (UV)-blocking material in greenhouse coverings leads to a decrease in pesticide usage in agricultural cultivation and production, which is one of the main goals of farming today. Adopting this type of material leads to sustainability and the preservation of consumer health, as it is a green solution that changes the environment of a plant, making it uncomfortable for its enemies. Many scandals have been exposed and chemicals used in plant nutrition or pest control have been withdrawn after being characterized as dangerous for the health of humans and for the environment. Many research reports [1,2,3,4,5,6] have concluded that the use of UV-absorbing films leads to a decrease in insect populations and fungal diseases in greenhouses.
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