Greenhouses and greenhouses are designed to create optimal conditions for the growth of agricultural plants. At the same time, there are basic designs that allow you to grow vegetables and herbs in a certain seasonal time, and there are multifunctional complexes in which you can conduct year-round farming without regard to current climatic conditions. These mainly include farm greenhouses, the manufacture of which is carried out using modern building materials. For example, the introduction of polycarbonate as a basis for covering the frameworks of such structures became revolutionary in some way.
Varieties of greenhouses
The main sign of the separation of greenhouses is considered structural design. The simplest versions are performed as single-piled frames with earthen filling. At a cost, these are the most affordable farm greenhouses, but they also provide minimal plant production opportunities. A gable structure with a full roof formed by greenhouse frames is considered traditional. In large farms, gable greenhouses with capital walls are also used.
Structures are also divided according to the type of organization of the internal space. In particular, rack and rackless versions are distinguished. In the first case, farm greenhouses allow you to grow crops on shelves equipped with comfortable sides. The second version is simpler in terms of structural performance and cheaper, but it involves cultivation on the ground.
Advantages of Polycarbonate Greenhouses
Polycarbonate is a relatively new building material and its use is widespread in agriculture. This was facilitated by a unique combination of technical and operational qualities of this plastic. In particular, it is characterized by high strength, warming function and at the same time provides light transmission, eliminating harmful radiation. In addition, a disassembled polycarbonate farm greenhouse does not cause transportation problems. Material in terms of durability and reliability corresponds to light metals, but at the same time differs in a modest mass. In addition, when installing with your own hands, it will allow you to cut without a special tool. But there are also negative qualities of polycarbonate. It refers to synthetic materials, which excludes environmental safety. Producers seek to minimize the likelihood of harmful effects on plants, which, however, is already minimal.
Film greenhouses - what are the features?
In essence, this is a lightweight version of polycarbonate and classic glass greenhouses and greenhouses. The basis of this design is a metal frame, which is subsequently covered with a film material. Among the advantages of such a solution, resistance to biological negative processes, water resistance and an affordable price are distinguished. It was the latter factor that determined the popularity that the farm greenhouses received under the film on a metal frame basis. True, low cost is rarely combined with high quality material - the film coating, even in the best reinforced versions, can not be compared with the same polycarbonate in terms of strength. Even the light transmittance of such coatings decreases over time. In addition, according to experienced summer residents, the film has to be changed every 2-3 years.
Additional equipment
The creation of favorable conditions for crop growth is facilitated not only by the basic materials of the design of the greenhouse. Supplying facilities with additional equipment also improves the microclimate. For example, the introduction of ventilation systems cleans the air, and shutter systems, if necessary, will minimize exposure to harmful sunlight. Also, modern farm greenhouses are optionally equipped with multi-circuit heating systems. In advanced configurations, the user gets the opportunity to distribute coolant nodes in accordance with the needs of a particular greenhouse. Designers do not forget about irrigation systems. The automatic pumping equipment is programmed and reproduces sprinkling with drip irrigation also according to the requirements of plant care.
How to make a greenhouse with your own hands
The frame in most cases comes in the form of a ready-to-assemble package consisting of frame metal elements. It only needs to be mounted using the fasteners provided. The most responsible stage of the construction of the greenhouse is the installation of the foundation. A structure is installed on a concrete base, which can be columnar or tape. For massive structures in special trenches, concrete is poured. Then the power rods, on which the farm greenhouse will stand, deepen into the solution. With your own hands, you can implement the coating of the structure. Again, the choice of materials is quite wide - from polycarbonate and glass to film. The simplest option, from the point of view of laying, is film coatings, which are fixed with special fasteners to the joints of the frame elements.
How much are greenhouses?
One of the main differences between farm greenhouses and ordinary country greenhouses is the size. They determine the high cost of structures. So, the base frame with a length of 5 m, a width of 2 m and a height of 2 m can cost about 50-60 thousand rubles. Such parameters are considered initial for this category of agricultural objects. The average size assumes 1053 m. In this design, the kit already costs 100-150 thousand. The specific figure also depends on the additional equipment that the farm greenhouses are provided with. The price with heating, ventilation and an automatic lighting system, for example, can be up to 200 thousand.
Conclusion
Arrangement of a modern greenhouse economy requires serious investments. Even with self-assembly, you should not expect serious savings, since in the future it may require equipment costs to regulate the microclimate. Nevertheless, a properly installed and well-equipped farm greenhouse, the average price of which is 150-200 thousand, will pay off quite quickly. Structures of this type are rarely acquired to meet their own needs for agricultural products. Basically, they are considered as the best option for starting a small business on an individual production base.