Energy efficiency of the tomato and lettuce greenhouse production systems

Abstract

In this paper the influence of greenhouse construction type on energy efficiency of tomato and lettuce production was analysed. Influence of greenhouse construction on energy consumption was estimated for four different double plastic covered greenhouses. Specific energy input, energy output-input ratio and energy productivity were estimated in the tomato and lettuce production. Results show that there are differences in energy efficiency regarding the production as well as regarding the type of construction. The average energy input in greenhouse tomato production was 24.13 MJ m(-2) while in lettuce it was 3.19 MJ m(-2). Results also showed that the type of greenhouse construction has a significant influence on the energy efficiency of the greenhouse tomato and lettuce production. Greenhouses with the higher specific volume, in both cases had the higher energy output, higher energy efficiency, higher energy ratios and higher energy productivity.