“Modern Technologies for Protected Cultivation” is a comprehensive guide to the transformative potential of greenhouse technologies in modern agriculture. This book explores various aspects of protected cultivation, providing readers with insights into the principles, methodologies, and cutting-edge innovations driving this agricultural revolution. The book begins with an introduction to protected cultivation, laying the foundation by discussing the importance and benefits of controlled environment agriculture. It then delves into the intricacies of greenhouse structures and design principles, providing readers with essential knowledge on how to design and construct efficient greenhouse systems. Readers will discover insights into climate control systems in greenhouses, offering guidance on how to optimize environmental conditions to maximize crop yield and quality. Efficient water and nutrient management practices are discussed in detail, crucial for sustainable crop production. Various pest and disease management strategies tailored for greenhouse environments are explored, essential for protecting crops from harmful pathogens and pests. The book also showcases innovative techniques, such as vertical farming, demonstrating how growers can maximize space utilization and increase productivity in controlled environments. Soilless cultivation techniques, including hydroponic and aeroponic systems, are discussed, along with the cultivation of innovative crop varieties suited for protected environments. The importance of organic and sustainable practices in protected cultivation is highlighted, emphasizing environmental stewardship in modern agriculture. The book concludes by exploring the latest advancements in greenhouse automation and robotics, offering readers a glimpse into the future of automated farming practices. With contributions from leading experts in the field, the book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of protected cultivation and its potential to revolutionize the way we grow food. Whether you are a seasoned grower, agricultural researcher, or simply curious about the future of farming, this book offers invaluable insights into the technologies shaping the agricultural landscape of tomorrow.
Dr. Chitra Shukla, a distinguished expert in Land and Water Resource Engineering, holds a Ph.D. from IIT, Kharagpur and boasts over seven years of experience in academia. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor at the College of Agricultural Engineering, Ara, Bhojpur. Dr. Shukla’s outstanding research has garnered numerous accolades, including Best Paper Awards and prestigious travel grants. She has been invited to present her work at esteemed conferences across the United States, including notable appearances in New Orleans (2017), Washington D.C. (2018), and San Francisco (2019). With a robust academic foundation and extensive experience, Dr. Shukla is committed to advancing agricultural engineering through her research, teaching, and professional engagements.
Er. Abhishek Patel is a scientist under Land and Water Management Engineering section of ICAR- Central Arid Zone Research Institute, RRS-Bhuj, Gujarat. He is perusing his Doctoral Degree from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (CIAE Bhopal campus), Master’s research (M. Tech.) in Land and Water Resource Engineering from Department of Agricultural & Food Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal and B.Tech. (Agricultural Engineering) from Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra. His expertise includes remote sensing and GIS, hydrological modelling, water management, Artificial Intelligence, etc. He is currently dealing with grassland development and water management in arid ecosystems of India.
Dr. Amit Lohar, is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. He has been awarded Ph.D. degree in Floriculture and Landscaping from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal. He has qualified the ICAR NET in the discipline of Floriculture and landscaping. He has experience of 5 years in teaching and research field. He has attended many International, National seminars/conferences, workshop, Faculty/ Capacity development Programme and Training programmes. He has in his credit several research papers published in reputed journals of the country, book chapters and popular articles.
Dr. Santosh D.T. is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Agriculture and Bio-Engineering, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. He earned his Ph.D. in December 2019 from the Agricultural and Food Engineering Department at IIT, Kharagpur under the supervision of Professor K N Tiwari. He worked as a Research Associate at Precision Farming Development Centre, IIT, Kharagpur for a decade (2010-2020), which was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. His area of research is micro-irrigation, greenhouse technology, protected cultivation techniques, and hydroponics. He has a number of publications in National and International peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, he had four years of industrial experience as a marketing professional at TAFE Tractor, GEA Farm Technologies, and HDFC Bank.
1. Introduction to Protected Cultivation...............................................1
2. Greenhouse Structures and Design Principles...............................13
3. Climate Control Systems in Greenhouses ......................................33
4. Irrigation and Nutrient Management in Protected Cultivation...........................................................................................55
5. Pest and Disease Management Strategies in Greenhouses ..........75
6. Vertical Farming Techniques in Controlled Environments ........89
7. Hydroponic and Aeroponic Systems for Soilless Cultivation.........................................................................................105
8. Innovative Crop Varieties for Protected Cultivation .................125
9. Organic and Sustainable Practices in Protected Cultivation ........................................................................................141
10. Advancements in Greenhouse Automation and Robotics.........159
