Agricultural practices that are in harmony with nature are more sustainable and energy efficient. If one recalls ancient civilizations, their traditional practices often involved working with the seasons and natural ecosystems. This meant using natural processes like rainwater for irrigation and crop rotation to maintain soil fertility, reducing the need for external inputs. They used approaches that heeded their surroundings through intercropping, compositing their agri-waste, and rotating their crops. Planting different crops together can improve nutrient uptake and reduce weed growth, naturally maintaining soil health. Rotating crops helps prevent soil depletion and the need for synthetic fertilizers. Using organic materials to create nutrient-rich compost for plants eliminates the need for commercial fertilizers.
While traditional methods thrived on low energy use, feeding vast populations in harsh climates requires modern solutions. Greenhouses offer climate control through AI-enabled smart sensors and aid us in producing food even in uninhabitable regions with sub-optimal conditions where in the past it was difficult to sustain any vegetation. Using greenhouse energy curtains, the efficiency of these units is improved to cast the magic spell and yield produce in cold and hot deserts where it is almost impossible to grow anything. Now far-flung places that depended on imports for general food, can grow their necessities locally. Everyone has access to fresh produce which is high in nutrient value in comparison to cold storage preserved food.
However, a greenhouse is efficient only when it can recycle its energy resources and consume less as a controlled unit. This is possible when a few parameters are taken care of as stated here:
Use Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains help in blocking heat from escaping and keep the place warm. The need to reheat the place to the optimum temperature in cold places is reduced when we use energy curtains. In case the greenhouse is in a hotter region, shade curtains can block out the heat, and through filtered sunlight, plants will grow to their full potential.
Insulate The Surroundings
Insulation will result in maintaining the temperature without heat or cold escaping through leaks or gaps. Any unsealed crevices in the panes can result in uneven heating or cooling of the greenhouse and hike the energy consumption without achieving the desired results. If the insulation is checked regularly, we can successfully maintain the climate at the right level without escalating energy bills.
Crop cycle
When crop rotation and intercropping practices are wielded, there is less dependence on water consumption and improved soil fertility. When the nutrient level of the substrate medium increases, there is less dependence on the application process of fertilizers. Every little step adds up in the magnanimity of a process and helps preserve non-renewable resources
Renewable Energy Resources
All the energy requirements can be met through solar and wind energy resources. Apart from being low cost in comparison to the overall maintenance of a dedicated transformer, there is zero- emission of unwanted CO2 in a greenhouse using solar or wind energy sources.
Conclusion:
Sustainable practices that reduce carbon emissions are a feat and should be worn as a badge. The produce when claimed to be grown through zero-waste methods will have more takers willing to pay extra to reward the efforts.
