Climate change disrupts weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe droughts, floods, heatwaves, and wildfires. Populations living below the average poverty line are most affected as they live in makeshift and run-down houses that cannot support their survival and daily existence during weather calamities. These events wreak havoc on agricultural production, displacing people and destroying livelihoods. A warmer planet means more evaporation, leading to drier soils and increased stress on crops. Even minor changes in average temperatures can significantly reduce yields. More people means more demand for food and resources. This demand is placed on an already strained agricultural system, making it even more vulnerable to climate shocks.
The understanding of climate change and its consequences was much lower a few decades ago. We did not think that if there was a problem that would impact us directly and unabashedly we continued causing more damage to the planet in the form of mindless consumption and discarding of non-biodegradable plastic and chemical waste. Now, we have the science to understand the problem and the responsibility to take action. In this regard, anyone who wants to manage a custom built greenhouse can learn about how their skills can offset the carbon footprint and help in sustainable development while feeding the people nutrient- laden freshly grown organic food.
Climate change has been occurring for a long time, but its pace has been accelerating in recent decades. In the past, the changes were slow enough for both people and ecosystems to adapt somewhat, but now they are happening at a rate that surpasses our ability to cope. The primary cause of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution. In the past, the level of greenhouse gas emissions was much lower. If you’ve ever heard your grandparents talk about clean streams and unpolluted cities, they are referring to a time that was familiar to them, before the industrial revolution. However, if we don’t take action to reverse the damage, the consequences will be far worse, and future generations will hold us responsible.
Conservation efforts and novel farming techniques can combat climate change’s negative impacts on food security. Protecting ecosystems ensures biodiversity and promotes natural pest control. Greenhouse agriculture shields crops from extreme weather, while vertical farming maximizes yields in urban areas. Food forests mimic natural ecosystems, creating sustainable and productive growing environments. Permaculture emphasizes long-term planning and integration of various plants and animals, fostering self-sufficient and resilient agricultural systems. These approaches can increase food production, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and build stronger food systems overall.
Greenhouse Management: Everything You Need To Know
Ever dreamed of having fresh mangoes in December or nurturing exotic herbs year-round? Greenhouses make it possible! But before you dive into this world of controlled cultivation, here’s a beginner’s guide to keeping your greenhouse thriving:
- Automated Vs Manual
Automated does everything you intend to do manually using precision tools and robotic machines. If you are a hobby gardener, you can opt for a manually operated greenhouse where you can arrange the spot for your plants, water them, feed fertilizers, and harvest when it’s bounty time. For all other commercial purposes, AI-enabled smart sensors can be used at every stage of the greenhouses. All the manual operations can be carried by machines and that too without a person looking out for anything. If it gets too hot, the shades are automatically drawn up, sprinklers are switched on for even spraying, and heavy duty fans rotate their blades till the place cools down.
Sensors will also detect plant health and forewarn about diseases at an early stage using spectral cameras that are mounted on drones that zip across the facility. As the problem is nipped in the budding stage, it does not spread and there is no excessive spraying of pesticides.
- Structure & Locations
The materials that will be used in building a greenhouse will depend on the structure and purpose. You can use glass, polycarbonate sheets, and aluminum for frames. A sunny patch is always an ideal location for planting all things fruit and flowers. Sparing some plants that can do well in shades, most plants love sunlight to photosynthesize their chlorophyll. So, a location that checks on light, source of water, and good airflow is ideal for constructing a greenhouse
- Economics
The cost of a greenhouse is classified as a capital expenditure for a business. Capital expenditures are incurred to increase revenue generation. When you spend money on a greenhouse, be mentally prepared to write off the capital expenditure over the years. However, if executed properly, a greenhouse can easily enhance your crop yields and help you earn at least three times more from the same space.
Steps To Be A Greenhouse Manager
Every business needs a good manager who is proficient in the field, has good communication skills, and more importantly is willing to stretch a little and get out of their comfort zone to complete a task. Here is a list of qualifications that help you get hired:
- Education
Though optional, it is a plus if you hold a related degree that helps with greenhouse operations. If you hold a degree in botany, agriculture, plant health management, nursery business, and related subjects, then it is beneficial.
- On-Job Training
Interning on a big commercial farm will help you learn more than what a textbook can ever teach you. Did you know that wild plants like clover help in soil correction and chicken poop are organic matter that your plants love after composting for a while? Out here you will know that not all wild plants are weeds as nature has provided nitrogen-fixing plants to be used as companion plants so that symbiotic relationships between various species can balance the elements on the surface of the earth, specifically soil.
Conclusion:
Whether you want to operate a greenhouse for your consumption or work at one, remember that your passion will lead you and show you the path. You just need to be consistent in your efforts and start walking the path.