Advances in organic greenhouse cultivation

Description

Organic greenhouse horticulture has expanded considerably during the last decades to meet consumer demand. Organic greenhouse cultivation constitutes a sustainable alternative to mitigate producer challenges related to new pest infestation, weed infestation, extreme temperature events, drought, frequent episodes of hail as well as strong rain and wind, and soil erosion. This chapter highlights the current regulation and situation of organic greenhouse cultivation in the world, presents yield gap and profitability compared with conventional farming and describes recent advances related to robust plant material, soil and soilless growing systems, soil health, biostimulants, fertilisation and water management, plant protection and quality value of organic products. Finally, the chapter considers the environmental impact of organic greenhouse cultivation and future trends in this area, providing detailed guidance on further reading.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Expansion of organic protected cultivation around the world 3 Types of greenhouse used for organic cultivation 4 Productivity and profitability of organic greenhouse cultivation 5 Species and variety selection 6 Seeds and seedlings 7 Soil and soilless organic greenhouse growing systems 8 Fertilisation management 9 Biostimulants 10 Water management 11 Plant protection 12 Quality value of organic greenhouse products 13 Environmental impact of organic greenhouse cultivation 14 Future trends and conclusion 15 Where to look for further information 16 References