Characterization and functionality of greenhouses in Chignahuapan Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

Greenhouses were characterized and evaluated for their functionality in the municipality of Chignahuapan, Puebla; in a census, 31 producers were interviewed representing 100 % of greenhouse during the 2011 season. Initially exploratory trips were made and a questionnaire was applied to producers and greenhouse owners. From the information obtained, five classifications of greenhouse were determined by cluster analysis, one corresponding to multitúnnel type and the rest are multitúnnel with fixed roof window, differentiated by their production technology as padded plastics, hydroponics, heating and irrigation. According to their classification, significant differences in tomato yield were found. Similarly, indicators of functionality: length, width, height, volume and surface square meters greenhouse window, showed a significant correlation with performance. From these results we can develop and implement strategies that lead to better management of greenhouses, as well as the implementation of new agricultural techniques to improve yields of crop systems.

Keywords

• Protected agriculture
• structural design
• production systems.