Protected Cultivation and Farm Mechanization
Protected Cultivation and Farm Mechanization covers the structures, irrigation systems and machines that make horticulture precise and profitable.
Structures and controls
A polyhouse (UV-stabilized polyethylene film) gives a controlled environment for high-value crops; naturally ventilated polyhouses suit most Indian conditions, and fan-and-pad systems cool in summer. Shade net (35%, 50%, 75%) reduces light and temperature for nurseries and orchids; insect-proof net houses exclude vectors; low tunnels and plastic mulch modify the microclimate at low cost. Orientation, height, ventilation and drainage decide performance.
Irrigation and mechanization
Drip irrigation delivers water to the root zone through 4-8 L/h emitters and saves water; fertigation injects soluble fertilizer through the drip; sprinklers suit lawns and close-grown crops; mulching cuts evaporation. Mechanization includes power tillers and tractors, rotavators, planters, sprayers (knapsack, boom, battery-operated), dusters, power weeders, lawn mowers, harvesters and graders. Match the implement to field size, row spacing and crop, and calibrate before use.
Worked example. A 1 ha block has 4,000 plants with one 4 L/h dripper each. Running for 1 hour delivers 4,000 x 4 = 16,000 L = 16 m3, equal to 16 / 10,000 = 0.0016 m = 1.6 mm of water over the hectare. Reasoning: litres / 1,000 gives cubic metres; cubic metres / area in square metres gives depth in metres; multiply by 1,000 for millimetres.
Traps that cost marks
- Quoting a shade-net percentage without naming the crop.
- Installing drip without filters, then blaming emitter blockage on the crop.
- Irrigating at midday instead of early morning or evening.
- Confusing a polyhouse with a net house.