Monitoring Experiment of Melon Greenhouse’s Environment in Tropical Climate

Abstract

Greenhouses in tropical climates are designed to control passively the environment, protecting plants from pest and extreme climate condition, which is increasingly important due to climate change. This research aims to monitor a melon greenhouse's environment in a tropical climate to understand light intensity, pollutants, and climate conditions. Indoor and outdoor conditions of melon greenhouse were real-time monitored by Vantage VUE model, DAVIS weather station, PM2.5 meter and noise meter. The findings examined that peak light intensities were recorded at 135,600 lux outdoors and 32,050 lux indoors at noon, with an average light transmittance of 38%. Additionally, PM2.5 levels remained stable around 26-30 µg/m³, and sound levels decreased from 60 dB in the morning to 45 dB. These pollution levels did not disturb farmer and indoor melon in winter season. However, other seasoning period needs to be monitored for long term adaptation of application and climate change mitigation. These research findings will support greenhouse design for human comfort and plant growth, considering and optimizing temperature and humidity conditions. IoTs mechanisms and devices were proposed high costly potential for monitoring sensor, networking process, comparative and reliable data collection for further next step of greenhouse integration. Lastly, upcycled transparent roof from LDPE were suggested to be continually used with minor development or plug-in devices for increasing light shade during the mid-daytime.