Use of solar panels in greenhouse soil disinfection

Abstract

Restrictions on pesticides used in greenhouses around the world have led investigators and employees to take advantage of renewable energy sources in agriculture. In this study, solar panels (photovoltaic battery) and their us in soil disinfection in greenhouses have been discussed as a use of renewable energy sources in agriculture. Soil disinfection can be done by placing the resistance wires with low electricity consumption (25 W m-1) and increasing the soil temperature to the required levels by using the electricity obtained from the solar panels. Thus, soil disinfection can be achieved by increasing the soil temperature. With high temperatures the duration of soil disinfection can be shortened considerably. Solarization application made with transparent plastic covering that is covered on greenhouse soil will also increase the success of disinfection. These practices are implemented in summer, when there is no production in the greenhouse and the weather is hot. The use of solar panels in the autumn, winter and spring months of production in the greenhouse will be for different purpose. The resulting electrical energy can also provide the energy of the ventilators used for forced ventilation of the greenhouse. It can also be used to meet the energy needs of some tools and equipment to be used in the lighting of the greenhouse.