Source: RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY submitted to NRP
DEVELOPING AND INTEGRATING COMPONENTS FOR COMMERCIAL GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0198079
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
NE-1017
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2003
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2008
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
3 RUTGERS PLZA
NEW BRUNSWICK,NJ 08901-8559
Performing Department
PLANT BIOLOGY & PATHOLOGY
Non Technical Summary
This project attempts to make significant improvements in commercial greenhouse production systems by improving the utilization of water and nutrients, by reducing any potential negative environmental impact, by developing a control strategy for natural ventilation of greenhouses, and by improving the integration of automation, plant culture and environment into cost effective, sustainable crop production systems.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
4012410202033%
4022410202034%
4042410202033%
Knowledge Area
401 - Structures, Facilities, and General Purpose Farm Supplies; 404 - Instrumentation and Control Systems; 402 - Engineering Systems and Equipment;

Subject Of Investigation
2410 - Cross-commodity research--multiple crops;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering;
Goals / Objectives
1.Develop and evaluate methodologies such as evapotranspiration modeling, non-contact sensing of plant responses to drought stress, and measurement of root zone water tension for plant water status assessment and compare these assessments to actual water and nutrient use for tomato, salad greens and potted ornamental plants, as a part of managing delivery of nutrients and water in greenhouses. 3.Improve design of water and nutrient recirculation systems. 6.Develop an economic analysis of the costs and benefits of supplemental lighting for seedling plugs, other greenhouse crop types, and photoperiodic lighting. 7.Improve the understanding of using shade to optimize production of of high-quality greenhouse tomato for spring and early summer production. 8.Quantitatively evaluate seasonal and annual water balances for greenhouses.
Project Methods
The project participants will examine the effects of plant development and greenhouse environment on water uptake and nutrient use. Water and nutrient uptake, and yield and crop quality will be compared when plants are grown in greenhouses with different environmental conditions and at different locations. Fertilization will be altered to more exactly match the crop nutrient requirements, as a function of environment conditions. Optimized nutrient supply regimes will be identified for greenhouse crops commonly grown in the northeastern United States. The project participants will evaluate approaches that will achieve zero-runoff while still allowing for profitable production. This approach will improve the water use efficiency and reduce environmental impact caused by the common practice of watering-to-excess. A conceptual and quantitative model will be developed for the flows of nutrients and water within and through the overall greenhouse system. The greenhouse will be conceptualized as a mini water shed, and the model will show the potential and sensitivity of the system to different technologies and management options that could reduce runoff. The research will require significant collaboration between the project participants for the need to include microclimate (evapotranspiration), engineering (environment control), biology (plant physiology), and economic (investment and operating cost) components. In addition, the project participants will attempt to improve fertilizer formulations and nutrient management in order to reduce overall fertilizer requirements. Optimum pH ranges, micronutrient demands, and macronutrient demands will be quantified for different plant species by growing plants with varying levels of pH, iron, and NPK fertilizer. Furthermore, the project participants will investigate the design and operation of recirculating water and nutrient delivery systems used for greenhouse crop production. An emphasis will be placed on the study of closed irrigation system (i.e., with no or very minimal discharge to the outside environment). The systems of interest include hydroponic systems (e.g., NFT, floating hydroponics, and aeroponics) and ebb and flood systems (both on benches and on specially designed floors). Research will be conducted in an effort to understand and optimize each system with the goal of providing optimized nutrient solutions throughout the various stages of the crop life cycle. Finally, the project participants will jointly continue their study of natural ventilation systems for greenhouses. Various greenhouse designs are available at the participating research stations and several of these designs will be studied. Optimized control strategies will be developed that can be implemented in commercial greenhouse operations.

Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: In collaboration with Peter Ling (OH) a simulation study was conducted investigating greenhouse energy consumption and savings strategies. A simulation model was developed using a spreadsheet to evaluate the performance of a system utilizing a heat pump and water storage. The evaluation based its calculations on historic hourly weather data to determine hourly cooling and heating rates and storage status. Several case studies were evaluated. Provided hourly weather data are available for other sites, the spreadsheet approach can be used for other locations across the world. In collaboration with Bruce Bugbee (UT) and Apogee Instruments, Inc., a small set of light emitting diode (LED) lamps was evaluated for their spectral output as well as their spectral efficiency and yield photon flux. These LED lamps can be used as light sources for plants grown in controlled environments, including plant growth facilities for space flights. The spectral output of the LED lamps was compared with that of other light sources commonly used in controlled environments (e.g., high pressure sodium, metal halide, fluorescent, incandescent, as well as sunlight). In collaboration with Erik Runkle (MI) and funded by the Michigan Floriculture Growers Council, Extension materials were developed addressing energy conservation issues for commercial greenhouse production. These materials are available online at: http://www.hrt.msu.edu/Energy/Default.htm. A collaborative research project with Dr. Paul Fisher (NH) provided data on growth and economics of plug production using supplemental lighting. The results of this research have been published as a chapter in the book titled "Lighting Up Profits", edited by Paul Fisher (NH) and Erik Runkle (MI) (Published in 2004 by Meister Media Worldwide). A 250 kW landfill gas fired microturbine installation was completed at the NJ EcoComplex research greenhouse facility. The system generates heat and electricity for the 1-acre greenhouse facility. Excess electricity is sold back to the local utility grid. A research project was completed investigating the temperature distribution and heat transfer associated with greenhouse floor heating systems. A research project was completed investigating the use of an energy curtain to improve temperature conditions for early season tomato production in high tunnels. Dr. Brumfield (NJ) developed a cost accounting program to help floricultural and nursery producers calculate crop production costs for their businesses. A simplified version is on the Rutgers University Farm Management Website (http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~farmmgmt) and linked to the national risk management website. In addition, an Excel version was distributed through Rutgers Cooperative Extension so that producers can calculate their own costs for producing specialty cut flowers and greenhouse crops. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: A.J. Both G. Wulster R. Brumfield D. Mears E. Reiss Partner Organizations: University of New Hampshire Utah State University The Ohio State University Michigan State University Training: M.S. degree in Bioresource Engineering (Eugene Reiss, Rutgers University) TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences: Extension Personnel, Commercial Greenhouse Growers, Greenhouse and Equipment Manufacturers, Researchers, Hobby Greenhouse Growers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Nationwide, Extension personnel and commercial greenhouse growers have been exposed to research and outreach efforts through presentations, fact sheets, and various publications in trade journals, reference books as well as online evaluation tools. It is estimated that this information has led to proper greenhouse designs and updated operation strategies that saved an average sized (one acre) greenhouse operation a total of $20,000 in operating and maintenance costs annually. Suggestions for energy savings were developed for commercial greenhouse operations. A checklist has been distributed throughout the Northeast and beyond. Growers who implemented the information presented have been able to realize energy savings between 5 and 30%. The research and outreach efforts that have been conducted in support of the New Jersey greenhouse industry, especially related to design, construction, and operation of controlled environment plant production facilities have received special recognition. The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers recognized the Rutgers University contribution to the development of integrated systems for low-cost and low-energy greenhouses as one of the last centuries 100 most significant. Also, ASABE has dedicated the research greenhouse on campus that was the first successful prototype for the air-inflated double-polyethylene film covered greenhouse glazing system as a national historic landmark.

Publications

  • Both, A.J. and J.E. Faust. 2003. Light transmission: greenhouse design and coverings. Greenhouse Grower. December issue. pp. 82-86.
  • Both, A.J. 2003. Oil or gas Strategies to reduce greenhouse energy bills. Mid-Atlantic Grower (5)11 October issue. pp. 18-19.
  • Both, A.J. 2003. Supplemental Lighting: Part 2. OFA Bulletin. September/October issue. pp. 1, 10-11.
  • Both, A.J. 2003. Supplemental Lighting. OFA Bulletin. July/August issue. pp. 16-18.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2004. Profitable points. GrowerTalks, February 2004. http://www.growertalks.com/display.aspArticleID=817.
  • Books (Published) Brumfield, R.G. 2005. Market, To Market: A Workbook for Selecting Market Options and Strategies for Agricultural Products. http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~farmmgmt/marketing/mktwb00.html.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Greenhouse becomes 44th ASAE historic landmark. Resource magazine (ASAE). September issue. pp 19.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Supplemental lighting. Greenhouse Product News 14(12):48-53.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Greenhouse temperature management. Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPRO). April issue. pp. 38-42.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2003. Growing on contract. American Nurseryman 198(3):49-51.
  • Both, A.J. 2003. Greenhouse technology for the small farm. NE small farm and rural living expo, Warren County Fairgrounds, Harmony, NJ. September 21.
  • Both, A.J. 2003. High tunnel research update. Invited lecture for the educational program for training extension professionals and vocational ag teachers on high tunnel technology (SARE professional development workshop), Penn State high tunnel research and education facility, Rock Springs, PA. September 4.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2005. How to price your crop. North Jersey Ornamental Horticulture Symposium and Bedding Plant Day, Randolph, NJ. February 18, 2005.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2005. Is your greenhouse green The Gulf States Horticultural Expo - Mobile Convention Center Mobile, AL, January 19-22, 2005.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2005. Financial aspects of the greenhouse business. Design of Greenhouse Systems. Short Course for Cook College Office of Continuing Education, New Brunswick, NJ, January 6-7, 2005.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2004. Which crops are making you money New England Greenhouse Conference. Wooster, MA, October 18-20, 2004.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2004. Cost accounting software for the ornamental industry. New Jersey Risk Management Conference. Mercer County Community College Conference Center, West Windsor, NJ, September 1, 2004.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2004. Economics of organic and sustainable systems. Organic-Sustainable Agriculture Workshop, Cook College, August 4, 2004
  • Mears, D.R. 2007. Energy for protected cultivation (greenhouse energy conservation and alternatives). Agricultural Structure and Environment Seminar No. 34. Hiroshima Prefecture Agricultural Research Center. Organized by the National Institute for Rural Engineering, Tsukuba, Japan. December 13, 2007.
  • Mears, D.R. 2007. Energy conservation: The future - What is next. Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. January 2007.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Construction of high tunnels for season extension. Grower Twilight Meeting. Piazza Farms and Greenhouses, Phillipsburg, NJ. June 9, 2004.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Continuous canopy gas exchange measurements in controlled environments. Annual NCR-101 meeting, Brisbane, Australia. March 16.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Which structure is best for you Empire Expo, Rochester, NY, February 12.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Environment control to reduce pest problems. North Jersey Ornamental Horticulture Symposium and Bedding Plant Day, Randolph, NJ. February 20.
  • Both, A.J. 2003. Tractor safety. Second annual Rutgers farm safety/health twilight meeting, Russos Orchard Lane Farm, Allentown, NJ. September 24.
  • Mears, D.R. 2006. Lessons learned from 1980 energy crisis. Greenhouse energy management workshop. Wooster, Ohio January 2006.
  • Mears, D.R. 2006. Challenges to opportunities to action. The National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association, Phoenix, AZ. October 19, 2006.
  • Mears, D.R. 2006. Greenhouse energy conservation. CEA Workshop. University of Arizona. January 2006.
  • Mears, D.R. 2006. Greenhouse energy alternatives. CEA Workshop. University of Arizona. January 2006.
  • Mears, D.R. 2006. Studies of solar energy, power plant waste heat and landfill gas as an energy source. Greenhouse energy management workshop. Wooster, Ohio February 2006.
  • Mears, D.R. 2006. Greenhouse energy conservation and possible alternatives. Grower meeting, Cincinnati, Ohio. February 2006.
  • Mears, D.R. 2005. Greenhouse technology to meet the next energy crisis. OFA Short Course, Columbus, Ohio. July 2005.
  • Mears, D.R. 2005. Rutgers research on energy for greenhouses. Handout for OFA Short Course, Columbus, Ohio. July 2005.
  • Mears, D.R. 2005. Greenhouse energy-past successes and future hopes. 100th Anniversary Seminar, NIRE, Tsukuba, Japan. December 2005.
  • Mears, D.R. 2005. Get over the difficulty of climate change. Handout for 100th Anniversary Seminar, NIRE, Tsukuba, Japan. December 2005.
  • Mears, D.R. 2005. Rutgers research on energy for greenhouses. Handout for 100th Anniversary Seminar, NIRE, Tsukuba, Japan. December 2005.
  • Dissertations, Theses (Published) Lefsrud, M.G. 2006. Environmental manipulation to increase the nutritional content in leafy vegetables. Ph.D. dissertation. University of Tennessee Libraries. 328 pp. Note: A.J. Both served as an outside member on the dissertation advisory committee.
  • Mathieu, J.J. 2004. Lettuce crop evapotranspiration, nitrate uptake, and growth mechanistic simulation modeling: For use in fault detection in hydroponic production systems. Ph.D. dissertation. Cornell University Libraries. 246 pp. Note: A.J. Both served as an outside member on the dissertation advisory committee.
  • Reiss, E. 2006. Modeling greenhouse floor heating using computational fluid dynamics. M.S. thesis. Rutgers University Libraries. 120 pp. Note: A.J. Both served as major advisor; D. Mears and G. Wulster served as thesis advisory committee members
  • Book Chapters (Published) Both, A.J. and D.R. Mears. 2008. Building and maintaining greenhouses for energy savings. In Horticulture: Principles and Practices, 4th ed. by G. Acquaah; included in Chapter 12 titled Controlled-Environment Horticulture. Prentice Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ. pp. 406-417.
  • Wyenandt, A., W.L. Kline, A.J. Both, and D. Ward. 2007. Effects of soilless bag production and soil fumigation on the development of white mold (Sclerotinia) in tomato high tunnel production. (Poster) Northeast Region of ASHS Annual Meeting, January 4-6, University of Maryland, College Park, MD.
  • Wyenandt, A., W. Kline, and A.J. Both. 2006. Important diseases of tomatoes grown in high tunnels and greenhouses in NJ (Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS358).
  • Workshop Sponsor Both, A.J., W. Kline, G. Zinati, and A. Wyenandt. 2006. Design and operation of greenhouse, high tunnel, and nursery systems short course. Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Centerton, NJ, September 28, 2006.
  • Both, A.J. 2005. Design and operation of commercial greenhouse systems. Workshop, New Brunswick, NJ. January 6-7.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Design and operation of commercial greenhouse systems. Workshop, New Brunswick, NJ. This two-day workshop and greenhouse tour attracted 12 participants. January 8-9. Brumfield, R., A.J. Both, and G. Wulster. 2003. Greenhouse cost management. Workshop, New Brunswick, NJ. This one-day workshop attracted 13 participants. October 20.
  • Workshop Participant Both, A.J. 2007. Optimizing plant growth through environmental control. Agricultural Structure and Environment Seminar No. 34. Hiroshima Prefecture Agricultural Research Center. Organized by the National Institute for Rural Engineering, Tsukuba, Japan. December 13, 2007.
  • Both, A.J. 2007 Technologies for greenhouse energy conservation. 25th Anniversary Perennial Plant Symposium organized by the Perennial Plant Association, Columbus, OH. August 9, 2007.
  • Both, A.J. 2007. Surviving the energy crisis part 3: Conservation in the greenhouse. OFA Short Course, Columbus, OH. July 14, 2007.
  • Both, A.J. 2006. Technologies for greenhouse energy conservation. OFA Workshop. Michigan State University, Lansing, MI. December 12, 2006.
  • Both, A.J. 2006. Greenhouse energy conservation. Bedding Plant Grower Day. Randolph, NJ. March 3, 2006.
  • Both, A.J. 2006. Designing greenhouse systems for reduced run-off. Emma Lausten Annual Horticulture Symposium. NJ EcoComplex, Columbus, NJ. February 22, 2006.
  • Both, A.J. 2006. Greenhouse energy considerations. Greenhouse Energy Efficiency Workshop. University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH. February 15, 2006.
  • Both, A.J. 2006. Rutgers high tunnel research update. Tomato Advisory Committee. Rutgers EcoComplex, Bordentown, NJ. January 25, 2006.
  • Both, A.J. 2006. Energy conservation from the engineers point of view. South Jersey Greenhouse Conference. RCRE, Clayton, NJ. January 24, 2006
  • Both, A.J. 2005. Minimizing your greenhouse fuel heating bill. Vegetable Integrated Crop Management Twilight Meeting. Landisville Produce Cooperative, Landisville, NJ. October 19, 2005. Note: presented by Eugene Reiss, prepared by A.J. Both.
  • Both, A.J. 2005. Farm safety for children. Farm Safety Twilight Meeting. Toyland Farm, Jobstown, NJ. September 21, 2005.
  • Both, A.J. 2005. Greenhouse operation. Twilight Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Meeting, Secor Farms, Mahwah, NJ. April 27, 2005.
  • Both, A.J. 2005. Controlled environments: The future of NJ agriculture Emma Lausten Horticultural Symposium, Cook College, New Brunswick, NJ. April 4, 2005.
  • Both, A.J. 2005. Temperature and humidity control and DIF. Spring Flower Crop Conference, Clayton, NJ. March 3, 2005.
  • Both, A.J. 2005. Greenhouse systems and sensors. North Jersey Ornamental Horticulture Symposium and Bedding Plant Day, Randolph, NJ. February 18, 2005.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Open-roof greenhouse: floor heating and ebb and flood irrigation. Greenhouse Fall Crop Production, Mercer County Cooperative Extension. Holland Greenhouses, Hightstown, NJ. October 28, 2004.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Greenhouse technology for the small farm. Small Farm and Rural Living Expo, New Paltz, NY. September 19, 2004.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Electrical safety on the farm and in greenhouses. Third annual Rutgers farm safety/health twilight meeting, Haunter Family Farm, Cinnaminson, NJ. September 15, 2004.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Lighting technology. Invited Lecture. OFA Short Course, Columbus, Ohio. July 10, 2004.
  • Fisher, P. and A.J. Both. 2004. Photoperiod control: technology options and costs. Greenhouse Grower. March issue. pp. 42-49.
  • Fisher, P. and A.J. Both. 2004. Supplemental lighting: technology and costs. Greenhouse Grower. February issue. pp. 86-94.
  • Presentations (Papers) Brumfield, R.G. and R. Rimal. 2003. Analyzing the Relationship between Greenhouse Cost Differences and Firm Characteristics. Presented at the AAEA, RSS and CAES Annual Meeting, Montreal, Quebec, July 27-30, 2003.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2003. Economic and Marketing Issues in the Green Industry from a Grower's Perspective. Presented at the AAEA, RSS and CAES Annual Meeting, Montreal, Quebec, July 27-30, 2003.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2003. Should you consider contract growing GMPro 23(9):59-62.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2003. Is your greenhouse green Greenhouse Product News 13(4):66-69.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2002. Strengths and weaknesses of the greenhouse industry in New Jersey. Presented at the 26th International Horticultural Congress, Toronto, Canada, Aug. 11-17, 2002.
  • Fleisher, D.H., A.J. Both, C. Moraru, L. Logendra, T. Gianfagna, T.C. Lee, H. Janes, and J. Cavazzoni. 2003. Manipulation of tomato fruit quality through temperature perturbations in controlled environments. ASAE paper No. 03-4102. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. 9 pp.
  • Mears, D.R. 2007. Techniques on energy conservation and environment control in greenhouses. NIRE, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. January 25, 2007 (3 papers each in English and Japanese).
  • Reiss, E., A.J. Both, and D.R. Mears. 2005. Comparing greenhouse floor heating designs using CFD. ASAE paper No. 05-4136. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. 19 pp.
  • Reiss, E., A.J. Both, and D.R. Mears. 2004. Greenhouse floor heating. ASAE paper No. 04-4040. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. 13 pp.
  • Reiss, E., D.R. Mears, and A.J. Both. 2003. Greenhouse floor heating. ASAE paper No. 03-4039. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. 14 pp.
  • Sager, J.C., J.H. Norikane, A.J. Both, and T.W. Tibbitts. 2005. Quality assurance for environment of plant growth facilities. ASAE paper No. 05-4137. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. 11 pp.
  • Both, A.J.. 2004. Greenhouse environment control. Proceedings of the 49th New Jersey Annual Vegetable Growers Association Meeting, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 91-95.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2005. An On-line Workbook for Selecting Market Options and Strategies for Agricultural Products. World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society Conference on Mathematics and Computers in Business and Economics. Buenos Aires, Argentina, March 1-3, 2005.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2004. Which crops make money World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society Conference on Mathematics and Computers in Business and Economics. Venice Italy, November 15-17, 2004.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2004. Tool to help you decide if your greenhouse is in the green. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference Proceedings. 49:452-463. August 12-14 at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA. http://www.sna.org/research/04proceedings/04proceedingshtmls/ResProcS ec1002.html.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2003. Greenhouse cost management: a half day bottom line building workshop. Proceedings of the 2003 National Extension Risk Management Education Conference March 26-27, 2003, Dallas/FortWorth, TX.
  • Brumfield, R. G. Economic and Marketing Issues from a Growers Perspective. 2003 USDA Outlook Forum, February 20-21, 2003, Arlington, VA, http://www.usda.gov/oce/waob/oc2003/program.htm#nursery
  • Reiss, E., A.J. Both, S. Garrison, W. Kline, and J. Sudal. 2004. Season extension for tomato production using high tunnels. Acta Horticulturae 659:153-160.
  • Roberts, W.J. 2007. History of the agricultural engineering program at Rutgers University with special emphasis on the unique aspects of the program. NABEC paper No. 07-008. ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA.
  • Popular Articles (Published) Both, A.J.. 2008. Maintain ventilation equipment before warm weather starts. Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPro). April issue. pp. 21-24.
  • Both, A.J. and E. Reiss. 2007. Consider design with a new floor heating system. Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPro). December issue. pp. 35-37.
  • Both, A.J. 2007. Greenhouse cooling basics. American Nurseryman. September 15 issue. pp. 20-24.
  • Both, A.J. 2007. Maintain temperatures with evaporative cooling. Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPro). April issue. pp. 39-42.
  • Both, A.J. 2006. Airflow options affect crop growth. GMPRO, May issue. pp. 59-64.
  • Both, A.J. 2006. Keep your greenhouse cool this summer. GMPRO, April issue. pp. 45-48.
  • Both, A.J. and D.R. Mears. 2006. Build and maintain greenhouses with energy conservation in mind. Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPRO). May issue. pp. 54-56.
  • Both, A.J. 2005. Agricultural management practices aim to help resolve legal conflicts. Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPRO). June issue. pp. 43-46.
  • Both, A.J. 2005. Is your greenhouse strong enough Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPRO). May issue. pp. 38-41.
  • Brennan, M., D. Specca, B. Schilling, D. Tulloch, S. Paul, K. Sullivan, Z. Helsel, P. Hayes, J. Melillo, B. Simkins, C. Phillipuk, A.J. Both, D. Fennell, S. Bonos, M. Westendorf, and R. Brekke. 2007. Assessment of biomass energy potential in New Jersey. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Publication No. 2007-1. Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ.
  • Fang, W., D. Mears, and A.J. Both. 2007. Story of air-inflated double-layer polyethylene greenhouse and its recent applications in Taiwan. International Seminar on Agricultural Structures and Agricultural Engineering (IS-ASAE). National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. December 8th-9th, 2007. 6 pp.
  • Uva, W., R.G. Brumfield and B. Behe. 2003. Business Analysis and Industry Financial Benchmarks with Greenhouse Operations in NY, NJ and MI. Presented at the AAEA, RSS and CAES Annual Meeting, Montreal, Quebec, July 27-30, 2003.
  • Other Creative Works Both, A.J. 2007. Greenhouse Ventilation. Proceedings of the Annual NJ Vegetable Growers Association Meeting. January 16-18. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 76-79.
  • Both, A.J., L.S. Logendra, J. Cavazzoni, T. Gianfagna, T.C. Lee, and H.W. Janes. 2006. Effects of a two-week temperature perturbation during flowering of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Habitation 10(3/4):131.
  • Both, A.J., E. Reiss, J. Sudal, K. Holmstrom, W. Kline, S. Garrison. 2006. Rutgers high tunnel research update. Proceedings of the Annual NJ Vegetable Growers Association Meeting. January 10-12. Atlantic City. pp. 121-124.
  • Brumfield, R.G. and Jayson K. Harper. 2003. Crop Insurance for Northeast Nursery and Greenhouse Crops. Penn State University and USDA RMA. Extension fact sheet. http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~farmmgmt/cropinscasestudies/cropins_nursery .pdf.
  • Mears, D.R. 2006. Proposals for action to solve some key industry problems. NGMA Newsletter. Fall 2006.
  • Rabin, J. and A.J. Both. 2007. NJ agricultural at a glance - Floriculture. In Sustaining Farming on the Urban Fringe. NJAES. December Issue.Both, A.J. 2007. Greenhouse ventilation. (Abstract) Proceedings of the Annual NJ Vegetable Growers Association Meeting. January 16-18. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 76-79.
  • Both, A. J. 2007. Controlled environment agriculture/Greenhouse production. In Encyclopedia of Agricultural, Food, and Biological Engineering; Heldman, D., Ed.; Taylor & Francis Group: New York. http://www.informaworld.com/10.1081/E-EAFE-120043033.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Carbon dioxide enrichment in greenhouses. Chapter 7. In Lighting Up Profits, Understanding Greenhouse Lighting, P. Fisher and E. Runkle, eds. Published by Meister Media Worldwide, Willoughby, OH. pp. 47-50.
  • Both, A.J. and J. Faust. 2004. Light transmission in greenhouse design and coverings. Chapter 4. In Lighting Up Profits, Understanding Greenhouse Lighting, P. Fisher and E. Runkle, eds. Published by Meister Media Worldwide, Willoughby, OH. pp. 33-38.
  • Fisher, P., A.J. Both, R. Heins, and A. Enfield. 2004. Lighting plugs and liners, Chapter 9. In Lighting Up Profits, Understanding Greenhouse Lighting, P. Fisher and E. Runkle, eds. Published by Meister Media Worldwide, Willoughby, OH. pp. 57-61.
  • Fisher, P. and A.J. Both. 2004. Photoperiod control through technology options and their costs. Chapter 8. In Lighting Up Profits, Understanding Greenhouse Lighting, P. Fisher and E. Runkle, eds. Published by Meister Media Worldwide, Willoughby, OH. pp. 51-56.
  • Fisher, P. and A.J. Both. 2004. Supplemental lighting technology and costs. Chapter 6. In Lighting Up Profits, Understanding Greenhouse Lighting, P. Fisher and E. Runkle, eds. Published by Meister Media Worldwide, Willoughby, OH. pp. 43-46.
  • Fleisher, D.H., L.F. Rodriguez, A.J. Both, J. Cavazzoni, and K.C. Ting. 2006. Advanced life support systems in space. CIGR Handbook of Agricultural Engineering. Volume 6: Information Technology. pp. 339-354.
  • Mears, D.R. 2006. Energy use in production of food, feed and fiber. Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS). UNESCO web publication: http://www.eolss.net.
  • Refereed Journal Articles (Published) Both, A.J., E. Reiss, J.F. Sudal, K.E. Holmstrom, C.A. Wyenandt, W.L. Kline, and S.A. Garrison. 2007. Evaluation of a manual energy curtain for tomato production in high tunnels. HortTechnology 17(4):467-472.
  • Brumfield, R. 2004. Greenhouse cost accounting computer program: extension and teaching tool. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 655:479-486. http://www.actahort.org/books/655/655_58.htm.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2004. Strengths and weaknesses of the greenhouse industry in New Jersey. Acta Horticulturae 633:121-126. http://www.actahort.org/books/633/633_14.htm
  • Fleisher, D.H., L.S. Logendra, C. Moraru, A.J. Both, J. Cavazzoni, T. Gianfagna, T.C. Lee, and H. Janes. 2006. Effect of temperature perturbations on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) quality and production scheduling. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 81(1):125-131.
  • Reiss, E., D.R. Mears, T.O. Manning, G.J. Wulster, and A.J. Both. 2007. Numerical modeling of greenhouse floor heating. Transactions of the ASABE 50(1):275-284.
  • Mathieu, J., R. Linker, L. Levine, L. Albright, A.J. Both, R. Spanswick, R. Wheeler, E. Wheeler, D. deVilliers, R. Langhans. 2006. Evaluation of the NiCoLet model for simulation of short-term hydroponic lettuce growth and nitrate uptake. Biosystems Engineering 95(3):323-337.
  • Mears, D.R. 2006. Energy use in production of food, feed and fiber. Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS). UNESCO web publication: http://www.eolss.net
  • Ozkan, B., Brumfield, R.G., and O. Karaguzel. 2003. A profile of Turkish export cut flower growers. HortTechnology. 13(2): 165-171.
  • Tavernier, E.M. and R.G. Brumfield. 2003. An Economic analysis of the greenhouse, nursery and sod sector in the U.S. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 38(1):128-130.
  • Lefsrud, M., D. Kopsell, R. Auge, and A.J. Both. 2006. Biomass production and pigment accumulation in kale grown under increasing photoperiods. HortScience 41(3):603-606.
  • Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published) Both, A.J., D.R. Mears, T.O. Manning, E. Reiss, P.P. Ling. 2007. Evaluating energy savings strategies using heat pumps and energy storage for greenhouses. ASABE paper No. 07-4011. ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. 16 pp.
  • Both, A.J., E. Reiss, D.R. Mears, and W. Fang. 2005. Designing environmental control for greenhouses: Orchid production as example. Acta Horticulturae 691(2):807-813.
  • Both, A.J. 2004. Rutgers high tunnel research. Proceedings of the 49th New Jersey Annual Vegetable Growers Association Meeting, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 83-90.
  • Reiss, E. 2004. Updating high tunnel research at Rutgers University. Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. January 27, 2004. Note: prepared by A.J. Both, presented by Eugene Reiss


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
Significant increases in energy costs have rekindled interest in ways to conserve across the greenhouse industry. Several national and international presentations were conducted discussing the past and current state-of-the-art energy management tools and strategies available to greenhouse growers. For commercial greenhouse operations to further reduce the consumption of fossil fuel consumption, energy management and conservation as well as the use of renewable energy sources appear to be the most economical and sustainable options. A floor heating study was completed and the results published in a peer-reviewed journal. Simulations studies on greenhouse energy use and conservation, including the application of heat pumps and energy storage options, are continuing. Opportunities are being investigated to implement the simulated energy management strategies in real-life greenhouse operations. A new microturbine is being installed at the NJ EcoComplex greenhouse facility. The turbine will be operated on landfill gas and supply electricity and heat to the greenhouse facility. Excess electricity will be exported to the local power grid. Once installation is complete, research is planned to develop a decision support system that will aid a grower with management decisions regarding how the generated electricity and heat can be used most economically. Related work is reported under project NJ12130 and additional information can be found at: Rutgers Horticultural Engineering: http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~horteng

Impacts
Research and outreach efforts have been conducted in support of the New Jersey greenhouse industry, especially related to design, construction, and operation of controlled environment plant production facilities. Work on environmental control strategies and systems to facilitate commercial greenhouse production can lead to more energy efficient management strategies. Several national and international organizations have extended invitation to share and present our knowledge related to greenhouse energy conservation and system design.

Publications

  • Both, A.J. 2007. Optimizing plant growth through environmental control. NIRE, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Presentation.
  • Both, A. J. 2007. Controlled environment agriculture/Greenhouse production. In Encyclopedia of Agricultural, Food, and Biological Engineering; Heldman, D., Ed.; Taylor & Francis Group: New York. http://www.informaworld.com/10.1081/E-EAFE-120043033
  • Brennan, M., D. Specca, B. Schilling, D. Tulloch, S. Paul, K. Sullivan, Z. Helsel, P. Hayes, J. Melillo, B. Simkins, C. Phillipuk, A.J. Both, D. Fennell, S. Bonos, M. Westendorf, and R. Brekke. 2007. Assessment of biomass energy potential in New Jersey. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Publication No. 2007-1. Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ. http://www.njaes.rutgers.edu/bioenergy/
  • Giacomelli, G., N. Castilla, E. van Henten, D. Mears, S. Sase. 2007. Innovation in greenhouse engineering. Keynote for Greensys 2007. Naples, Italy. Presentation.
  • Mears, D.R. 2007. Techniques on energy conservation and environment control in greenhouses. NIRE, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. (3 Papers each in English and Japanese).
  • Both, A.J., D.R. Mears, T.O. Manning, E. Reiss, P.P. Ling. 2007. Evaluating energy savings strategies using heat pumps and energy storage for greenhouses. ASABE paper No. 07-4011. ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. 16 pp.
  • Both, A.J. 2007. Technologies for greenhouse energy conservation. 25th Anniversary Perennial Plant Symposium organized by the Perennial Plant Association, Columbus, OH. August 9, 2007. Presentation.
  • Both, A.J. 2007. Surviving the energy crisis part 3: Conservation in the greenhouse. OFA Short Course, Columbus, OH. July 14, 2007. Presentation.
  • Mears, D.R. 2007. Energy Conservation: The Future - What is Next. Greenhouse crop production and engineering design short course. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. Presentation.
  • Mears, D.R. 2007. Get over the difficulty of climate, disaster and crisis. NIRE, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. In Japanese.
  • Mears, D.R. 2007. Rutgers research for energy in greenhouses. NIRE, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. In Japanese.
  • Mears, D.R. 2007. Some alternatives to burning fuels for greenhouse heating. NIRE, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. In Japanese.
  • Reiss, E., D.R. Mears, T.O. Manning, G.J. Wulster, and A.J. Both. 2007. Numerical modeling of greenhouse floor heating. Transactions of the ASABE 50(1):275-284.


Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Original research was conducted at the open-roof greenhouse located on Hort Farm 3 (Cook Campus, New Brunswick, NJ) investigating the energy flows associated with the operation of a greenhouse floor heating system. Extensive measurements were collected and used for a computer simulation model that evaluates temperatures and heat distribution throughout the crop environment. The research resulting in the publication of a M.S. thesis and a peer reviewed publication, and the resulting recommendations for the design and operation of greenhouse floor heating systems can directly be applied by greenhouse growers. Invited presentations on greenhouse energy conservation strategies were conducted at out-of-state extension meetings/workshops (New Hampshire and Michigan). For both meetings, an energy audit checklist was developed that growers can use to evaluate their operations and/or to make smart energy decisions about retrofits and/or new construction. Research is continuing on three alternative energy projects funded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (landfill gas fed microturbines used for heat and power production at the NJ EcoComplex greenhouse in Bordentown, NJ), New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (state-wide bioenergy and related technology assessment), and the Rutgers Equine Science Center (digestion of horse manure). Participation in high tunnel research has focused on the impact of white mold (Sclerotinia) on tomato production. Growth chamber trials were conducted to investigate the impact of short-term temperature perturbations during flowering on harvestable fruit yield and quality of tomatoes. Academic mentoring of Ph.D. students at two other research universities has resulted in co-authoring of two peer-reviewed publications. Related work is reported under project NJ12130 and additional information can be found at the Rutgers University Horticultural Engineering Web Site: http://aesop.rutgers.edu/horteng

Impacts
The original floor heating research has resulted in a M.S. thesis, a peer-reviewed publication, and has contributed to a soon-to-be released revision of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Root Zone Heating Extension Bulletin. An energy audit checklist was developed for commercial greenhouse operations. The checklist has been distributed throughout the northeast and beyond. Growers who implemented the information resulting from the research and the various presentations and publications have been able to (conservatively) realize energy savings between 5 and 30%.

Publications

  • Both, A.J. and P. Fisher. 2006. Greenhouse Energy Conservation Checklist. Available at: http://www.hrt.msu.edu/Energy/consumption.htm
  • Both, A.J. 2006. Technologies for greenhouse energy conservation. OFA Workshop. Michigan State University, Lansing, MI. December 12.
  • Both, A.J. 2006. Greenhouse energy considerations. Greenhouse Energy Efficiency Workshop. University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH. February 15.
  • Both, A.J. 2006. Controlled environment agriculture/greenhouse production. Accepted for publication in the Encyclopedia of Agricultural, Food, and Biological Engineering, Marcel Dekker, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC., New York, NY.
  • Both, A.J., L.S. Logendra, J. Cavazzoni, T. Gianfagna, T.C. Lee, and H.W. Janes. 2006. Effects of a two-week temperature perturbation during flowering of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). February 5-8, Orlando, FL. Habitation 10(3/4):131 (abstract).
  • Both, A.J., E. Reiss, J.F. Sudal, K.E. Holmstrom, C.A. Wyenandt, W.L. Kline, and S.A. Garrison. 2006. Evaluation of a manual energy curtain for tomato production in high tunnels. Accepted after revisions in HortTechnology.
  • Both, A.J., E. Reiss, J. Sudal, K. Holmstrom, W. Kline, S. Garrison. 2006. Rutgers high tunnel research update. Proceedings of the Annual NJ Vegetable Growers Association Meeting. January 10-12. Atlantic City, NJ. pp. 121-124.
  • Fleisher, D.H., L.F. Rodriguez, A.J. Both, J. Cavazzoni, and K.C. Ting. 2006. Advanced life support systems in space. CIGR Handbook of Agricultural Engineering. Volume 6: Information Technology. pp. 339-354.
  • Fleisher, D.H., L.S. Logendra, C. Moraru, A.J. Both, J. Cavazzoni, T. Gianfagna, T.C. Lee, and H. Janes. 2006. Effect of temperature perturbations on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) quality and production scheduling. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 81(1):125-131.
  • Lefsrud, M., D. Kopsell, R. Auge, and A.J. Both. 2006. Biomass production and pigment accumulation in kale grown under increasing photoperiods. HortScience 41(3):603-606.
  • Mathieu, J., R. Linker, L. Levine, L. Albright, A.J. Both, R. Spanswick, R. Wheeler, E. Wheeler, D. deVilliers, R. Langhans. 2006. Evaluation of the NiCoLet model for simulation of short-term hydroponic lettuce growth and nitrate uptake. Biosystems Engineering 95(3):323-337.
  • Reiss, E., D.R. Mears, T.O. Manning, G.J. Wulster, and A.J. Both. 2006. Modeling greenhouse floor heating using computational fluid dynamics. Accepted for publication in the Transactions of the ASAE (ASABE).
  • Reiss, E. 2006. Modeling greenhouse floor heating using computational fluid dynamics. M.S. thesis. Rutgers University Libraries.
  • Wyenandt, A., W. Kline, and A.J. Both. 2006. Important diseases of tomatoes grown in high tunnels and greenhouses in NJ (Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS358).


Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Work on biological life support systems included a modeling study of crew performance. During manned long-duration space missions, the limited number of crewmembers, resources, and the myriad of tasks to be performed leave a tight work schedule. This schedule needs to account for potential interventions (stress events) that may alter predicted performance and thus scheduling. A dynamic crew model of interrupted time series was developed to account for the effects of potential stress events on crew performance. This model aids in estimating crew time requirements for varying mission scenarios and for evaluating stress event effects on crew performance. Collaborations with Taiwan institutions focusing on greenhouse structural and environmental control issues in tropical and semi-tropical conditions and on adaptations needed in New Jersey for selected tropical flowers (e.g., orchids) of significant interest for production in the US continue. Commercial greenhouse operation is under pressure in areas such as the Northeast, with high population densities. Prime agricultural land continues to be converted into other uses. Rising land prices have made it difficult for agricultural producers to expand their operations and increase the pressures to sell their land for commercial and residential development. As a result, conflicts between agricultural producers and their neighbors that have different ideas about land use and commercial activity are on the rise. Agricultural Management Practices for Permanent Greenhouse Production have been developed to help resolve disputes between commercial growers, their neighbors and zoning and city officials in NJ. Growth chambers, specialized controlled environment plant production systems, are used worldwide to produce high quality plant material both for research and commercial production. Engineering standards and guidelines are used by manufacturers, growers, extension personnel, and researchers to ensure that structures and accompanying systems are designed and used appropriately and economically. A paper was written identifying quality assurance aspects of growth chamber facilities. Significant increases in energy costs have rekindled interest in ways to conserve. Several extension and other publications on energy conservation are being revised, presentations on this topic delivered and additional short course presentations and popular articles prepared. Efforts are underway to stimulate interest and support for further development of alternative energy sources for greenhouses. It is important to note that large commercial operations adapting all of the conservation technologies developed in the late 1970 s and early 1980 s have reduced per unit area energy consumption to about 10% of the average in 1979. For commercial operations in this category, further reductions in fossil fuel consumption will depend in large part on finding alternative, renewable energy sources. Related work is reported under project NJ12130 and additional information can be found at: Rutgers Tomato Web Site: http://www.rcre.rutgers.edu/tomato/ Rutgers Horticultural Engineering: http://aesop.rutgers.edu/horteng

Impacts
Research and outreach efforts have been conducted in support of the New Jersey greenhouse industry, especially related to design, construction, and operation of controlled environment plant production facilities. The knowledge gained from designing and operating an entirely closed plant production system, as needed for example for NASA's long duration manned space missions, can be directly applied to the commercial greenhouse industry. Work on environmental control strategies and systems to facilitate mass production of tropical orchids under Northeast conditions can lead to development of a new commercial greenhouse sector in the region. Agricultural Management Practices for Permanent Greenhouse Production can help resolve disputes between commercial growers, their neighbors and zoning and city officials in NJ.

Publications

  • Goudarzi, S. and A.J. Both. 2005. Accounting for performance decrements in crew time calculations for space missions. SAE 2004 Transactions Journal of Aerospace. pp. 630-634.
  • Mears, D.R. 2005. Rutgers Research on Energy for Greenhouses. Ohio Florists Association Short Course. Columbus, Ohio. July 2005. 8 pp.
  • Mears, D.R. 2005. Get Over the Difficulty of Climate, Disaster and Crisis. 100th Anniversary Seminar, Laboratory of Controlled Environment Agriculture, National Institute for Rural Engineering, Tsukuba, Japan, Dec. 2005. 4 pp.
  • Mears, D.R. 2005. Rutgers Research on Energy for Greenhouses. 100th Anniversary Seminar, Laboratory of Controlled Environment Agriculture, National Institute for Rural Engineering, Tsukuba, Japan, Dec. 2005. 8 pp.
  • Sager, J.C., J.H. Norikane, A.J. Both, and T.W. Tibbitts. 2005. Quality assurance for environment of plant growth facilities. ASAE paper No. 05-4137. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. 11 pp.
  • Both, A.J. 2005. Agricultural management practices aim to help resolve legal conflicts. Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPRO). June issue. pp. 43-46.
  • Both, A.J. 2005. Is your greenhouse strong enough? Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPRO). May issue. pp. 38-41.
  • Both, A.J., E. Reiss, D.R. Mears, and W. Fang. 2005. Designing environmental control for greenhouses: Orchid production as example. Acta Horticulturae 691(2):807-813.


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
Work on biological life support systems included looking at the relationship between food production activities, among others, on crew performance. The limited number of crewmembers, resources, and the myriad of tasks to be performed leave a tight schedule for crewmembers during long-duration space missions. This schedule needs to account for potential interventions (stress events) that may alter predicted performance and thus scheduling. A dynamic crew model of interrupted time series was developed to account for the effects of potential stress events on crew performance. This model aids in estimating crew time requirements for varying mission scenarios and for evaluating stress event effects on crew performance. Certain stressors can be directly linked to reduced food intake caused by factors such as loss of appetite, fatigue, or illness. In such cases, stress events were linked to the Goudarzi and Ting (1999) model by coupling crew performance to reduced food intake, and comparing it to "normal" energy consumption required to perform a task. This model includes calculations of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, energy expenditure, heat and waste loads, and nutritional analyses. Collaborations continue with the National Taiwan University and several private sector companies in Taiwan and New Jersey focusing on environmental control issues in tropical and semi-tropical conditions and on adaptations needed in New Jersey for selected tropical flowers of potential interest for production in the US. In support of this effort a simple spreadsheet tool has been developed to analyze the hour-by-hour performance of various environmental control systems and management strategies. The database needed is an hourly record of dry bulb temperature, wet bulb temperature and solar radiation. Using the database, the design parameters of the greenhouse, and its environmental control systems, internal conditions can be calculated for each hour. The deviations of achieved conditions from desired set points can be evaluated both in terms of magnitude and frequency. This is of particular interest in selecting a shading system for a crop where control of light level at the crop canopy as well as crop temperature is important. A single shade system will over shade the crop whenever solar radiation is under the maximum design point but over the initial closing set point. This over shading can be significantly reduced by having multiple independent shade systems that will provide finer control. For a case study for orchids in New Jersey the extra light averages about 70 W/m2 during 1059 hours of advantaged light. For a similar greenhouse in Taiwan the extra light averages about 71 W/m2 during 967 hours of advantaged light, a significant advantage for a double rather than single shade system in both locations. Related work is reported under project NJ12130 and additional information can be found at: Rutgers Tomato Web Site: http://www.rutgerstomato.org Rutgers Horticultural Engineering: http://aesop.rutgers.edu/horteng

Impacts
Research and outreach efforts have been conducted in support of the New Jersey greenhouse industry, especially related to design, construction, and operation of controlled environment plant production facilities. The impact of the outreach component is reflected by Dr. A.J. Both's receiving the Blue Ribbon Award, in the ASAE 2003 Educational Aids Competition. July 2003 for the Horticultural Engineering Newsletter. The knowledge gained from designing and operating an entirely closed plant production system, as needed for NASA's long duration space missions, can be directly applied to the commercial greenhouse industry. Work on environmental control strategies and systems to facilitate mass production of tropical orchids under Northeast conditions can lead to development of a new commercial greenhouse sector in the region.

Publications

  • Lee, T.C., A.J. Both, C. Moraru, D. Fleisher, L. Logendra, T. Giangagna, J. Cavazzoni, and H. Janes. 2004. Short-term temperature effects on hydroponically grown tomatoes - II: Quality of tomato fruits. Habitation 2004. January 4-7. Orlando Florida. Habitation 9(3/4):128.
  • Fleisher, D.H., A.J. Both, L. Logendra, C. Moraru, T. Gianfagna, T.C. Lee, J. Cavazzoni, and H. Janes. 2004. Short-term temperature effects on hydroponically grown tomatoes - I: Production Scheduling. Presented at the Habitation Conference on Space Habitation Research and Technology Development in Orlando, FL. January 7-10, 2004.
  • Goudarzi, S. and A.J. Both. 2004. Accounting for performance decrements in crew time calculations for space missions. Presented at the 34th International Conference on Environmental Systems, July 19-22, Colorado Springs, Colorado. SAE Technical Paper No. 2004-ICES-215.
  • Both, A.J., E. Reiss, D.R. Mears, and W. Fang. 2004. Environmental control - System and strategy design tool. Presented at Greensys 2004, Leuven Belgium, September 12-16 2004.
  • Mears, D.R. and W. Fang. 2004. Environmental control in protected structure, Chapter 5 in Protected Horticulture Science. C.C. Tsai (ed.). Published In Chinese by: Taipei Seven Star farmland irrigation research foundation, Taiwan.
  • Moraru, C., T.C. Lee, D.H. Fleisher, L.S. Logendra, A.J. Both, and H. Janes. 2004. Quality of hydroponically grown tomatoes subjected to a 14-day, 5oC temperature perturbation during fruit set. Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting. July 12-16, Las Vegas, NV.
  • Fleisher, D., A.J. Both, L. Logendra, C. Moraru, T. Gianfagna, T.C. Lee, J. Cavazzoni, and H. Janes. 2004. Short-term temperature effects on hydroponically grown tomatoes - I: Production scheduling. Habitation 2004. January 4-7. Orlando Florida. Habitation 9(3/4):123.


Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Growth chamber experiments were performed with tomato (cv. Laura) aiming to study the influence of air temperature perturbations during fruit set on fruit quality at maturity, the time to harvest, and the harvest window. Plants were grown in 6 inch pots filled with a perlite. Nutrients were provided through a drip irrigation system. All plants were grown under the same environmental conditions (23/18C day/night temperature, 650 micromol/mol CO2 concentration, 16-hour photoperiod, 415 micromol/(sqms) fluorescent and incandescent light, and 80% relative humidity) except for a two-week period beginning 10 days after fruit-set during which plants were assigned to one of three day/night temperature treatments, 28/23C, 23/18C, and 18/13C. Five tomato fruits were harvested from each plant at three distinct physiological ages; breaker stage (taken as the point at which 25% of the fruit begins to turn red), breaker stage plus three days, and breaker stage plus six days. Harvested fruits were analyzed for mass, size, color, soluble solids content, pH, acidity, viscosity, and other quality parameters. Initial results show significant temperature effects on fruit size, mass, developmental rate, and fruit processing characteristics. The results are applicable towards the development of more efficient plant production strategies for greenhouse growers and for NASA's advanced life support research program. A survey of the New Jersey Greenhouse Industry was conducted. A 69-question survey form was mailed to the approximately 375 known greenhouse operations across the state. A follow-up letter was mailed several weeks later to increase the number of responses. A total of 114 usable responses were received. The data is still being analyzed and will be made available shortly. Other publications of this work are in preparation. A profile of the Turkish cut flower industry was completed and is in press. Collaborations are underway with the National Taiwan University and several private sector companies in Taiwan and New Jersey focusing on environmental control issues in tropical and semi-tropical conditions and on adaptations needed in New Jersey for selected tropical flowers of potential interest for production in the US. Related work is reported under project NJ12130 and additional information can be found at: Rutgers Tomato Web Site: http://www.rutgerstomato.org Rutgers Horticultural Engineering: http://aesop.rutgers.edu/horteng

Impacts
Research and outreach efforts have been conducted in support of the New Jersey greenhouse industry, especially related to design, construction, and operation of controlled environment plant production facilities. The impact of the outreach component is reflected by Dr. A.J. Both's receiving the Blue Ribbon Award, in the ASAE 2003 Educational Aids Competition. July 2003 for the Horticultural Engineering Newsletter. The knowledge gained from designing and operating an entirely closed plant production system, as needed for NASA's long duration space missions, can be directly applied to the commercial greenhouse industry.

Publications

  • Both, A.J. 2003. Supplemental Lighting: Part 2. OFA Bulletin. September/October issue. pp. 1, 10-11.
  • Both, A.J. 2003. Supplemental Lighting. OFA Bulletin. July/August issue. pp. 16-18.
  • Both, A.J. 2003. Considering supplemental lighting? Here are some data that may help you decide. International Cut Flower Growers Association Bulletin. April issue. pp. 24-28.
  • Both, A.J. 2003. Supplemental lighting. Can it help you grow better crops? Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPRO). Spring Edition. pp. 34-37.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2002. Strengths and weaknesses of the greenhouse industry in New Jersey. Presented at the 26th International Horticultural Congress, Toronto, Canada, Aug. 11-17, 2002.
  • Brumfield, R.G. 2003. Strengths and weaknesses of the greenhouse industry in New York. Acta Horticulturae (In press).
  • Brumfield, R.G., B. Ozkan and O. Karaguzel. 2003. A profile of Turkish export cut flower growers. HortTechnology. (In Press.)
  • Cavazzoni, J., F. Tubiello, T. Volk, and O. Monje 2002 Modeling the effect of diffuse light on canopy photosynthesis in controlled environments, ActaHorticulturae 593. Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on Models for Plant Growth and Control in Greenhouses: Modeling for the 21st Century - Agronomic and Greenhouse Crop Models.
  • Fleisher, D.H., J. Cavazzoni, G.A. Giacomelli and K.C. Ting. 2003. Adaptation of SUBSTOR for controlled-environment potato production with elevated carbon dioxide. Transactions of the ASAE 46(2):531-538.
  • Fleisher, D.H. , A.J. Both, C. Moraru, L. Logendra, T. Gianfagna, T.C. Lee, H. Janes and J. Cavazzoni. 2003. Manipulation of tomato fruit quality through temperature perturbations in controlled environments. ASAE paper No. 03-4102. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. 9 pp.
  • Kumasaka, K. 2003. Canopy gas-exchange of soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merr., cv. Hoyt] in response to air temperature, light intensity, and aerial CO2 concentration in controlled hydroponic environments. M.S. Thesis. Rutgers University Libraries, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. 138 pp.
  • Lefsrud, M.G., G.A. Giacomelli, H.W. Janes and M.H. Kliss. 2003 Development of the microgravity plant growth pocket. Transactions of the ASAE 46(6):1647-1651.
  • Tavernier, E.M. and R.G. Brumfield. 2003. An economic analysis of the greenhouse, nursery and sod sector in the U.S. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 38(1):128-130.