engleski

Production systems in southeastern European greenhouses

Southeastern European greenhouses vary in technological advancement, individual size and legislative environment. This paper is an attempt to provide advices on common issues that would be easily accessible and acceptable for growers in the whole region. It describes greenhouse production systems - integrated production in the soil or in soilless culture systems and organic crop production compared with conventional cultivation. Specific cultivation practices and various options are explained for growers, depending on the technology used and in accordance with the climatic and economic conditions. For soil cultivation, the emphasis is placed on soil testing, fertilization planning and diseases monitoring, as well as mulching and crop rotation. Organic production additionally requires use of certified organic reproductive materials, as well as certified organic plant protection products and fertilizers. To acquire best results from soilless cultivation growers should adapt the irrigation strategy to the physical properties of the growing media and consider sustainability and environmental protection. Closed systems are more environmentally friendly than open systems. Growers are advised to keep records of all inputs and operations, regardless the production system. Besides helping the crop production planning and inspections, this is an excellent basis to quantify the various parameters influencing the production price. Investment costs and a template table for calculation of variable costs are included in order to provide farmers with a tool to make an economic assessment.

soilless cultivation, organic production, integrated crop management

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