Protected cultivation is an alternative to control damage caused by excessive rainfall

Protected cultivation is an alternative to guarantee the development of several varieties of more sensitive plants, such as vegetables and flowers, with reduced damage caused by climatic phenomena, such as intense rains. This is what agricultural engineer Georgeton Silveira, state coordinator of Olericulture at Emater-MG, points out. Although greenhouses or greenhouses emerged in countries with harsh winter climates, they are also very useful in tropical countries, such as Brazil, as long as producers adapt to the climate.

These structures can be very simple, built with cheap and easily accessible materials, but there are also several options with more advanced technology, to better control the crop growth environment, such as cooling and humidity control. In this case, the implementation cost is naturally higher and requires a more detailed technical study to verify the financial return on the investment. 

“It is important to choose a location that is not wet. It should also not be a very steep terrain, as this makes the installation of this greenhouse difficult. And a check must be made as to which type of structure is most suitable - is it a chapel type, or arches, for example. So, this will depend on the materials that exist on the property or can be acquired more easily, to make implementation cheaper", he explains.

The Emater-MG coordinator emphasizes that another precaution is to define the ceiling height, that is, the height of the ceiling, which should be greater in regions with higher ambient temperatures, to promote ventilation. And the plastics used for covers and side protections must be treated with sun protection, otherwise the material will have low durability, which could cause considerable damage to the producer.

Georgeton Silveira also highlights the importance of knowing the direction of the winds at the location, to avoid damage to the structure. Construction must be carried out parallel to the prevailing winds in the region, which ensures greater stability of the roof. And, in addition to protection against the elements, growing in greenhouses or greenhouses also provides better disease and pest control than growing in open fields.