Plasticulture Engineering and Technology

Description

The utilization of successful plasticulture engineering technology can ideally optimize crop yields and provide both economic and environmental benefits, such as reducing the need for water and fertilizer. This book discusses the myriad important aspects of crop production that utilize plastic, such as micro-irrigation, water management, plastic mulch films, protected cultivation and low tunnels, crop covers, canal linings, silage bags, and more. It also examines the latest methods for vertical farming and technological aspects, such as smart agriculture using the internet of things (IoT).The current state of the art, as well as potential future uses,ofplastics isdiscussed in addition to the benefits and limitations of plastics applications in agriculture generally. Features Illustrates application of plastic in protected cultivation, water management, aquaculture, and hi-tech horticulture using innovative technologies to enhance water use efficiency and crop productivity Presents precision farming for climate-resilient technologies Includes real-world examples to present practical insights of plastic engineering for climate change mitigation strategies. Plasticulture Engineering and Technology will serve as a useful resource for students, professionals, and researchers in agriculture and agricultural engineering, hydrology, hydraulics, water resources engineering, irrigation engineering, and environmental science. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Definition 1.2 Plasticulture Development 1.3 Film Manufacturing 1.4 Types and Quality of Plastics Used in Soil and Water Conservation 1.4.1 Micro-Irrigation 1.4.2 Protected Cultivation 1.4.3 Mulching 1.4.4 Reducing Water Usage in Agriculture 1.5 Production Agriculture and Postharvest Management 1.5.1 Postharvest and Storage Management 1.5.2 Fruit and Vegetable Packaging 1.5.3 Silage Cover 1.6 Preference of Plasticulture 1.7 Importance of Plastics 1.8 Types of Plastics 1.8.1 Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Plastics 1.8.2 Types of Thermoplastics and Their Uses 1.8.3 Types of Thermosetting Polymers and Their Uses 1.9 Plasticulture in India 1.10 How Plastic Is Used 1.11 Status of Plastics 1.12 Agencies Involved in Promotion of Plasticulture in India 1.12.1 Formation of NCPAH Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 2 Plastic Film Properties 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Polymer 2.3 Classification of Polymers 2.3.1 Classification of Polymers Based on the Source of Availability 2.4 Thermoplastics 2.5 Polyethylene 2.5.1 Classification 2.6 Low-Density Polyethylene 2.6.1 Application of LDPE Areas 2.7 High-Density Polyethylene 2.8 LDPE Application for Film Blowing and Extrusion 2.9 Cross-Linked Polyethylene 2.10 General Properties and Test Method of LDPE 2.11 Polymerization 2.11.1 High-Pressure Polymerization 2.11.2 Natural Polymers 2.11.3 Semisynthetic Polymers 2.11.4 Synthetic Polymers 2.12 Classification of Polymers Based on the Structure 2.12.1 Linear-Chain Polymers 2.12.2 Branched-Chain Polymers 2.12.3 Cross-Linked Polymers 2.13 Classification of Polymers Based on Mode of Synthesis 2.13.1 Addition Polymers 2.14 Classification of Polymers Based on Monomers 2.14.1 Homomer 2.14.2 Heteropolymer or Copolymer 2.15 Classification Based on Molecular Forces 2.15.1 Elastomers 2.15.2 Fibers 2.15.3 Condensation Polymers 2.15.4 Thermosetting Polymers 2.16 Structure of Polymers 2.17 Types of Polymers 2.17.1 Classification Based on the Type of Backbone Chain Organic Polymers Inorganic Polymers 2.17.2 Classification on the Basis of Their Synthesis 2.18 Biodegradable Polymers 2.18.1 High-Temperature Polymers 2.19 Properties of Polymers 2.19.1 Physical Properties 2.19.1.1 Degree of Polymerization and Molecular Weight 2.19.1.2 Molecular Mass of Polymers 2.19.1.3 Number Average Molecular Weight 2.19.1.4 Weight Average Molecular Weight 2.19.1.5 Polydispersity Index or Heterogeneity Index 2.19.2 Mechanical Properties 2.19.2.1 Tensile Strength 2.19.2.2 Young’s Modulus of Elasticity 2.19.3 Transport Properties 2.19.4 Chemical Properties 2.19.5 Optical Properties 2.19.6 Electrical Properties 2.20 Polymer Extrusion 2.20.1 Variance Between Single- and Twin-Screw Extruders 2.20.2 Distinctive Zones of Single- and Twin-Screw Extruders 2.21 Die and Screw Parameters Short Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answer References Chapter 3 Micro-Irrigation 3.1 Introduction 3.2 History of Micro-Irrigation 3.2.1 General Principles of Micro-Irrigation 3.2.1.1 Wetting Patterns Under Micro-Irrigation 3.3 Advantages 3.3.1 Water Saving 3.3.2 Lower Water Application Rates 3.3.3 Improved Fertilizer and Chemical Application 3.3.4 Water Sources with High Salinity 3.3.5 Improved Crop Yield 3.3.6 Feasibility for Any Topography 3.3.7 Other Advantages 3.4 Disadvantages 3.4.1 Clogging 3.4.2 High Maintenance Costs 3.4.3 Salt Accumulation at Root Zone Periphery 3.4.4 Moisture Distribution 3.4.5 Restricted Root Development 3.4.6 High Cost of Drip Irrigation Systems 3.5 Need of Micro-Irrigation 3.6 Types of Micro-Irrigation 3.6.1 Online Emitter/Dripper System 3.6.2 Inline Drip System 3.6.2.1 J-Turbo Line 3.6.2.2 J-Turbo Aqua 3.6.2.3 Twin-Wall Drip Tap 3.6.3 Micro Jets 3.6.4 Mini Sprinklers 3.7 Drip Irrigation 3.7.1 Components of Drip Irrigation System 3.8 Sprinkler Irrigation 3.8.1 Components of Sprinkler Irrigation System 3.9 Installation of Micro-Irrigation Systems 3.10 Maintenance and Troubleshooting 3.11 Micro-Irrigation under Protected Cultivation 3.12 World Scenario of Micro-Irrigation System 3.13 Micro-Irrigation Potential in India 3.14 Conclusion Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 4 Design and Components of Micro-Irrigation 4.1 Definition 4.2 General System Design 4.2.1 Initial Assessment 4.3 Objectives of Design 4.4 Design Inputs Parameters 4.5 Steps to Design Micro-Irrigation System 4.5.1 System Capacity 4.5.2 Selection of Emitting Devices 4.5.3 Selection and Design of Laterals 4.5.4 Design of Submain 4.5.5 Design of Main Line 4.5.6 Selection and Design of Filtration Unit 4.5.7 Selection and Design of Pump 4.6 Layout and Components 4.7 Design Process 4.7.1 Preparatory steps of the micro-irrigation system design process: 4.7.2 Steps for the general micro-irrigation system design process 4.8 Sources of Water 4.9 Types of Micro-Irrigation Systems 4.9.1 Bubbler Irrigation 4.9.2 Application and General Suitability 4.10 Advantages and Disadvantages 4.11 System Design 4.12 Drip Irrigation 4.12.1 Advantages 4.12.2 Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation Systems 4.12.3 Components of Drip Irrigation Systems 4.12.3.1 Drippers 4.13 Design of Drip Irrigation System 4.13.1 Discharge of Drippers 4.13.2 Water Distribution Network 4.13.3 Main and Submain Pipes 4.13.4 Laterals 4.13.5 Manifold 4.13.6 Pipeline Accessories and Fittings 4.13.7 Valves 4.13.7.1 Air Release and Vacuum Relief Valves 4.13.7.2 Pressure Relief Valves 4.13.7.3 Pressure-Regulating Valves 4.13.7.4 Nonreturn Valves 4.13.7.5 Flow Control Valves 4.13.8 Filtration Systems 4.13.8.1 Settling Basins 4.13.8.2 Gravel/Sand Media Filters 4.13.8.3 Screen Filters 4.13.8.4 Hydrocyclones or Centrifugal Sand Separator 4.14 Application of Fertilizers and Chemicals Using Drip Irrigation Systems 4.14.1 Equipment and Methods for Fertilizer Injection 4.14.2 Fertilizer Tank 4.14.3 Fertilizer Dissolver 4.14.4 Fertilizer Injection Devices 4.14.4.1 Location of Fertilizer Injection Systems 4.14.5 Computation of the Quantity of Fertilizer to Be Applied 4.15 Irrigation Water Requirement 4.16 Capacity of Drip Irrigation System 4.17 Sprinkler Irrigation 4.17.1 Adaptability of Sprinkler Irrigation 4.17.2 Advantages 4.17.3 Limitations 4.17.4 Components of Sprinkler Irrigation 4.18 Design of Sprinkler System 4.18.1 Uniformity Coefficient of Sprinklers 4.18.2 Capacity of Sprinkler Irrigation Systems Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 5 Application of Plastic in Water Management 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Micro-irrigation 5.3 Moisture Conservation 5.4 Canal Lining 5.4.1 Seepage Reduction 5.4.2 Prevention of Waterlogging 5.4.3 Increase in Commanded Area 5.4.4 Increase in Channel Capacity 5.4.5 Less Maintenance 5.4.6 Safety Against Floods 5.4.7 Advantages of Canal Lining 5.5 Water Harvesting 5.6 Farm Ponds 5.6.1 Types of Ponds 5.6.1.1 Dugout Farm Ponds 5.6.1.2 Embankment-Type Farm Ponds 5.6.1.3 Spring- or Creek-Fed Ponds 5.6.1.4 Off-Stream Storage Ponds 5.6.2 Design of Farm Ponds 5.6.2.1 Site Selection 5.6.2.2 Capacity of the Pond 5.6.2.3 Design of Embankment 5.6.2.4 Design of Mechanical Spillway 5.6.2.5 Design of Emergency Spillway 5.7 Types of Polythene Sheets 5.8 Procedure of Poly Tank Construction 5.9 Farm Pond and Its Benefits 5.10 Lining of Water Bodies/Farm Ponds 5.10.1 Plastic Film as Lining Material 5.11 Role of Plastic Film (Agrifilm) in Lining 5.12 Future Thrust Area for Agrifilm Lining 5.13 Lined Ponds for Storage of Canal Water 5.14 Underground Pipeline System 5.14.1 Data Required for Underground Pipeline System Planning 5.14.2 Advantages of Underground Pipeline System 5.14.3 Application of Underground Pipeline System 5.15 Lysimeter 5.16 Application of Plastic in Agriculture Drainage 5.16.1 Design Parameters of the Subsurface Drainage System 5.17 Plastic Mulch Questions Multiple Choice Questions Answer References Chapter 6 Soil Conditioning and Solarization Using Plastics 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Importance and Functions of Soil Conditioner 6.3 Types of Soil Conditioners 6.3.1 Organic Soil Conditioners 6.3.1.1 Composts 6.3.1.2 Farm Yard Manure (FYM) 6.3.1.3 Green Manure 6.3.1.4 Sewage Sludge 6.3.1.5 Crop Residues 6.3.1.6 Peat Moss 6.3.1.7 Biochar 6.3.2 Inorganic Soil Conditioners 6.3.3 Mineral Soil Conditioners 6.3.3.1 Gypsum 6.3.3.2 Lime 6.3.3.3 Fly Ash 6.3.4 Synthetic Binding Agents 6.3.4.1 Cationic Polymers 6.3.4.2 Anionic Polymers 6.4 Soil Solarization 6.4.1 Mechanisms of Solarization 6.4.1.1 Thermal Mechanism 6.4.1.2 Chemical Mechanism 6.4.1.3 Biological Mechanism 6.4.2 Factors Affecting Solarization 6.4.2.1 Soil Temperature 6.4.2.2 Soil Moisture 6.4.2.3 Climate and Weather 6.4.2.4 Plastic Film 6.4.3 Solarization Results 6.4.3.1 Increased Soil Temperature 6.4.3.2 Improved Soil Physical and Chemical Features 6.4.3.3 Control of Pests 6.4.3.4 Fungi and Bacteria 6.4.3.5 Nematodes 6.4.3.6 Weeds 6.4.3.7 Encouragement of Beneficial Soil Organisms 6.4.3.8 Increased Plant Growth 6.4.4 Improving Solarization Efficacy 6.4.5 Current Usage Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 7 Irrigation Scheduling to Enhance Water Use Efficiency 7.1 Irrigation 7.2 Irrigation Scheduling 7.3 Full Irrigation 7.4 Deficit Irrigation 7.5 Irrigation Interval 7.5.1 Factors Affecting Irrigation Interval 7.6 Benefits of Irrigation Scheduling 7.7 Factors Affecting Irrigation Scheduling 7.8 Difficulties in Irrigation Scheduling at Farm Level 7.9 Irrigation Scheduling Methods 7.10 Observation of the Plants and Soils 7.10.1 Methods for Monitoring Soil Moisture 7.10.2 Soil Moisture Measuring Devices 7.10.3 Tensiometer 7.10.4 Soil Moisture Sensors 7.11 Resistance Devices 7.11.1 Gypsum Blocks 7.11.2 Granular Matrix Blocks 7.11.3 Neutron Probe 7.11.4 Gravimetric Method 7.11.5 Thermocouple Psychrometry 7.11.6 Stomata Resistance 7.11.7 Infrared Thermometer 7.11.8 Climatological Approach (IW:Cumulative Pan Evaporation (CPE) Ratio) 7.11.9 Canopy Temperature 7.11.10 Water Budget Method 7.12 Guidelines for Planning Irrigation Schedules 7.13 Nonpeak Irrigation Depth Adjustment 7.14 Calculation of Approximate Irrigation Schedules Using a Simple Process 7.15 Soil Water Constants, Root Depth of Crops and Irrigation Scheduling 7.16 Water Balance Approach 7.17 Criteria for Scheduling Irrigation 7.17.1 Soil Moisture as a Guide 7.17.2 Climate as a Guide 7.17.3 Plant as a Guide 7.18 Assessment of the Scheduling Criteria for Surface, Sprinkler, and Drip Irrigation 7.18.1 Surface Irrigation Scheduling 7.18.2 Sprinkler Irrigation Scheduling 7.18.3 Drip Irrigation Scheduling 7.19 Lysimeter Set-Up 7.20 Modeling Approach for Irrigation Scheduling 7.20.1 Reference Evapotranspiration (ET0) 7.20.2 Reference Evapotranspiration (ET0) Estimation Methodologies 7.20.3 Notation in Reference Evapotranspiration Determination 7.20.4 Crop Coefficient 7.20.5 Modification of the Standard Crop Coefficients 7.21 Future of Irrigation Scheduling – How to Take It Forward? 7.22 Numerical Problems Questions Multiple Choice Questions Answer References Chapter 8 Plastics for Crop Protection 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Low Tunnels 8.3 Mulches 8.4 Nethouses 8.4.1 Structure 8.4.2 Advantages of Nethouses 8.4.3 Net Types 8.4.4 Types of Materials 8.4.5 Types of Threads and Texture 8.4.6 Mesh Size, Porosity, Solidity, and Weight 8.4.7 Mechanical Properties 8.4.8 Color 8.4.9 Transmissivity, Reflectivity, and Shading Factor 8.4.10 Air Permeability 8.5 Agricultural Application of Nets 8.5.1 Protection against Meteorological Hazards 8.5.2 Reduction of Solar Radiation 8.5.3 Protection against Insects 8.6 Anti-hail Net 8.6.1 Features of Anti-Hail Net 8.6.2 Anti-Hail Net Light Transmittance 8.7 Anti-Insect Net 8.7.1 Advantages Short and Long Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 9 Plastics in Drying and Storage 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Drying of Crops 9.2.1 Low-Cost Poly House Technology for Drying 9.2.2 Poly House Drying 9.2.3 Refractive Window Drying 9.2.4 Open Sun Drying 9.3 Unit Operation after Harvesting 9.3.1 Field Handling of Crops 9.3.2 Removal of Field Heat 9.3.3 Field Curing 9.3.4 Grading and Sorting 9.3.5 Conveying 9.3.6 Storage 9.3.7 Transportation of Crops 9.4 Packaging Fresh and Processed crops 9.4.1 Classification of Packaging Systems 9.4.2 Plastic Bags 9.4.3 Shrink-Wrap 9.4.4 Rigid Plastic Packages 9.4.5 Biodegradable Films 9.4.6 Modified Atmospheric Packaging Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 10 Plastics in Aquaculture 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Use of Plastics in Aquaculture 10.2.1 Fishnet 10.2.1.1 Types of Fishnets 10.2.2 Cages 10.2.3 Seed-Rearing Tanks 10.2.4 Pens 10.2.5 Trays Used for Packing 10.2.6 Films Used for Packing 10.2.7 Catfish Hatchery 10.2.8 Fish Feeder/Feed Dispenser 10.3 Poly House Ponds 10.4 Most Commonly Used Plastics in Aquaculture 10.5 How to Select the Plastics 10.5.1 Specific Gravity Test in Water 10.6 Plastic Packaging for Freshwater Fish Processing and Products 10.6.1 Fresh Fish Packaging 10.6.2 Evaluation of Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and Laminated Polypropylene Packaging Material in Fish Retailing 10.6.3 Evaluation of Polyethylene 10.6.4 Evaluation of Polypropylene Containers with Lid for Retail Marketing of Fish Cutup Parts during Chilled and Frozen Storage 10.6.5 Evaluation of PET Bottles for Packaging of Fish Pickle 10.7 Contribution of Aquaculture to Marine Litter 10.7.1 Abandoned, Lost, or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gears 10.7.2 Plastic Debris from Aquaculture Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 11 Plastics in Animal Husbandry 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Polymers and Their Products during Preharvest and Postharvest 11.3 Application of Plastics in Farms 11.4 Plastics in Animal Production 11.5 Conservation of Fodder 11.6 Silage 11.6.1 Silage Bags 11.6.2 Advantages of “Silage Bags” 11.7 Selection of Crops for Silage Making 11.8 Silo 11.8.1 Site for Construction of Silo 11.9 Kinds of Silos 11.9.1 Stack Silo 11.9.2 Bunker Silo 11.9.3 Pit/Trench Silo 11.9.4 Plastic Bag Silo 11.9.5 Fenced Silo (Framed Silo) 11.9.6 Tower Silo 11.10 Sealing Methods 11.10.1 Unsealed Silos 11.10.2 Lining Bunker Walls with Plastic 11.10.3 Plastic Film to Cover Silage 11.10.3.1 Plastic Film Color and Thickness 11.10.3.2 Oxygen Permeability of Plastic Film 11.11 Plastic for Livestock Shelter 11.11.1 Plastic Use in Animal Shelter 11.11.2 Advantages of Poly House as Livestock Shelter Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 12 Plastics as Cladding Material 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Benefits of Protected Cultivation 12.3 Greenhouse 12.3.1 Advantages of Greenhouses 12.4 Types of Greenhouses 12.4.1 Greenhouse Types Based on Shape 12.4.1.1 Lean-to Greenhouse Type 12.4.1.2 Even-Span-Type Greenhouse 12.4.1.3 Uneven-Span-Type Greenhouse 12.4.1.4 Ridge and Furrow-Type Greenhouse 12.4.1.5 Sawtooth-Type Greenhouses 12.4.1.6 Quonset Greenhouse 12.4.1.7 Greenhouse-Type Based on Utility 12.4.1.8 Greenhouses Built for Active Heating 12.4.1.9 Greenhouses for Active Refrigeration 12.5 Greenhouse Type Based on Construction 12.5.1 Framed Timber Buildings 12.5.2 Structures Framed by Pipes 12.5.3 Structures Framed by Truss 12.6 Greenhouse Type Based on Covering Materials 12.6.1 Glass Greenhouses 12.6.2 Plastic Film Greenhouses 12.6.3 Rigid Panel Greenhouses 12.7 Types of Greenhouses Based on Cost of Installation 12.7.1 Low-Cost Poly House/Greenhouse 12.7.2 Medium-Cost Greenhouse 12.7.3 Hi-Tech Greenhouse 12.7.4 Miniature Forms of Greenhouses 12.7.4.1 Plastic Low Tunnels 12.7.4.2 Nethouses 12.7.4.3 Walk-in Tunnels 12.7.4.4 Shading Nets Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 13 Plastics in Postharvest Management 13.1 Postharvest Management 13.2 Field Handling of Crops 13.3 Minimizing Field Heat 13.4 Packaging of Fresh and Processed Crops 13.4.1 Classification of Packaging Systems 13.4.2 Plastic Bags 13.4.3 Shrink-Wrap 13.4.4 Rigid Plastic Packages 13.4.5 Bulk Bins 13.4.6 Reusable Plastic Containers 13.4.7 Insert Trays 13.4.8 Clamp Shells 13.4.9 Sleeve Packs 13.4.10 Plastic Corrugated Boxes 13.4.11 Plastic Sacks 13.4.12 Plastic Punnets 13.4.13 Plastic Tension Netting 13.4.14 Plastic Pouch 13.4.15 EPS Tray/Stretch Wrapped 13.4.16 Leno Bag – 5 Kg 13.4.17 Consumer Packs for Whole Food Grains 13.4.18 Biodegradable Films 13.4.19 Modified Atmospheric Packaging 13.4.19.1 Major Requirements for Plastics Films for MAP 13.5 Storage 13.6 Transportation Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 14 Plastics in Horticulture 14.1 Introduction 14.2 History 14.3 Nursery Management 14.3.1 Advanced Plastic-Growing Pots 14.3.2 Growing Media 14.3.3 Soilless Peat 14.3.4 Nursery Containers 14.3.5 Petroleum-Based Plastic Nursery Containers 14.3.6 Alternatives to Petroleum-Based Plastic Containers 14.3.7 Physical Properties of Nursery Containers 14.3.8 Pot-In-Pot 14.3.8.1 Air-Pruning Pots 14.3.8.2 Reusable and Recycling 14.3.8.3 Eco-Friendly Growing Containers 14.3.8.4 Bioplastic – An Alternative to Petroleum-Based Plastics Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 15 Plastic Mulching 15.1 Introduction 15.2 Plastic Mulching 15.3 Classification and Color of Mulches 15.3.1 Color of Film 15.4 Advantages of Plastic Mulch 15.5 Limitations of Plastic Mulch 15.6 Areas of Application 15.7 Effect of Different Color Mulching 15.7.1 White Mulch 15.7.2 Black Mulch 15.7.3 Red Mulch 15.7.4 Green Mulch 15.7.5 Blue Mulch 15.8 Specifications 15.9 Parameters of Plastic Mulch 15.10 Selection of Mulch 15.11 Techniques of Mulch Laying 15.11.1 Mulching Techniques for Vegetables or Close-Spacing Crops 15.12 Irrigation Techniques for Mulching 15.13 Preventions in Mulch Laying Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 16 Hydroponics and Vertical Farming 16.1 Introduction 16.2 Does Agriculture Need to Change? 16.3 Environmental Impacts of Agriculture 16.3.1 Water Use Problem 16.3.2 Water Use: Solution 16.3.3 Land Use: Problem 16.3.4 Land Use: Solution 16.3.5 Chemical Use: Problem 16.3.6 Chemical Use: Solution 16.4 Soilless Cultivation 16.4.1 History of Soilless Cultivation 16.4.2 Advantages of Soilless Cultivation 16.4.3 World Scenario of Soilless Cultivation 16.5 Hydroponics 16.5.1 Types of Hydroponic Setups 16.6 Advantages of Hydroponics 16.7 Disadvantages of Hydroponics 16.8 Aeroponics 16.8.1 Equipment Considerations 16.8.2 How Does Aeroponics System Work? 16.8.3 Types of Aeroponic Systems 16.8.4 What Can Be Grown with Aeroponics? 16.8.5 Advantages of Aeroponics 16.8.6 Drawbacks of Aeroponics 16.9 Feasibility and Suitability of These Technologies in Indian Background Long Answer-Type Questions Short Answer-Type Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 17 Design of Protected Structures 17.1 Introduction 17.2 World Scenario 17.3 Principles of Protective Cultivation 17.4 Selection of Film for Poly House 17.5 Benefits of Greenhouse Technology 17.6 Effect of Wind on Structural Design of Poly House 17.7 Constraints of Climate in Hilly and Mountainous Region 17.8 Protected Vegetable Cultivation at High Altitudes 17.9 Low-Cost Poly House Technology for Vegetable Production 17.10 Site Selection 17.11 Prospects for Protected Cultivation 17.12 Principles of Greenhouse Design 17.13 Site Characteristics that Affect the Design 17.13.1 Wind 17.13.2 Climate (Altitude) 17.13.3 Snow 17.14 Different Types of Poly Houses 17.15 Greenhouse Technology for Cold Arid Regions of Ladakh 17.16 Vegetable Production 17.17 Collection of Solar Radiation 17.17.1 Thermal Storage and Insulation 17.17.1.1 Double Wall 17.17.1.2 Color 17.17.1.3 Roof 17.17.1.4 Ground 17.17.1.5 Door 17.17.1.6 Ventilation 17.18 Low-Cost Poly House Technology for Drying 17.19 Low-Cost Poly Tunnel Drier 17.20 Walnut Propagation under Poly House 17.21 Design Parameter of Greenhouse 17.21.1 Dead Loads 17.21.1.1 Weight of Roof Covering 17.21.1.2 Weight of Purlin 17.21.1.3 Weight of Truss 17.21.1.4 Live Loads 17.21.1.5 Wind Loads 17.21.1.6 Design Wind Pressure 17.21.1.7 Wind Load on Individual Members 17.21.1.8 Snow Loads 17.21.1.9 Method of Joint 17.21.1.10 Procedure for Analysis 17.21.1.11 Load Combinations 17.21.1.12 Design Strength of Tension Member 17.21.1.13 Design Strength due to Rupture of Critical Section 17.21.1.14 Design Strength due to Block Shear 17.21.1.15 Design Strength of Compression Member 17.21.1.16 Slenderness Ratio 17.21.1.17 Greenhouse Microclimate 17.21.1.18 Functional Design of Greenhouse 17.21.1.19 Greenhouse Orientation Short-Answer Type Long-Answer Type Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Chapter 18 Application of Plastic in Farm Machinery 18.1 Introduction 18.2 Materials Used 18.2.1 Advantages 18.3 Plastic Bearings Withstand High Forces 18.4 Plastic Types 18.5 Application 18.5.1 Agriculture Injection Molding 18.6 Other Plastic Applications in Farm Machinery 18.6.1 Plastics in Mulching Machines 18.6.2 Sprayer Tanks 18.6.3 Knapsack Sprayer 18.6.4 Poultry Feeders 18.6.5 Fertilizers Spreader 18.6.6 Hand Tools 18.7 Bicycle Sprayer 18.8 Saffron Corm Grader 18.9 Solar-Operated Knapsack Sprayers 18.10 Improved Sickle 18.11 Zenoah Reciprocator 18.12 Tree Planting Auger 18.13 Budding Cum Grafting Knife 18.14 Pruning Knife 18.15 Grafting Tools (Omega Cut) 18.16 Pruning Saw 18.17 Tree Climber 18.18 Trowels (Planting/Digging) 18.19 Rake (Leveling) 18.20 Watering Can 18.21 Aerator 18.22 Wheelbarrow Questions References Chapter 19 Smart Farming Using Internet of Things 19.1 Introduction 19.2 IoT in Agriculture 19.3 IoT Sensors for Agriculture 19.4 IoT Software for Agriculture 19.5 Some Applications of IoT in Agriculture 19.5.1 Irrigation 19.5.2 Water Quality Monitoring 19.5.3 Soil Monitoring 19.5.4 Greenhouse Condition Monitoring 19.5.5 Pest and Disease Control 19.6 Benefits of IoT in Agriculture 19.7 Automation in Water Management 19.8 Conclusion Short Answer-Type-Questions Long Answer-Type Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Answers References Sample Question Papers Index