A methodology for model-based greenhouse design: Part 3, sensitivity analysis of a combined greenhouse climate-crop yield model

Greenhouse design is an optimisation problem that might be solved by a model-based greenhouse design method. A sensitivity analysis of a combined greenhouse climate-crop yield model of tomato was done to identify the parameters, i.e. greenhouse design parameters, outdoor climate and climate set-points, that most strongly influence greenhouse performance. The analysis was performed for a low-tech greenhouse in Almeria, Spain, and a high-tech greenhouse in Texas, USA. A single-variate sensitivity analysis showed that outdoor climate has the strongest impact on the performance of the greenhouse system, followed by greenhouse design parameters and greenhouse climate set-points. The high impact of the outdoor conditions stresses the need to select a proper location for the greenhouse. Concerning the design parameters, the analysis revealed different results for the two locations and greenhouses studied. This emphasises that a ‘custom made’ approach to greenhouse design should be followed exploiting local conditions. In both cases, structures with a higher PAR transmission and a NIR-selective whitewash should be used. Seasonal patterns in the model sensitivity of for instance PAR, NIR and FIR emission coefficients of the cover indicate that a greenhouse with adjustable cover parameters will be advantageous over a design with fixed greenhouse cover parameters, as is usually implemented. A multi-variate sensitivity analysis revealed strong joint effects of parameters on crop yield. A joint increase of the PAR transmission and temperature set-point for ventilation favoured the crop yield for both greenhouses, stressing a simultaneous approach to both design and control of greenhouse systems.

► We apply a sensitivity analysis to a combined greenhouse climate-crop yield model.
► A greenhouse in Almeria, Spain and a greenhouse in Texas, USA are analysed.
► Outdoor climate has the strongest impact on greenhouse performance.
► PAR remains the main limiting factor for greenhouse production systems.
► Seasonal patterns of sensitivity show the need for adjustable cover parameters.