What Is a Seedling House?
A seedling house is a specialized plastic greenhouse dedicated to the cultivation of seedlings.
Seedling cultivation involves growing seedlings for a certain period after germination, before transplanting them into fields. For example, in rice cultivation, there are two methods: direct seeding and transplanting. Seedling houses are utilized during the transplanting method, where seedlings are grown to a suitable size for planting in the field.
Uses of Seedling Houses
Seedling houses provide a controlled environment during the critical seedling period. Direct sowing in the field, while time and labor-efficient, leaves seedlings vulnerable to environmental factors like temperature and rainfall. Seedling houses mitigate these risks by offering a stable environment and protecting the seedlings from temperature fluctuations and other environmental changes.
Proper management during the seedling growing period is crucial as it is sensitive to environmental factors such as pests and diseases, which significantly impact the growth and yield of crops like rice after planting.
Advantages of Seedling Houses
1. Useful for Temperature and Humidity Control
Seedling houses allow for the control of temperature and humidity, which is challenging in direct seeding. Being enclosed structures, they enable the regulation of internal conditions by opening or closing the doorways to adjust airflow and thus, the internal climate.
2. Independent of Weather Conditions
Seedling houses offer protection from adverse weather conditions like wind and rain, which are unavoidable in open-field cultivation. They enable farmers to work without concern for weather disruptions. However, they require precautions against potential damage from heavy winds or snowfall.
3. Preventing the Invasion of Pests and Diseases
During the vulnerable seedling growth period, seedling houses help in preventing pests and diseases, promoting healthy growth. This can also lead to reduced pesticide usage and associated costs.
Disadvantages of Seedling Houses
1. High Cost
Implementing seedling houses incurs significant initial and ongoing maintenance costs. It is essential to weigh these costs against the benefits and purpose of the seedling house.
2. Appropriate Management Is Necessary
Effective seedling production requires meticulous control of the internal environment of the seedling house. Inadequate management can lead to poor growth and disease, while proper management is key to healthy seedlings, higher yields, and improved quality.
Types of Seedling Houses
Seedling houses vary in size, from small structures for flower and vegetable seedlings to larger ones for extensive seedling production. They can be broadly categorized into vinyl greenhouses and glass houses, with different materials and structures affecting their durability and workability.
1. Vinyl Greenhouses (Pipe Greenhouses)
Vinyl greenhouses are constructed with U-shaped pipes as support columns and covered with agricultural PVC or polyolefin film (PO film).
2. Glass House (Steel Frame House)
Glass houses use H-steel or square pipes for support columns, with glass or rigid film for the covering. The choice of seedling house should align with the specific requirements and purposes of the user.