Geothermal heated greenhouses support a plant’s life process in changing climate conditions. Though this type of greenhouse system consumes a relatively large amount of heat energy, the results are generally worth it. The plants grown in geothermal heated greenhouses are healthy and develop more rapidly than their counterparts which are grown outside the climate controlled environment.

The environmental and ecological orientation of most greenhouses dictates their energy needs and geothermal conditioning. For example, seasonal climate change affects the energy needs of any greenhouse, but if it is properly built with light weight materials that have minimal insulating feature, the greenhouse can offer a stabilized climate.

Still, the external climate plays an important role in the operation of any greenhouse. During colder seasons when there is limited sunlight, the controlled climate offered by greenhouses allows plants to continue to grow. This means that the main purpose of having an internal climate system is to optimize the conditions needed for plant growth.

The internal climate system of a greenhouse creates an environment suitable for photosynthesis, an essential process for plant growth and development. During photosynthesis, plants use the sun’s solar radiation to metabolize organic matter into energy, producing much needed chlorophyll. During this process, much needed carbon dioxide is produced.

To help ensure that the greenhouse climate is suitable for optimum plant growth, the gardener can calculate the amount of climate energy needed for lighting and heating. Therefore, any external climate changes can be addressed within the greenhouse itself through the use of heating and humidifying systems.

These systems help maintain the ongoing balance of energy in the greenhouse. This is especially important because of the ways that the natural processes of growing plants affect the greenhouse’s energy balance. For example, water is transported through the soil, plant canopy, then back into the air, affecting the overall greenhouse humidity. Similarly, the formation of chlorophyll through photosynthesis affects the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle and heat transfer, which in turn affects the entire internal climate.

This means that the greenhouse gardener needs to pay attention to several factors that can interact to influence the climate of the greenhouse. These factors include the following.

Air movement within the greenhouse may directly influence heat and water transfer between the plant canopy and the air itself; therefore, effective air circulation will help sustain the energy balance needed by the plants for healthy growth.

Air temperature affects the entire energy balance inside the greenhouse. As air moves throughout, nearly every part of the plant, such as the leaves and stems, is affected. In this respect, air temperature is the connective heat within the greenhouse.

Soil temperature and the temperature of the ground structure affect the greenhouse climate. As heat is transferred between the roots of the plants and the water flow system—known as the ground structure—the overall greenhouse climate changes.

Temperature distribution throughout the greenhouse can be maintained by an appropriate heating system which also can help control air movement. This in turn can be used to maintain air humidity regardless of external climate changes.

Water transport within the greenhouse plays a big role in sustaining the plants’ photosynthesis. Water is essential for the plant growth and development and must be available in the right amounts to the roots of the plants. Likewise, sufficient water means sufficient greenhouse humidity.

Light is essential for the ever important photosynthesis which produces carbon dioxide, and carbon dioxide is an essential part of plant respiration. In addition, light means heat. Solar radiation provides the spectrum of light that helps supply needed warmth during colder seasons.

Carbon dioxide concentration plays an important role in plant health, growth and life process. Carbon dioxide is important to maintain a balanced temperature and humidity density in a greenhouse. The normal average of carbon dioxide concentration in the external air atmosphere is 0.03%.

The environment of any greenhouse is a complex one. To maintain an appropriate energy balance and to control the climate, the greenhouse gardener needs to pay attention to the air, water and soil or ground structure. Heating and air circulation systems are important to create an environment that will provide plants all that they need to grow and flourish even when the external climate changes. This means that a well-planned greenhouse will have the proper distribution of light, temperature, water and carbon dioxide for sustained plant growth.