We have recently invested in a new greenhouse at the Chipping Campden site for work on protected crops. It can also be used to run controlled condition pot trials with a range of crops.
The cladding material reduces the risk of crop scorching by diffusing natural light and also insulates from extreme temperatures. Temperatures are controlled using drop down ventilation designed to prevent wind damage to crops.
It has already been used to investigate residual chlorate levels from irrigation and crop washing water, and how nanobubbles can improve nutrient uptake by the roots using a hydroponic growing system. The greenhouse extends the typical growing season by 12-16 weeks and has been successfully used to grow suitable crops over the winter period.