Tunnel greenhouses are dome-shaped structures commonly used for agricultural, commercial, and even restaurant-related purposes. Due to their simple design and lower construction cost, they are well-suited for small-scale farmers and producers.
Tunnel greenhouses have lower construction costs; however, they are not suitable for cultivating tall vine crops. Instead, they are ideal for short-statured plants such as aloe vera, pineapple, seasonal flowers, and medicinal herbs.
Tunnel greenhouses have no vertical walls, and their roof structure is arched. Galvanized steel pipes are used to shape the roof and sidewalls. These pipes do not require concrete foundations and are firmly anchored into the ground at intervals of 3 to 5 meters. The span width of these tunnels ranges from 6 to 10 meters, with a maximum height of approximately 3 to 4 meters.
The length of tunnel greenhouses can vary depending on the size of the land. Since they do not require concrete foundations, their construction progresses quickly and does not involve the use of expensive or specialized equipment. Tunnel greenhouses are generally smaller in scale compared to other types, which allows them to warm up more quickly during winter and reduces overall energy consumption.
Applications of Tunnel Greenhouses:
- Mushroom cultivation
- Cultivation of medicinal plants
- As annex spaces for restaurants, warehouses, or storage units
- Pool covering structures
- Used as retail spaces for selling various houseplants
Disadvantages of Tunnel Greenhouses:
- Difficult temperature control, especially during hot days
- Ventilation issues and insufficient air circulation
- Vulnerability to extreme weather conditions (strong winds and heavy rainfall)
- Height limitations for growing tall crops
- Ongoing maintenance costs, especially for replacing plastic coverings
- High risk of pest and disease outbreaks in enclosed spaces
- Limited compatibility with large-scale agricultural machinery
- Challenges in natural pollination
- Best suited for small to medium-scale production; limited potential for large-scale operations
