Session 6: Growing Crops
Northern Greenhouse Technology
and Complete Growing Systems
Presented by:
Joey Villeneuve ing. M.Sc
In collaboration with:
Damien de Halleux,ing.
Source: (Carrier, 2008)
Presentation Plan
•  Introduction
•  Context (Extreme weather, permafrost, etc.)
•  Objectives and expectations
•  On site available resources and labour
•  Greenhouse technology
•  Complete growing systems
•  Conclusion
2
Introduction
•  Northern Canada, 55° and up
•  Most villages have populations below 1500
•  More permanent roads in western Canada
•  Limited supply lines based on shipping
schedules and winter roads
•  Each village has distinct challenges
Whitehorse, Yukon Salluit, Québec 3
Context (Extreme weather,
permafrost, wildlife etc.)
•  Cold air temperatures
•  Yearly precipitations and cloud cover
•  Long summer days, short winter days
•  Extreme winds and wind barriers
•  Permafrost
•  Wildlife
Source: http://lovelaughterlollipops.blogspot.ca
Source: Chester Slade
Source: http://stanthony.spps.org
4
Objectives and expectations
•  Getting the community interested and involved
•  Identifying and training local project leaders
•  Identifying technology adapted to Northern
Canada
•  Identifying crop people want to eat that will
grow in Northern Canada
•  Establishing partnerships with local businesses
Source: http://www.arcticnet.ulaval.ca/
5
Local resources and labour
•  Abundant energy source, low cost is better;
•  Having a market for the greenhouse crops;
•  Secure a site with high-quality water
•  8 liters/m² (0,75L/ft²) per day;
•  Install high quality efficient equipment
•  higher initial investment will outweigh the
long-term maintenance and operational cost of
low quality equipment;
•  Identify agronomic expertise before building
the greenhouse
•  train local expertise a minimum of six months
prior to starting the project.
6
Greenhouse technology (Light)
•  Maximizing light penetration
•  Proper greenhouse orientation
•  Using adequate structures for maximum light
21st of March
21st of June
21st of September 21st of December
7
Greenhouse technology (Light)
•  Using transparent and rigid glazing coverings
•  Acrylic panels, Polycarbonate panels
• Double to triple wall panels
• Built in Anti-fog system prevents condensation
• High impact strength under snow and wind
• 76-80% light transparency – Polycarbonate
• 76-91% light transparency - Acrylic
Acrylic Clear 91%
(Polygal, 2012)
(Evonik, 2012)
8
Greenhouse technology (Heat)
•  Identifying available heat source
•  Oil #2 ($$$), propane ($$$), bunker/waste oil
($), organic trash ($) (wood and combustibles),
waste heat from power stations ($), etc.)
•  Heating requirements for yearly operations
•  Based on 1999-2012 average weather
(62°North)
•  220L/m²/y for warm crops (tomatoes, peppers,
cucumbers, etc.)
•  165L/m²/y for cold crops Lettuce, cruciferous
vegetables, etc.)
9
Water and crop systems
•  On-site storage for non aqueduct sites
•  Capacity to store weekly requirements
•  On-site storage for waste water
•  Fertilisation recirculation
•  No sewer systems for waste water
10
Drip irrigation and growing media
•  Most areas have no soil
•  Resources are limited
•  Organic growing media
•  Utilize for future compost projects
•  Nutrient film technology (NFT)
Coco fiber growing media
NFT technology
Source: http://www.mapalplastics.com 11
Building on solid ground
•  Identifying suitable ground to build structures
•  Using adjustable tetrapod's
•  Building on solid rock
•  Building on raised rock embankments
•  Preserving permafrost
Source: Stephen Grasser
Source: http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca 12
Insulation
•  Permanent insulation on north wall structures
•  Permanent insulation on floors
•  Reduce heat loss to the ground
•  Reduce the impact on permafrost
•  Movable insulation on south wall and roof
Source: http://www.norbecarchitectural.com
Source: http://www.svenssonglobal.com
13
Building layout and storage
•  Design a structure to perform all task
•  Seeds, on site growth chambers and nursery
•  Packaging, storage and shipping
•  Yearly supplies based on shipping schedules
•  Fertilizer, plant materiel, growing media, etc.
•  Integrate storage and operations on the northern wall
•  Plan for expansion
•  Plan for easy access for water delivery and pick up
Source: http://www.skylinegreenhouse.com 14
Examples of northern greenhouses
Fairbanks, Alaska
Arthur Clarke Mars
Greenhouse (Devon
Island, Nunavut)
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Brace experimental
greenhouse, 1974
University Laval prototype
Inuvik (NWT)
Solar dome movable
greenhouse (MAPAQ, 1985)
15
Conclusion
•  Planning and evaluation is crucial
•  Local community collaboration is the key.
•  Each site will have particularities
•  Finding low cost energy source will help
•  Building with high standards will reduce the
overall operational costs
16
Contact information
Joey Villeneuve, ing. M.Sc
Research engineer, Université Laval
Email: villeneuvejoey@gmail.com
Damien de Halleux,ing., Ph.D.
Professor, Université Laval
Member of Horticulture Research Center of
Université Laval.
Email: damien.de.halleux@fsaa.ulaval.ca
Tel: (418) 656-2131 x 2005
17