Modeling Row Cover Effects on Microclimate and Yield: II. Thermal Model and Simulations

An analytical model is described that predicts air and soil temperatures under row tunnels used for early season microclimate modification for field grown vegetables and fruits. The model is time dependent and based on simultaneous solutions of thermal radiation and thermal energy balances for each component of the thermal system. The model's adequacy was tested by comparing its predictions to field data. Reasonable agreement was found considering the approximations used to determine values of required thermal parameters. Sensitivity analyses are presented to demonstrate uses of the model, and the significance of the more important thermal parameters.