The first crops of greenhouse cucumbers are being collected in the north of the Republic of Belarus. Thanks to the supplemental lighting and heating systems, summer conditions have been created for the vegetables in the greenhouses. Yet, the growers monitor weather conditions intently as in cold weather extra energy use is required. This winter compared to last year, the enterprise managed to save up on energy resources due to the warm weather conditions.
Apart from the warmth, the crops are highly dependent on light conditions. As in rainy January days, there is deficit of light; the plants receive supplemental lighting of 600 watt 20 hours a day.
The temperature in Belarus in January 2020 is 5-8 degrees higher than the climatological normal one and more similar to the ones typical for the end of March. Therefore winter crops started reacting to the unusually warm conditions.
Source: tvr.by