The greenhouse approach to farming is the best because the agricultural environment in greenhouses can be fully managed or controlled to facilitate optimum plant growth.
Upon entering the greenhouse facility at CoELIB, you are immediately struck by the difference in climate. The weather in Nakuru is subject to unpredictable fluctuations, sometimes being extremely hot, yet still cold all at the same time. This is similar to how you can have unpredictable changes in your climate with no prior warning. However, the difference in climate when walking into the greenhouse facility at CoELIB makes you feel as though you have entered another world of business where natural elements meet with planning and working together in unison.
The experience I have gained during my period of attachment at CoELIB has shown me that growing crops within a greenhouse environment is not simply a means of producing food within a confined space. Greenhouse farming, as practised at CoELIB, is one of the best means of combating the ever increasing problem of global warming. By utilising locally available resources, utilising gravity instead of fossil fuels for product movement, locking up carbon within the soil, and thus enabling the growth of Capsicum spp (Bell Pepper) in a sustainable manner - by the systems of greenhouse farming as used at CoELIB, crops can be grown in an environmentally friendly and resource efficient manner.
Most people are unaware that traditional open field agriculture can make it more difficult to grow crops. The repeated cultivation of land creates a release of gases that are contained within the soil, while the excessive use of chemical fertilizer results in the pollution of both the atmosphere and soil. The greenhouse approach to farming is the best because the agricultural environment in greenhouses can be fully managed or controlled to facilitate optimum plant growth.
Capsicum Production - A CoELIB Guide
Smart Planning and Seed Sourcing
Careful measurements of the greenhouse structure is key, so as to provide optimum sun and airflow for your plants. Use of high-quality, hybrid (disease-resistant) Capsicum seeds.
Smart Water Management
CoELIB utilizes a two-tank system. Water collected from the rain is transported and stored in a large underground tank and pumping energy will be used only to transport the rainwater from the underground tank to an elevated storage tank; gravity provides natural flow of water through pipes directly to greenhouse drip lines. Capsicum requires a great deal of care and patience in order for the plants to develop appropriately. As they grow tall and heavy and begin to produce fruit, the plants will have to be supported by tying them to strings. Pruning excess leaves from the plants helps with airflow and reduces the possibility of disease.
Harvesting
Harvesting bell peppers is done when they turn bright green, yellow, or red. They are carefully picked and handled. Because Capsicum spoils easily, especially in hot conditions, proper storage is essential. In this case, shaded charcoal coolers and solar-powered hubs are recommended to keep the harvest fresh without relying on the national power grid. This ensures that the energy used to grow the food is not wasted through post-harvest losses.
Post Harvesting
When the farming cycle ends, plant remains and cleared leaves are not burned or discarded in the greenhouse. Instead, they are collected and turned into compost or used to produce biochar, closing the production loop completely.
Greenhouses protect crops from pests and harsh weather that could otherwise destroy yields and lead to losses. This allows farmers to harvest quality peppers throughout the year, even during dry seasons when market prices are highest.
THE DOs
Do check your soil regularly. This helps monitor soil health and ensures that biochar and nutrients remain balanced, preventing loss of fertility. Use the wind. Position your greenhouse in a way that allows natural wind flow to cool it, reducing the need for electric fans. Plant trees outside. A row of local trees around the greenhouse acts as a windbreak, protecting the plastic roofing from strong winds. Use a footbath at the door. Although it may seem inconvenient, cleaning boots before entering helps keep pests out. Preventing pests is easier than controlling them later. Tie your plants early. Capsicum plants become heavy quickly, so supporting them early ensures the fruits stay above wet soil. Trim unnecessary leaves. Remove lower leaves and excess side shoots to improve airflow and reduce the risk of mold.
THE DON’Ts
Don’t use chemical fertilizers. While tempting for quick results, excessive chemicals damage soil health and release harmful gases into the environment. Don’t ignore small tears in netting. Even a small hole can become an entry point for pests. Fix it immediately before it becomes a bigger problem. Don’t let water tanks run dry. If the upper tank empties, air can enter the pipes and disrupt water flow when refilled, affecting irrigation. Don’t leave land completely bare. Avoid clearing all natural vegetation around the greenhouse, as nature helps maintain ecological balance. Don’t burn farm waste. Never burn old plant material after harvest. Instead, compost it or convert it into biochar for future use.
By: Getray Nanzala
