Agricultural Greenhouses: Methodology and Construction
Stage 1 – Selecting the site, determining foundations’ width and length, and demarcating and leveling the area
For a smooth flow of the activities involved in the construction process of an agricultural greenhouse with alternative materials we must choose an appropriate site on which to build that is free of humidity, protected from the wind and, preferably, leveled. The greenhouse must be located in an area where there is a prevalence of sun during the day and that is not shaded by trees or constructions. Stage 1 begins by demarcating the site with a string and stakes (Photo 1), measuring width and length, (Photos 3 and 6), as well as marking out the area (Photos 2, 4 and 5). In this stage of the construction it is also necessary to level the entire area (Photo 7, 8, 9 and 10) to ensure that the greenhouse foundations and the greenhouse itself are leveled. Now begins the excavation of a trench (Photos 11, 12, 13 and 14) measuring 15 cm in depth and 40 cm in width (these measures may vary depending on material – bricks, blocks, concrete footings). Building the greenhouse foundation is necessary to keep the soil inside the greenhouse from being washed away, as well as animals and water from getting in.
Materials required for execution of Stage 1: folding ruler or measure tape, string, water level, try square, shovel, cutting shovel, hammer, 8 (eight) 1.20-meter-long stakes