Using possibilites of reinforced greenhouse covering materials in greenhouse cultivation: The case of Bursa

In this study, the type of covering materials used by the plastic covered greenhouses operating in Bursa province, usage possibilities, the factors affecting the choice of coverings, the level of knowledge of the producers in the choice of coverings and their suggestions were examined with on-site surveys. As a result of the examination of the data obtained, new information was obtained by making inferences according to the results obtained. The percentage for individual and block greenhouses in examined enterprises are 93% and 7%, respectively. PE covering material with UV + IR + AF additive was used in 80% of the enterprises and standard PE covering material was used in 20%. It is determined that the use of reinforced PE film as covering material contributes to physical life of the covering material and that the covering material replacement period is 3 years in 60% of the enterprises and 2 years in 40%. Although the results of the study show that there is an increase in the use of reinforced plastic covering materials in investigated enterprises, it is determined that greenhouse producers are unaware on the structure's thermal performance which reduce the operating costs of heating and cooling, and its beneficial effects on the creation of indoor environment conditions which are effective in production efficiency. Key words: Greenhouse, cover material, reinforced plastics