Effects of Different Heating Systems on Cucumber Yield in Greenhouses and Cost and Gas Volume Consumed in Varamin Region

This research was conducted to investigate the effects of three heating systems on cucumber yield, and cost and gas volume consumed in greenhouses located in Varamin region, Tehran province, Iran. Conventional heating systems used in the greenhouses are: central heating system (including boiler + hot water pipes), gas heater system (including double-walled tank + blower) and traditional furnace system (including ignition chamber + torch + pipes carrying a mixture of hot air and flammable gases). The study was carried out for two consecutive cucumber cultivation periods from January to June. Average values of crop yield, volume and cost of gas consumed were determined separately for each heating system. Results of the study indicated that the central heating system with the highest crop yield (295 t/ha), and the lowest volume (100,000 m³/ha) and cost (840 USD/ha) of gas consumed was the best and most suitable heating system for greenhouses producing cucumbers in Varamin region and other regions with the same and similar climate as well as regions with active greenhouses in the cold season.