Infrared thermography: a tool to map temperature anomalies of plants in a greenhouse heated by gas fired infrared heaters

A successful production of plants in a greenhouse requires a microclimate adapted to the needs of each specific type of plant produced. Ambient temperature and humidity are two important parameters. This paper describes preliminary results from a field study using infrared thermography to map the temperature distribution pattern of tables for plant production, gas heated infrared radiation tubes, and of plants at different stages of growth. Comparative studies are performed for one gas-IR heated greenhouse and one reference greenhouse with a conventional water based heating system. Preliminary results indicate that infrared thermography is an efficient way to detect temperature anomalies of the heating systems and of the heat distribution systems of a greenhouse. Thermography could also be used as a tool when calibrating and evaluating the function of greenhouse heating systems, and to indicate anomalies in the growth process of the plants.