2 - Covering materials for protected cultivation systems

Abstract

This series of 13 technical factsheets have been developed by FAO with the support of the Sub-regional Office in the Caribbean and the Plant Production and Protection Division. The content includes technical knowledge on adapted technologies and practices to improve crop management increasing efficiency in the use of limited natural resources such as water and land, nutrients, and labour, as well as promoting local production of high-value and nutritious vegetable crops, generating employment, increasing business opportunities and reducing imports to achieve food security. Factsheets have been designed to provide practical information covering all factors that affect production, including climate, soil, nutrients, water, pest & diseases, and cultural practices for the successful cultivation of vegetable crops. Factsheets also provide knowledge on the key aspects to consider when designing horticulture cultivation systems to achieve optimization, standardization, and adaptation to local conditions in the context of small and medium-scale farmers and to produce horticulture crops with higher quality, food safety, yield, and profits using sustainably natural resources. This publication is aimed to reach a wide audience, including extension services, policymakers, farmers, and the private sector.