Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Samar Behrouzinia ¹
• Samira Vahedi ²
• Nader Abbasi ³
• Farshid Taran ⁴

¹ Researcher, Zanjan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO),

² Researcher, Zanjan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Zanjan, Iran

³ Agricultural Engineering Research Institute

⁴ Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (AERI); Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO); Karaj; Iran

Abstract

Greenhouse cultivation, with its potential to control environmental conditions and optimize the use of water and soil resources, represents a fundamental approach to agricultural production. However, the efficiency and effectiveness of greenhouses require compliance with various criteria, including hydrology, environmental factors, soil science, and particularly climate conditions. Therefore, conducting feasibility studies is essential before implementing greenhouse construction projects. This study evaluates the climatic conditions of the Nikpey region in Zanjan Province for establishing a 34-hectare greenhouse complex. To achieve this, the suitability of meteorological variables—such as precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, sunshine hours, and cloudiness—over a 21-year period (2002–2022) was assessed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The results indicate that the average annual temperature is 11.9°C, and the region falls within the normal drought class (SPEI) for approximately 40% of the studied period. The annual cooling and heating degree days were calculated as 245.1 and 2883.3 degree-days, respectively. On average, the region receives 2975 hours of sunshine annually, with approximately 34 fully cloudy days per year. Predominant annual wind speeds range between 3.5 and 5.8 m/s, with the highest wind speed (25 m/s) recorded from the south. Based on the climatic analysis, Nikpey requires heating for 6 months,, and only natural ventilation for 4 months. Overall, the cold-dry climate of the region is classified as moderately suitable for greenhouse establishment. However, the primary challenge in the target area is the high annual maximum wind speed, necessitating careful selection of greenhouse designs that align with climatic standards.

Keywords

• Meteorological Parameters
• Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)
• Agricultural Production
• Greenhouse Cultivation

Main Subjects

• Drought