Understanding the boundary layer

Boundaries are incredibly important, and not just when it comes to personal space. For plants, the boundary layer represents a tiny climate of its own that dictates everything from the rate at which a plant uptakes water, to the rate of a plant's development. For most growers, it can be an aspect of the propagation process that’s easy to overlook, but can have a negative impact on your crop if not handled properly.

What is it?
The first question is the most obvious. What is a boundary layer? In short, a boundary layer is the band of air that surrounds a plant’s leaves. The layer can fluctuate in size depending on a number of circumstances, including:

Proximity to other plants
Ambient temperature
Exposure to wind and air movement
Leaf size and type
Greenhouse ventilation

It helps to picture the boundary layer as a tiny climate unto itself that envelops your plant, but still plays a large role in its development.

What does it affect?
Many things! But the most important to keep in mind for growers is the rate at which water enters and exits the plants. For example, if your greenhouse has very little air movement, and temperatures are relatively warm, moisture will move through the plants slowly. While this can be desireable for some applications, most growers want to ensure that there’s at least a minimum level of air movement in their greenhouses, to ensure that thicker boundary layers don’t inhibit photosynthesis and growth.

For more information
Rimol Greenhouse Systems
40 Londonderry Turnpike
Hooksett, NH 03106
T: (877) 746-6544
info@rimolgreenhouses.com
www.rimolgreenhouses.com