The objective of this research was to study the effect of greenhouse cultivated with melon (Cucumis melo L.) under meteorological elements and its relationship with external conditions. The study was carried out during the period of October 5, 2001 to January 7, 2002. The greenhouse had 420 m², constructed in galvanized metallic structure with two voids, height in the central part of 4.6 m and lateral of 3.0 m, having four front windows covered with a film of transparent polyethylene of high density with addictive ultraviolet and thickness of 150 µm. A drip irrigation system was used with a total water depth of 279.6 mm applied. The irrigation management was done through a small evaporation pan installed inside the greenhouse. The weather data were obtained through an automatic acquisition system placed inside and outside of the greenhouse with measurements of global solar radiation, temperature and humidity of the air. The solar radiation and relative humidity were lower in the greenhouse while the temperature was higher. The relationship between weather parameters inside and outside of the greenhouse, was expressed by linear and quadratic regression equations.
radiation; evapotranspiration; irrigation; Cucumis melo L.
