The Feasibility of Underground Greenhouses Construction as an Action to Reduce Climate Change Impacts

Iranian open-access field experiment in Arak comparing cucumber greenhouses at 0 m, 1.5 m, and 2.5 m below grade: deeper pits cut electricity/gas use ~8%/depth but reduced radiation and slightly lowered yield at 2.5 m. Built three units: SG1 at 0 m, SG2 at 1.5 m, SG3 at 2.5 m below ground; cucumber at 2 plants/m²; recorded canopy temperature, RH, brightness. Underground units showed more temperature stability and higher RH but lower radiation intensity. Yield difference significant between SG1 and SG3; SG2 not significantly different from SG1. SG2: 5% less electricity and 6.5% less gas vs SG1; SG3: 13.3% less electricity and 14.5% less gas; authors state ~8.3% electricity and ~8% gas saved per depth increment.

Arak, Iran cold semi-arid context—not Bolivian Altiplano walipini.

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