Experiments on the microclimate in small tunnel-like coverings are undertaken with various covering materials.
The covering materials used are paraffin paper, nonperforated polyethylene film, perforated polyethlene film and vinylon cheese cloth.
(1) The transmission coefficient for solar radiation of the covering varies with the covering materials, incident angle and wave length of radiation.
(2) Temperature of the covering material, and the air, the soil surface and the soil termperature in the covering are influenced by the transmissibility for radiation and the air permeabilility of the covering material.
(3) Relative humidity, vapour pressure and amounts of evaporation from water surface in the covering depend on the air permeability of the covering material.
(4) Differences in the heat balace characteristics among coverings used are mainly due to the air permeability of the covering material.