Recovery and reconstruction of damaged controlled-environment horticultural equipment after the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake

Abstract

Many horticultural structures, such as high tunnels and greenhouses along the Pacific Coast of the Tohoku and Kanto areas were crushed by the tsunami that followed the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake. The National Agricultural and Food Research Organization (NARO) investigated damage caused to horticultural structures by the tsunami and seismic motion. The purpose of this review is to report on the damage caused to horticultural structures and incidental facilities by the earthquake, and consider responses to future similar disasters. Major economic impacts by the tsunami included agricultural facilities, horticultural structures, agricultural machines and agricultural equipment. The horticultural structures typically seen damaged were as follows: (1) inshore greenhouses washed away by the tsunami, (2) slight damage to greenhouse structures distant from the shore, (3) earthquake damage to some environmental control systems, high bench cultivation systems and glass roofs and walls of multi-span greenhouses, (4) decreased production due to environmental control systems (ventilators, thermal curtains, heaters, etc.) and irrigation systems having stopped due to power failure. Earthquakes, typhoons and heavy snowfall frequently occur in Japan, making reinforcement of greenhouse structures necessary. There is a need for development of renewable energy sources that can power environmental control technology during mains power failures and suspension of water supplies.