SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF A NONSTEADY STATE MODEL OF THE GREENHOUSE MICROCLIMATE

The sensitivity of a non-steady state energy and moisture balance model of the greenhouse microclimate to its parameter values is evaluated. The sensitivity measures relating to the system state variables are non-stationary and time-dependent. Integrating the sensitivity measures over the parameter space and over time provides coherent measures of overall sensitivity. Key model parameters, such as projected leaf area index and glass to ground relative surface area, solar absorptivity of the crop, heat transfer coefficient between internal air and glass and the glasshouse air leakage rate, are shown to have major influences on predicted air temperature and humidity inside a greenhouse.