What is a major benefit of glass as a greenhouse covering material?

Enhanced light transmission is a major benefit of glass as a greenhouse covering material because glass allows a significant amount of sunlight to enter, which is crucial for plant growth and development. Plants require adequate light for photosynthesis, and glass provides high levels of clarity, enabling optimal light wavelengths to penetrate the greenhouse environment.

In contrast to some other materials, glass maintains a consistent and transparent quality, ensuring that plants receive the light they need throughout the day. While thermal insulation is important, glass does not excel in this area compared to modern alternatives like polycarbonate or acrylic materials that offer better insulation properties. Additionally, affordability is not a defining feature of glass; it can often be more expensive than other options, and while glass is known for its durability, it is also vulnerable to breakage, which affects the perception of it being low durability. The emphasis on light transmission makes glass a preferred choice in greenhouse construction for promoting healthy plant growth.