Field measurement of environmental parameters in solar greenhouses and analysis of the application of passive ventilation

•Temperature variation in solar greenhouses was positively correlated with the change in solar radiation.•The temperature gradient in the tall-plant greenhouse was twice that in the short-plant greenhouse.•Top-vent opening for greenhouse ventilation is not conducive to the cooling and dehumidification of greenhouses.•Passive ventilation via an integrated solar chimney and ground heat exchanger was suggested applied in solar greenhouses.