Today we can say that the greenhouse climate is much better and the quality of the product we’re harvesting has improved tremendously. We’ve seen a significant drop in water temperatures circulating on the crop, helping to lower the risk of sanitary problems at the root level.
Growing hydroponic leafy greens in Chile's avocado capital
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- Greenhouse:
- Hidroponicos La Cruz
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- Location:
- La Cruz, Chile
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- Crop:
- Lettuce
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- Challenge:
- Extreme radiation
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- Solution:
- Harmony 4820 O
MARCH 2020
Located in the Valparaíso region of Chile, Hidroponicos La Cruz is situated near the town of La Cruz, an area known for its prominent fruit production and often referred to as the “National Avocado Capital.” While avocado and citrus orchards dominate the landscape, the region is also home to advanced greenhouse production, including Hidroponicos La Cruz’s hydroponic lettuce operation.
Hidroponicos La Cruz produces high-quality lettuce varieties sold in supermarkets throughout Chile under the company’s Pura Hoja brand. The 18,000 square meter greenhouse, built using modern production technologies, is managed by operations manager Victor Ulloa, a pioneer in hydroponic production systems. Under his leadership, production processes are designed to meet high standards of efficiency and sustainability.
Although the regional climate is relatively mild, light intensity presented a significant challenge. “During the summer of 2012, high light intensity created an adverse effect on the plants, which translated into major quality losses,” says Ulloa. In this region, radiation peaks of up to 3,000 joules per day are common, combined with long summer days of 14 to 15 hours.
When planning an expansion of the lettuce greenhouse, Ulloa looked for a proven way to improve climate conditions and reduce plant stress. “I already knew Svensson products because we use them in our tomato greenhouses. When we considered expanding last winter, the first thing that came to mind was installing an open Harmony 4820 O shade screen,” he explains.
The results were quickly noticeable. “Today we can say that the greenhouse climate is much better, and the quality of the product we are harvesting has improved tremendously,” Ulloa says.
The installation of the Harmony screen has also reduced water temperatures circulating around the crop, helping to lower the risk of root-level sanitary issues. “As we continue to learn more effective ways of using the screen, we are confident that we made the right decision,” he concludes.