In Almería, Spain, the Baños family optimizes the climate of Efinova's greenhouses with Svensson's Climate Solutions
In a corner of the vast expanse of greenhouses that cover the region of Almería, Spain, one of the most prominent horticultural areas in Europe, we find the greenhouses of the Baños family, who have been an example of how technology and innovation can make a difference in greenhouse crop production.
Svensson's relationship with the Baños family started more than 20 years ago, when they decided to migrate from a traditional greenhouse to a multi-tunnel greenhouse where they could implement technology that would allow them to control the climate and pests. In 2002, they installed the XLS 14 screen, which was replaced in 2019 by a Harmony 3845 screen, making them one of the pioneer families in the use of Svensson Climate Screens in Almería.
A few months ago, Nelson Pérez, Climate Consultant and Svensson's representative in Spain, joined by Alejandro Medina and Héctor Parra, Climate Consultants from Mexico, visited Daniel Baños at Efinova, a greenhouse dedicated to pepper production, to learn more about the progress achieved in this greenhouse with Svensson's Climate Solutions.
Temperature and radiation control with Harmony 3845
The main problem that Daniel Baños was facing at Efinova was the temperature, especially the minimum temperature that the crop reached at night, which made it necessary to properly control the radiation to provide the crop with the optimal conditions it needed.
“The advantage of having the Harmony 3845 screen is that it allows you to have an efficient use of radiation, as the screen is retractable and can be automated, it gives you the ability to provide shade or light the crop just when it needs it,” says Daniel Baños.
A solution often used by growers to control the radiation entering the greenhouse is whitewashing. However, as Daniel mentions, when working with conventional whitewash, the greenhouse plastic is painted, and although it can be removed, it is not as practical as having an automated system that adjusts the climate screen settings. This means that on cloudy days or days with low light, the screen won't be extended automatically.
"That is one of the main advantages we’ve observed with the Harmony 3845 screen. Additionally, by extending the screen at night, we gain a few more degrees in temperature after the greenhouse has accumulated the maximum amount of energy," adds Daniel Baños.
Innovation and climate control at Efinova
In addition to the Harmony 3845 screen, another of Svensson's Climate Solution that Daniel installed at Efinova was the insect control net Xsect Balance Max.
“The net, in the end, is clearly a very technical product, one that is very well designed and offers a better protection. Since we started using Svensson’s net, the incidence of pests has been considerably lower.” —Daniel Baños, Efinova
For Daniel Baños, when you give the crop the variables it needs, in the end you get a balanced and regulated crop. By having more tools to modify the climate variables, you have greater capability to manage the crop, which allows you to get more flowers and larger leaf size, ensuring that the plant sets and pollinates well.
“In the end, that's what it's all about: having tools. When you have a greenhouse without tools, you can only plant, whitewash, and do little else, but you don't have much room to maneuver. With these automated tools, however, you have much more flexibility to maneuver,” says Daniel.
Daniel Baños & Nelson Pérez
The Baños family's experience with Svensson and advice for the future of agriculture
Regarding the relationship between the Baños family and Svensson, Daniel commented that it has been a very cordial relationship. They have received technical support and information from Svensson, always counting on the advice of Nelson Pérez, who has shown them different projects and shared ideas with other growers.
Before the Svensson team ended their visit to Efinova, Daniel shared the following advice for other growers:
“That they dare to step out of the conventional. We are in an industry that has been around for many, many years, and the fact that it has been around for so long does not mean that everything has been done. The climate changes, and with data we can see that. When there is an evolution in the climate, it has always been said that with information you can make better decisions. Having data and sensors allows you to make decisions based on information, which is in power that translates into profitability.” Daniel Baños, Efinova
We invite you to read the following article to learn more about the Baños family, who for the past 20 years have been pioneers in Almería by using technology that is becoming increasingly common in greenhouses in the area. We thank them for their trust in Svensson and look forward to continue working together in the future.
Héctor Parra, Daniel Baños, Nelson Pérez & Alejandro Medina
