Spain: Increased use of diffuse coatings amongst spanish greenhouse growers

"Although some people had doubts whether diffuse coatings had enough (cooling) effect in hot climate conditions, the large tests in Spain of last year showed very good result," says Erik de Smalen from Royal Brinkman Spain. "Because of this result with the use our diffuse coating D-Fuse, the demand of the coating has gone up considerably this year".

According to de Smalen, the crops which shows the biggest increase in demand of the diffuse coating in Spain are tomatoes, peppers, roses and pot plants. "The customers are positive about the results. They were surprised that diffuse light had such a great effect on the crop. Especially the increasing uptake of water (because of more active crop/more photosynthesis) surprised the most."

The use of diffuse coatings results in less stress on the top of the plant and more effective use of light in the lower parts of the crop. More light can be allowed in the greenhouse and more light is used for photosynthesis. This increases the photosynthesis and evaporation. More evaporation results in a lower crop and air temperature.

Source: Royal Brinkman