Founded in 2021, tomato growing company Soleil emerged in response to the Paraguayan market's need for sustainable and top-quality horticultural products year-round. “Our area today is 8,000 m2 and we are growing to 30,000 m2 in total”, says CEO Marco Trovato. “We are very proud of the work done so far and we want to become a reference for the Paraguayan agricultural sector. For this we are incorporating innovations in many aspects, such as hydroponics and drainage collection gutters.”
Photo: Solel, Marco Trovato & Maximiliano Samaniego Zaracho. Right photo: OlegariO Invernaderos - Construcciones
From soybeans to substrates
Paraguay holds a prominent position as one of the world's major exporters of soybeans, with extensive crop cultivation. However, the horticulture industry has room for further development. Maximiliano Samaniego Zaracho, Head Grower at Soleil, acknowledges that while tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and cucumbers are the main horticultural crops, there is a need to transition producers towards more technical crops by adopting profitable and accessible technologies. “As Soleil, started with high-tech greenhouses since the demands of local and international markets are great, and the only way to meet them is to have maximum control of all production variables.”
High temperatures
He explains how the biggest challenge is to be able to cope with the high temperatures of the region: Paraguay's climate overall is characterized by high humidity and warm temperatures year-round, with hot and rainy summers. “Maintaining stable cultivation methods is crucial to prevent unwanted temperature fluctuations. This necessitates the installation of efficient equipment to minimize energy consumption for cooling purposes.”
“It also teaches us to be very vigilant with our cultivation methods”, he continues. “For example, with metal drainage gutters in which the substrate bags are on top and in direct contact, our roots would suffer unwanted temperature changes. We use metal drainage gutters with a Spacer system developed by Hydroponic Systems. This innovative approach separates the substrate bags from direct contact with the gutter. This drainage collection systems ensures the good health of the plants throughout the growth process.”
Efficiency
Marco adds this is just one example of why innovation and knowing what's new and advanced on the market is important for the company. “It gives you an idea of the great challenges we face every day to ensure that our crops are the best they can be. Global demand is increasingly demanding and this forces us growers to carry out more efficient practices, so it is important to have technology in our greenhouse. Having advanced and state-of-the-art equipment makes us a more efficient and effective farming business.”
For more information:
For more information:
Hydroponic Systems
[email protected]
www.hydroponicsystems.eu
OlegariO Invernaderos - Construcciones
www.olegarioinvernaderos.com