Solar radiation is a vital factor for agriculture in regions like southeastern Spain or northwestern Mexico, where UV ray levels can easily exceed standard limits. In this context, technological innovations in plastic covers, such as those from Solplast, become essential for crop sustainability and productivity.
© Solplast
Our experience, market knowledge, and expertise in developing materials allow us to create plastic covers tailored to the diverse needs of crop production and various climates, meeting the demanding requirements of global agriculture. One of our key advantages is that Grupo Armando Álvarez manufactures its own additives, optimizing our product development and ensuring complete control over the quality and performance of our covers," Solplast points out.
"When UV radiation hits the plastic covering of our greenhouses, it releases energy that could destabilize the molecules in the product. Our protective additives absorb this energy, preventing the polymer chains that make up the covers from vibrating, thus protecting the durability and properties of our greenhouse covers. Our covers combine innovation, experience, and internal product development.
© Solplast
In Spain, Andalusia and Murcia are the regions with the highest solar radiation for agriculture. In Mexico, the northwest experiences radiation levels exceeding 8 kWh/m² during spring and summer, and the state of Nuevo León's daily solar radiation can reach 5 kWh/m².
"Ultraviolet radiation can have both positive and negative effects on agriculture. On the one hand, it can increase crop production. However, excessive levels of UV radiation can damage plant tissue and fruit, affecting crop quality and yields. That's why, in most cases, reducing the amount of radiation that crops receive in regions with high-radiation climates is necessary to avoid crop damage due to heat stress and different types of physical stress, such as sunburn."
© SolplastSolplast team at the last edition of Infoagro - Almeria
Grupo Armando Álvarez has recently introduced the Oasis SecondSky range of products to regulate the temperature inside the greenhouse. "This technology, applied to greenhouse coverings, allows us to block a portion of the short infrared light in the sunlight spectrum, which causes heating in the greenhouse, without significantly reducing the visible spectrum of PAR radiation that is vital for photosynthesis and crop development."
Another key aspect is light diffusion, especially for ornamental crops or fruits that require uniform coloring. "Our plastics have a high light diffusion index, ensuring improved overall light transmission, a substantial reduction in the thermal fluctuation between day and night, as well as diminishing the shading effect of the leaf mass, which optimizes crop production. The diffuse light enhanced by our cover technology offers certain metabolic benefits in crops that depend on carotenoid production for color changes, both in ornamental plants and fruit, boosting the crop's organoleptic properties and, therefore, its profitability."
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Solplast S.A. currently exports its products to over 50 countries across five continents, solidifying its position as a global leader in the agricultural plastics industry. "This international presence demonstrates our manufacturing capacity, technological innovation, and ability to adapt to various agricultural markets. Grupo Armando Álvarez, to which Solplast belongs, has a very strong international presence. It operates in more than 118 countries and owns 18 companies across various sectors, including agriculture and renewable energy, with a turnover exceeding 1,200 million euros and over 2,500 employees.
"In addition to standard solutions, Solplast offers custom-designed plastics for each crop and production area, adapting parameters such as light transmission, diffusion, or anti-thermal properties. This flexibility allows farmers to modify the cover to suit their specific conditions, optimizing productivity."
© SolplastFor more information:
Solplast
Avenida Francisco Jimeno Sola
Polígono Industrial Saprelorca - Buzón 9
30817 LORCA (Murcia) - Spain
Email: [email protected]
www.solplast.com
