The Present and Future of Greenhouses
Transforming Global Agriculture
Spain has established itself as one of the most relevant countries in greenhouse horticultural production, known as the ‘Garden of Europe.’ With more than 71,000 hectares of greenhouses, our country is the European leader and ranks second worldwide in greenhouse farming area, only behind China. This achievement would not have been possible without advancements in engineering and materials, which have transformed these structures into true technological centers for sustainable and efficient food production.
Spain has established itself as one of the most relevant countries in greenhouse horticultural production, known as the ‘Garden of Europe.’ With more than 71,000 hectares of greenhouses, our country is the European leader and ranks second worldwide in greenhouse farming area, only behind China. This achievement would not have been possible without advancements in engineering and materials, which have transformed these structures into true technological centers for sustainable and efficient food production.
Greenhouses are a key element in ensuring food security, mitigating climate impact, and optimizing resource use. This protected farming system significantly increases productivity, producing up to 8-10 times more per hectare compared to open-field crops. Additionally, it allows for a substantial reduction in water consumption, thanks to precision irrigation systems such as drip irrigation, which can reduce water use by up to 40%. The ability to produce continuously, regardless of the seasons, ensures a steady supply of fresh food. All of this is complemented by advanced technologies that maintain optimal growing conditions and sustainable strategies that reduce pests.
Regarding growth prospects, the greenhouse area in Spain is expected to increase by 10% by 2030, with a particular focus on modernizing existing structures. This growth is also driven by the pursuit of greater energy efficiency through the use of advanced systems, such as automated ventilation and solar heating.
Global Context: Growth Prospects and Impact
Globally, greenhouses have evolved significantly since their inception, transitioning from simple structures to technologically advanced facilities. Currently, the global greenhouse market is projected to reach $34.6 billion by 2027, with an annual growth rate of 10.1% from 2020 to 2027, according to a report by Allied Market Research. This growth is driven by various factors, including climate change, the increase in the global population, and the push toward more sustainable agriculture.
Climate change has created extreme weather conditions in various parts of the world, increasing the need to grow crops in controlled environments to protect them from frosts, storms, and extreme temperatures. As a result, greenhouses have not only increased in number but have also improved in efficiency and technology, becoming an essential tool for ensuring continuous, high-quality production.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Sector: Advanced Technology
One of the main trends in the evolution of greenhouses is the incorporation of advanced technologies. Automated systems, which control variables such as temperature, humidity, irrigation, and nutrients, are revolutionizing the way greenhouse facilities are managed. Precision agriculture, which uses sensors and data-driven technologies, allows for more efficient management of these factors, reducing resource consumption and improving crop yields. According to a report by Markets and Markets, the precision agriculture market is expected to grow from $7 billion in 2020 to $12.9 billion in 2025, reflecting the increasing adoption of these technologies in agriculture.
On the other hand, automation in greenhouses is also enabling greater efficiency in resource use, particularly water. In countries like Israel, where water is scarce, high-tech greenhouses use precision drip irrigation systems that reduce water consumption by 60% compared to conventional farming.
Types and Characteristics of Greenhouses
There are various types of greenhouses adapted to different needs and climatic conditions. Tunnel greenhouses, which are simple and low-cost structures, are common in warmer climates and are used for small-scale farming. Glass greenhouses, on the other hand, offer high sunlight capture, making them ideal for colder climates, but they are more expensive and require more maintenance.
A popular option for moderate and cold climates is polycarbonate greenhouses, which not only provide excellent thermal insulation but also offer greater durability than glass greenhouses. Additionally, polycarbonate is more impact-resistant, making it suitable for areas with strong winds or hail.
Automated greenhouses, which use advanced environmental control technologies, are becoming the standard for many agricultural operations. These systems automatically manage temperature, humidity, irrigation, and ventilation, reducing the need for human intervention and improving crop efficiency.
Sustainability and Higher Productivity
Greenhouses offer a series of important benefits that have made them an essential solution for modern agriculture. First, they allow for higher productivity by providing controlled conditions for crops, enabling them to grow year-round. This is particularly important in regions where seasons are short or climatic conditions are extreme.
Additionally, greenhouses have a positive impact on agricultural sustainability. By reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, greenhouses contribute to cleaner farming with less dependence on chemicals. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), greenhouses can reduce water use by up to 70%, which is critical in water-scarce regions.
The Importance of Structures and Materials in Greenhouses
One of the main challenges that greenhouses face is the durability of their structures. Extreme weather conditions, such as constant humidity, salinity, and temperature fluctuations, can lead to metal corrosion in greenhouse structures. This can significantly reduce the lifespan of greenhouses and increase maintenance costs.
This is where high-quality fasteners with zinc-nickel anti-corrosion coating, like those offered by SNK SYSTEM, play a crucial role. The zinc-nickel (JR2000®) coating provides superior corrosion resistance compared to galvanized zinc, making screws and other metal components more durable. This improvement in durability is especially important in coastal areas or high-humidity regions, where greenhouses are more exposed to corrosive conditions.
Fasteners with zinc-nickel coating can significantly extend the lifespan of greenhouse structures, reducing the need for maintenance and replacement of metal parts. By improving durability, the risk of structural failures is minimized, preventing significant financial losses for producers. In the long term, using high-quality fasteners generates savings by reducing maintenance and repair costs.
Un Futuro prometedor
The future of greenhouses is undeniably linked to the adoption of new technologies and advanced materials. The growing demand for food, concerns about climate change, and the push for more sustainable agriculture are driving the continuous expansion of greenhouse facilities worldwide.
With the integration of precision technologies and the use of advanced materials, greenhouses will continue to be an essential tool for addressing the challenges of modern agriculture, enabling more sustainable and efficient production worldwide.
