South Africa’s Greenhouse Agricultural Revolution: The Perfect Combination of Film Greenhouses and Cooling Systems

As global climate change intensifies, agriculture in South Africa faces increasing challenges. Particularly in the summer, the scorching heat not only affects crop growth but also puts significant pressure on farmers. To tackle this issue, the combination of film greenhouses and cooling systems has emerged as an innovative solution in South African agriculture.
Film greenhouses are an efficient, economical, and easy-to-install greenhouse option, especially suited for South Africa’s climate conditions. Made from transparent or semi-transparent polyethylene films, they ensure ample sunlight within the greenhouse, providing crops with the necessary light. At the same time, the permeability of the film helps maintain air circulation inside the greenhouse, reducing heat buildup. However, during the hot summer months in South Africa, the temperature inside the greenhouse can rise above optimal levels, necessitating the use of a cooling system.
The integration of a cooling system with film greenhouses allows for the maintenance of ideal temperatures for crop growth, even during extreme heat. South African farmers install wet curtain cooling systems and evaporative cooling systems to effectively lower the temperature inside the greenhouse. These systems work by pairing wet curtains with fans, which regulate temperature and humidity, ensuring a stable environment conducive to healthy crop growth.
For farmers, the combination of film greenhouses and cooling systems not only increases yields but also enhances crop quality. Vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries grow faster and more uniformly in an environment with controlled temperatures and humidity. Additionally, the cooling systems are energy-efficient, helping reduce operational costs.
In conclusion, the combination of film greenhouses and cooling systems has brought significant business opportunities and developmental potential to South African agriculture. It not only increases farmers’ profits but also promotes sustainable agricultural development, making it a key technology for the future of farming.