US (OR): Smith gardens stabilizes greenhouse climate with light diffusing screens

Smith Gardens faced a challenge when constructing their newest range, a state-of-the-art Prins glasshouse at their Aurora, Oregon, location. The long winters and warm summers characteristic of the climate in the Northwest U.S. make providing an even temperature and stable climate an often difficult task.

They found the answer in light diffusing screens. After numerous trials and research, Head Grower Aaron Bivens selected XLS 45 F Harmony Revolux, an open, light diffusing shade screen from Svensson. “You walk into the range and can instantly feel a more even temperature,” says Aaron. “There is a noticeable difference between the light diffusion in the new range compared to our houses with aluminum screens.”

Head Grower Aaron Bivens

Diffuse light is scattered by particles, in this case the screen, so that it is much less intense and much more evenly spread. Diffuse ight has been shown to provide significant benefits for plants in greenhouses, creating fewer hot spots and shady spots. In addition, studies have shown that plants produced in greenhouses where the light is diffused are larger, heavier and better quality than those produced in typical light conditions.

The impact has been clear for Smith Gardens. “This past summer we had a good number of days with high radiation and hotter than usual temperatures, so we used the screen quite a bit,” says Aaron. “Immediately you could see a big difference, not only in terms of the light spread but also in terms of Smith Gardens Stabilizes Climate with Light Diffusing Screens Page 2 temperature—the screen allowed us to achieve much cooler conditions throughout the house.” So much so, he says, that in the coming years, “we will need to start replacing
the screens in some of our older ranges.”

For more information on this case study or any of Svensson’s products, call 704-357-0457 or visit www.ludvigsvensson.com. Established in 1887, the Svensson family business continues to improve the success of professional greenhouse growers by providing tools that enhance the greenhouse climate. Solutions include textiles that have been engineered for the greenhouse to conserve energy, moderate temperature extremes and fluctuations, control daylength and reduce pesticide and herbicide usage.

For more information
Ludvig Svensson, Inc.
www.ludvigsvensson.com