How We Use Climate Data to Plan Production

Fernando Sáenz
2 days ago
3 min read

Climate data allows growers to anticipate environmental conditions that may affect production and supports better planning of activities throughout rose cultivation. Analyzing this information helps reduce risks, optimize resources, and maintain production continuity.

What Type of Data Is Used?

Temperature: Maximum, minimum, and average temperatures are monitored to evaluate crop development and their impact on production processes.
Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD): VPD represents the difference between the amount of moisture the air can hold when saturated and the amount of moisture actually present in the air at a given moment. It is an important indicator of plant transpiration and environmental conditions inside the greenhouse.
Dew Point: The specific temperature at which the air becomes saturated with water vapor and condensation begins to form as liquid droplets on plant surfaces.
Rainfall: Rainfall volume, frequency, and intensity are monitored to help plan crop protection applications and irrigation.
Relative Humidity: Relative humidity influences rose development and can significantly affect the incidence of pests and diseases.
Solar Radiation: Solar radiation drives photosynthesis and regulates key physiological processes such as growth, flowering, and overall plant development. Excessively high levels, however, can cause severe physiological stress and plant damage.
Heat Index: The heat index helps assess how the combined effects of high temperature and humidity can influence plant water balance and metabolism.
Soil Moisture Sensors: Electronic devices used to measure the amount of water present in the soil, providing valuable information for irrigation management.

Using Data to Support Decision-Making

This information makes it possible to:

Calculate Growing Degree Days (GDD) to adjust phenological cycles and schedule pruning and pinching according to production requirements for peak-demand seasons such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and All Saints’ Day.
Plan crop protection applications more efficiently using VPD as a reference.
Schedule irrigation to improve both environmental humidity and soil moisture conditions.
Optimize the use of ventilation systems and ensure timely and appropriate greenhouse curtain management.
Use both conventional and organic crop inputs more effectively to reduce plant stress caused by high or low temperatures.
Schedule fertigation practices and improve the efficient use of nutrients supplied to the plants.
Reduce losses and maintain production continuity through contingency planning.

This approach allows production decisions to be based on objective information, increasing operational efficiency and improving the farm’s ability to adapt to climate variability.

2. Climate Risk Management on the Farm

Main Climate Risks

Frost: Can negatively affect plant growth, flowering, and overall rose productivity.
Heavy Rainfall: Can lead to flooding, soil erosion, and an increased incidence of disease.
High Solar Radiation and Elevated Temperatures: Can cause plant stress, excessive moisture loss, and reduced productivity.
Low Temperatures: Can delay plant growth, cause flower deformities, and increase vulnerability to disease.
Drought: Reduces the availability of water for irrigation.
Strong Winds: Can damage both greenhouse infrastructure and the plants themselves.

Preventive Measures

Continuous monitoring of weather and environmental conditions.
Scheduling irrigation during the early morning hours.
Use of thermal fogging equipment when appropriate.
Incorporation of organic matter to improve soil moisture retention.
Crop protection through shade nets, greenhouse curtains, and natural windbreaks.
Adjustment of agricultural schedules according to weather forecasts.
Application of products that support plant energy metabolism and help mitigate climate-related stress.
Construction and maintenance of drainage channels to prevent waterlogging, reduce conditions favorable to fungal development, and protect infrastructure.
Careful planning of agrochemical applications, together with the use of biological products such as beneficial microorganisms to help mitigate the effects of excessive solar radiation.
Establishment of plant barriers and natural windbreaks to reduce wind impact and help limit the movement of migratory insects.

3. Maintaining Quality and Consistency Despite Climate Variability

To ensure stable year-round production, several management strategies are implemented, including:

Continuous pruning programs.
Maintaining adequate foliage to support the plant’s reserves and overall physiological balance.
Planning conventional and organic crop protection applications to prevent the spread of pests and diseases while reducing overall chemical load.
Developing nutrition and irrigation programs according to the specific requirements of the plants.
Managing both environmental humidity and soil moisture.
Controlling the greenhouse environment through the appropriate use of fans and curtains.
Continuously monitoring crop conditions and climatic variables.
Implementing good agricultural practices that support soil health and strengthen the resilience of the production system.
Scheduling production according to market demand and available resources.

These practices help maintain product quality, reduce variability in production, and ensure a consistent year-round supply, even under changing climatic conditions.