The heat is relentless, and farmers know this better than anyone. With summers growing increasingly hotter, keeping crops in good condition has become quite the art. It's not just about watering more—there is a range of techniques to keep crops healthy and productive even when the thermometer rises sharply. Experience from recent years has shown that we need to be more creative and efficient in our solutions to manage extreme temperature bands, both in cases of frost and heatwaves.
The real impact of heat
The numbers speak for themselves: when we experience three consecutive days with above-normal temperatures (which we call a heatwave), the thermometer can rise up to 6 degrees higher than usual in central Chile. For plants, this means a total disruption of photosynthesis and accelerated dehydration due to higher rates of evapotranspiration.
The damage is not limited only to thermal stress, plants become more vulnerable to pests and diseases, as if their immune system weakens. In fruits, the impact is direct and devastating: cherries can lose their characteristic firmness, table grapes may develop sunburn spots, and apples can suffer sunscald that leaves them with irreversible brown marks. Nutritional quality is also affected, with significant losses of vitamins and antioxidants.
Chilean cherries, table grapes, and apples shine in international markets, generating impressive revenues: Approximately US$ 2 billion, US$ 931 million, and US$ 471 million respectively during 2024. These numbers represent not just money, but the livelihood of thousands of families and Chile's prestige as a top-tier agricultural producer. International competition is fierce, and maintaining these markets demands exceptional and consistent quality.
An arsenal of solutions against heat
There are multiple alternatives available to tackle heatwaves:
Mechanical cooling: the guardian of post-harvest Mechanical cooling systems function like a giant air conditioner in warehouses and cold rooms. They are perfect for large volumes of products and can maintain stable temperatures for weeks or even months. The key lies in response speed: products must enter the cold within the first 4 hours after harvest to maintain their optimal quality.
Forced air: speed when it matters most This system directs high-speed cold currents over products, especially effective for fruits in perforated boxes. Powerful fans create a pressure differential that ensures uniform cooling. A poorly cooled fruit is a lost fruit: every hour without proper treatment can reduce its shelf life by a full day.
Cooling with low precipitation: the power of water Water is 25 times more efficient than air in transferring cold. Cooling with low precipitation takes advantage of this feature, being especially useful for delicate products like cherries and blueberries, preserving the turgor and freshness demanded by markets.
Vacuum cooling: cutting-edge technology This method may seem like science fiction: it reduces air pressure until water evaporates at low temperatures, taking the heat with it. Ideal for leafy greens in greenhouses, it can reduce temperature in just 20-40 minutes. Although more costly, its efficiency justifies the investment for high-value products.
Evaporation systems: the perfect balance Wet pads and mist create controlled cool environments. In greenhouses, they can reduce temperature by up to 10°C below the outside environment. The key is maintaining relative humidity in an optimal range: high enough to cool, but not so much as to promote fungal diseases.
Intelligent soil irrigation: the essential Short irrigation cycles hydrate and cool the soil and environment. Soil temperature can be reduced by up to 5°C with proper irrigation management, providing direct relief to the roots. Timing is crucial: watering during the hottest hours can cause thermal shock to the plants.
The future of Chilean agriculture
Chile has earned its place in the global market thanks to the exceptional quality of its agricultural products. To maintain this leadership, investment in cooling technology—as we always say—is no longer optional, it is a strategic necessity. Each method has its time and place, and true mastery lies in knowing when and how to use each one.
Chilean producers have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to adapt and thrive in the face of changes. With the intelligent implementation of these cooling techniques, along with constant innovation in agricultural practices, we can ensure that our products maintain their privileged position in the global market. It's not just about surviving the heat—it's about maintaining the leadership that has characterized us for decades and continuing to bring the best of Chile to the world.
