The introduction of protected avocado cultivation, especially of the Lamb Hass variety, is transforming traditional greenhouses in the southern Iberian Peninsula, offering high yields, better climate control and profitability comparable to horticultural crops.

For decades, greenhouses in southern Spain were the exclusive domain of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. However, visionary growers began experimenting with tropical fruits, first with mangoes and now with avocados. José M.ª Cuadrado, head of Iberian Avocados, emphasizes that the Lamb Hass avocado has been a turning point: its compact size and high productivity make it ideal for cultivation under covered structures. With yields of up to 30 tons per hectare and controlled costs, the crop demonstrates remarkable profitability.

Greenhouses offer significant advantages: frost protection, temperature control, and harvests up to two months earlier, resulting in higher quality fruit with greater oil content. The choice of structure depends on the microclimate: shade netting is preferred in coastal areas, while plastic sheeting is used in colder regions to maintain temperature. Furthermore, the sandy soils of greenhouses facilitate semi-hydroponic management, allowing for precise fertigation control. Even so, water remains the primary challenge due to the avocado's sensitivity to salinity.

Cases in Morocco and inland Andalusia confirm the model's potential. On some farms, 2,500 trees are planted per hectare with yields of up to 20 tons, validating an intensive and profitable system. For Cuadrado, the future is clear: “Greenhouses allow us to grow avocados in areas previously impossible due to the climate. If the water is good and management is efficient, it can be as profitable as, or even more profitable than, any traditional horticultural crop.”

Source: freshplaza.es