Hydroponic Systems

Hydroponics refers to an agronomic technique in which crops are grown without soil, receiving the necessary nutrition through irrigation. Hydroponics are typically used in highly technological systems, where the aim is to maximise yields, while minimising water and energy consumption. Thus, by using its own substrate, crops are able to grow in areas with good weather but poor or contaminated soils. Moreover, the technique allows for better environmental control by reducing the creation of pollutants and leachates. 

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One key aspect of this system lies in the selection of the substrate, which can be (i) organic, like  coconut fibre, (II) inorganic, like perlite or rockwool, or (iii) directly floating in the nutrient solution on bare roots. The substrates are homogeneous and maintain their endaphological properties, minimising spatial variability. In other words, they can be characterized and monitored easily, providing much more exhaustive controls.   

Nowadays, there is a wide variety of hydroponic systems, which are becoming increasingly affordable and more compact, with lighter and more versatile structures. There is no doubt that potential exists, however, it is important to bear in mind that production costs are high and specialized personnel are required. In other words, before investing, we must consider the market value of the product and whether it would be profitable to produce with this technology. At GLOBALTEC, we are committed to hydroponic systems, advising our clients throughout the life of the project.

Globaltec Desarrollos e Ingeniería has won a contract to carry out the Engineering Studies for the Rehabilitation of 1500 ha in Angola.

📣  We are pleased to announce that Globaltec Desarrollos e Ingeniería, in partnership with Hispatec, OTK, and Civile, has been awarded the contract to conduct engineering studies to rehabilitate 1,500 ha/province of irrigation systems in Huíla and Cuanza Sul, under the Commercial Agriculture Development Project (PDAC) for Angola’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The project, funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency, is aligned with Angola’s strategy to diversify its economy. The rehabilitation of irrigation systems in these provinces is an essential part of the PDAC, which aims to boost agricultural production and promote commercial development in the country. The initiative also includes significant environmental and social components to ensure sustainable and responsible development.

The project, which is scheduled to begin in October and will last 12 months, represents a challenge and a responsibility that we assume with total commitment and dedication.

🌲 🌳 👨‍🏫 👷‍♂️

Drones and Satellites: Allies in precision agriculture

Remote sensing technology is revolutionizing crop and resource management in agriculture. When used in conjunction, drones and satellites help significantly improve agricultural efficiency and productivity.

Satellites provide a continuous, overall view of the terrain, facilitating precise irrigation management, the monitoring of crop development, and the assessment of soil fertility. They also help predict field productivity and detect crop problems for early intervention. Drones, meanwhile, have the ability to capture centimetre-sized details to perform these functions with greater precision. Together, these technologies improve the agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

Choosing between drones and satellites depends on the needs of each farmer, but using them in combination has proven to be the most effective solution. Satellites are suitable for monitoring vast swathes of terrain and detecting changes over time. They can operate anywhere around the globe, regardless of weather conditions. For their part, drones provide high-resolution imagery for detailed inspections and specific tasks in smaller areas, flying below the clouds.

With regard to autonomy and regulation, satellites operate autonomously without territorial restrictions, capturing data continuously. Drones require operators and are subject to regulations that limit their use in certain areas.

The integration of drones and satellites is transforming agriculture, enabling the more precise and efficient management of crops. Together, these remote sensing systems are taking agriculture to new heights of efficiency and sustainability.

The future of agriculture is in air and space! 🌱🛰️✈️

#wegetitdone #globaltec #drones #satelites #agriculture #farming #crops #technology

National Storage Plan for Agricultural Products in Senegal

Plan nacional de almacenaje de productos agricolas en Senegal

📆 On 17 April 2024, Globaltec submitted the results of the work carried out on the “Master Plan – National Plan for Agricultural Product Storage” to its Senegalese client, ORSRE (Organe de Régulation du Système de Récépissé d’Entrepôt), which is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The objective of the Master Plan is to realise a study on the development of a national network of agricultural product storage system in Senegal. ✅

Plan nacional de almacenaje de productos agricolas en Senegal

Globaltec is very proud to have conducted this study in collaboration with Organe de Régulation du Système de Régulation de Marchandises au Sénégal (ORSRE), through a multinational technical team with support from local technicians. The implementation of this network of storage infrastructures will help strengthen and develop the agricultural value chain in Senegal, while improving the country’s food security and sovereignty, a crucial issue in Africa.

📈 📉 The study was commissioned by the government of the Republic of Senegal, from within the current Ministry of Commerce and Industry, carried out by Globaltec, and funded by the FIEM Non-Reimbursable Fund, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business, and the Economic and Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in Dakar under the Spanish government’s Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, financed by the European Union (Next Generation EU), and managed in collaboration with ICO and Deutsche Bank.

#wegetitdone #globaltec #dakar #nextgenerationfunds #sdg2030 #africa

Project for the construction of urban roads and other infrastructure in Angola

Construcción de vías urbanas en Angola

This week, several partial openings took place for the Project to Build Urban Roadways and Other Infrastructure that Globaltec has been carrying out for the provincial government of Zaire in Angola.

Urban roads opened in the municipalities of M’banza-Kongo, Noqui, and Cuimba, with ceremonies presided over by Her Excellency the Deputy Governor of Infrastructure and Technical Services, Ms. Ângela Maria Botelho de Carvalho Diogo, representing His Excellency the Provincial Governor, Adriano Mendes de Carvalho. Also present were officials from the local administration, traditional authorities, and the community in general, as well as representatives from Globaltec.

Globaltec Ingenieria, construcción de vias urbanas en Angola

The projects inaugurated this week include 13 kilometres of urban roads in the aforementioned municipalities.

Under this project, roadways are being built in the municipalities of Tomboco, Soyo, and Nzeto, in addition to two municipal hospitals, two schools, and two residences for technicians, which are in the advanced phase and will be completed soon.

With the construction of these urban roadways, residents will benefit from the new infrastructure, which provides access to essential services, such as education, healthcare, and transportation.

At Globaltec, we are proud to contribute to the sustainable development of communities in Angola. We remain committed to this goal and continue working to carry out projects that have a positive impact on people’s lives. 

Improve irrigation efficiency using moisture sensors

Improve irrigation

Did you know that 80% of all water consumption in Spain goes to agriculture? Spain is the European country with the largest area dedicated to irrigation and our crops consume one-third of the average annual water that nature provides from rivers, reservoirs, and aquifers.

Today, water scarcity is a limiting factor in many Spanish water basins, with concerning prospects in the short-term due to climate change. It is vitally important to use the recourses we have sustainably and efficiently and prioritize the modernisation irrigation processes.

Improve irrigation

Moisture sensors can significantly improve irrigation efficiency, providing real-time information about soil moisture and enabling the optimisation of irrigation frequency and duration. This not only helps minimise water waste but can improve crop yields and reduce operating costs.

Additionally, sensors enable the more sustainable use of fertilizers by reducing the environmental impact of excess leaching, run-off, and spillage.

At Globaltec, we are aware of the importance of these systems and we aim to integrate them into our irrigation projects, coupled with proper training and supervision programmes.

Agroecology

Agroecology

Agroecology is an agricultural production system that aims to integrate technical, technological, and scientific advances to achieve sustainable and profitable agriculture that allows for the coexistence of food production and the protection of nature. According to the FAO definition, “Agroecology is a scientific discipline, a set of practices, and a social movement”.

The current agricultural production system seeks to standardise processes in order to serve a global market, so any producer, regardless of origin, can position their products in markets around the world. This production system alters traditional production methods, traditional varieties, and imposes mechanisation, yields, and standardisation.

Agroecology

Agroecology is a commitment to respect biodiversity in the agricultural sector, so that traditional varieties and traditional practices can coexist with market needs and technical and technological advances. The objective is to ensure the quality and quantity of the food supply, guarantee an adequate standard of living for producers, and balance production with respect for nature and biodiversity.

In its agricultural projects, Globaltec integrates traditional methods and local varieties with technical advances to extract the best of each.

 

Non-Revenue Water

Non-Revenue Water

💧 Water is a scarce and natural resource for human life. It is a fundamental right, according to the United Nations, and has a direct impact on the economy of countries. Governments not only have the obligation to provide the infrastructure and resources necessary for its supply, but must also optimise the processes of extraction, distribution, and consumption.

In water distribution networks, Non-Revenue Water refers to the losses that occur within the network before reaching the final consumer, which are ultimately not billed. According to World Bank estimates, in emerging countries, approximately 35-50% of treated water is lost during the distribution process. This loss jeopardises the economic viability of the investments made, leading to a rapid degradation and abandonment of the existing infrastructures and services. 🔝

Non-Revenue Water

Globaltec has developed a comprehensive management plan that provides a better understanding of distribution network and their hydraulic performance, so we can better anticipate possible leaks, the early degradation of materials, and any potential sabotage. 💧

This integrated solution  is based on the use of hydraulic modelling and geolocation programmes such as arc-GIS, the installation of sensors for leak detection and pressure optimisation, the analysis of performance indicators, and the creation of water balances. In addition, we include a specific training plan to ensure correct implementation and use. 🌳

Agriculture and agro-industry projects

Globaltec ingenieria, Agriculture and agro-industry projects

Agriculture and agro-industry, one of our focus sectors. We offer a comprehensive service for these types of projects.

Our range of activities covers: 
Field Selection and Soil Preparation according to each crop 
Technification of irrigation for efficient water use 
Provide equipment appropriate to the land and crop (irrigation equipment, tillage equipment, harvesting equipment, storage equipment, etc.).

 We advise you on your project

#Globaltec #Agriculture #Agroindustry #IndustrialProjects #RenewableEnergy

Globaltec ingenieria, Agriculture and agro-industry projects

Agricultural Warehouses in Agri-Food Development

Globaltec ingenieria, Agricultural Warehouses

Throughout history, food storage systems have been necessary to ensure food preservation. Thus, the primary function of agricultural warehouses has been to ensure the supply of food to the population, thus contributing to economic and population growth.

Thanks to globalization, we can access food from a variety of sources, all of which are in optimal conditions for consumption. We will focus on agricultural warehouses, which are the first link in the chain, as they directly receive production from the field. In them, the crops are received, conditioned and homogenized, and the farmer is given an appropriate price for his product. This allows reinvestment in production and maintenance of activity, contributing to economic growth and population fixation in rural areas.

Globaltec ingenieria, Agricultural Warehouses

Agricultural warehouses continue to fulfil their function: to ensure the supply of food in quantity and quality, guaranteeing producers fair prices. In this regard, Globaltec is working on the development of a national storage system for agricultural products in Senegal that will meet the needs of rural areas. Developing agricultural storage logistics in developing countries is crucial to achieving the goal of “Zero Hunger” (SDG 2) and the goal of “Sustainable Cities and Communities” (SDG 11), contributing to the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda.