Agricultural productivity in hot climates has always faced one core challenge — heat. With temperatures in regions like the Middle East often exceeding 40°C, greenhouse farming becomes both energy-intensive and water-hungry. However, researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia have introduced a low-energy, high-impact solution that may redefine greenhouse agriculture in arid zones.
The KAUST team developed a two-part innovation: a nanoplastic film for greenhouse roofs and a biodegradable mulch for soil cooling. Their field trials, published in Nexus, revealed stunning results — air temperatures inside greenhouses dropped by up to 25°C, and yields of Chinese cabbage increased by 200%.
How It Works
The transparent roof film is made from standard polyethylene but enhanced with cesium tungsten oxide nanoparticles, which block near-infrared (NIR) radiation — the part of sunlight that causes heating — while allowing photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) to pass through. This selective filtration reduces solar heating without compromising plant growth.
In parallel, the team created a biodegradable mulch made from cellulose paper. Unlike traditional plastic mulch, which contributes to persistent microplastic pollution and poor soil health, this eco-friendly version reflects solar radiation, keeping the soil cool and moist. Over time, it decomposes naturally as the plant canopy develops, leaving no waste behind.
“Traditional greenhouses let in over 90% of sunlight, including the heat-producing infrared part that doesn’t help plants grow,” explains Prof. Qiaoqiang Gan, who led the nanoplastic development. “Our film keeps the light plants need and blocks the rest.”
Researcher Yanpei Tian, who developed the biodegradable mulch, highlights another major issue: “More than 40% of plastic mulch waste is never recycled. It breaks down into microplastics that stay in the soil and can enter the food chain. Our mulch eliminates this threat.”
Tested in Real-World Conditions
The team tested the system in small greenhouses in Saudi Arabia under extreme summer conditions. Alongside yield gains, they found significant water retention in the soil, reducing irrigation needs — a major advantage in water-scarce regions.
According to a 2023 report by the FAO and World Bank, agriculture in arid zones is expected to experience increasing pressure due to water scarcity and heatwaves. Technologies like KAUST’s could play a critical role in boosting climate resilience and ensuring food security.
Moreover, simulations show that widespread use of this cooling system could cut greenhouse cooling energy use in hot urban centers like Riyadh and Houston by over 40%. Given that global greenhouse production continues to grow — reaching over 500,000 hectares worldwide in 2023, according to Global Market Insights — the potential climate and economic impact is significant.
What’s Next?
The researchers are now expanding their trials to larger-scale greenhouses and testing the materials on a wider range of crops including tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Their goal: to provide an affordable, scalable solution that could enable year-round vegetable production in some of the planet’s most inhospitable climates.
As the global population grows and climate volatility increases, innovations like these could prove essential. Cooling greenhouses more efficiently isn’t just about comfort — it’s about sustaining agriculture where it’s needed most.
KAUST’s new greenhouse cooling system combines nanotechnology and sustainable materials to offer a powerful response to farming challenges in hot climates. With the ability to reduce heat, save water, increase yields, and cut energy consumption, this innovation has the potential to transform agriculture in arid regions — making local, fresh food more accessible while protecting the environment.
