Without exception, growers who switch to an Ultra-Clima greenhouse are enthusiastic about the cultivation properties. The same growers also say that cultivating is entirely different in this technological achievement of KUBO. That’s why KUBO also offers cultivation guidance for the switch. This is in the experienced hands of Barend Löbker and Eef Maassen.
With their Vortus company, Eef and Barend are active in cultivation advice worldwide. As a man of international connections, Eef is mostly out and about. “We try to visit companies at a fixed rate of ten times a year,” explains Barend. “At the launch of a cultivation supervision is of course much more intensive. Once things are up and running, we can advise by phone or Skype. We can also log into the climate computer remotely,” explains Barend.
In many countries advice is delivered through gestures and signs. “In nine out of ten countries they don’t speak any English. Then we have to make do and manage.” Nevertheless he is sometimes astonished at the greenhouse cultivation skills across the Dutch border. “Most growers opting for an Ultra-Clima greenhouse already have years of experience. That’s why they make a conscious choice to have the extra possibilities. Sometimes we’re a little bit condescending about horticulture outside the Netherlands. But in fact Russia even has its own brand of climate computer.”
Other tools
What is the mistake made most often when switching to the Ultra-Climagreenhouse? Barend: “That a grower continues to think too much in terms of his previous greenhouse. The fixed planting rules continue to be applicable, but you have completely different tools at hand to produce the climate. So for this reason the first year is a learning one. It’s only in the second year that you are going to notice the difference.”
An important advantage of Vortus is that the company was involved in the Ultra-Clima greenhouse right from its first concept. And even today, KUBO modifications to the technology occur in consultation with Barend and Eef. “We are also learning every day. In any case, as a grower you are always dependent on the weather. That’s why no two years are the same. But we think in the same way as KUBO. The collaboration is good. And each year we make further advances!”
For more information
KUBO Greenhouse Projects B.V.