Germany: Kees Vahl harvests first cucumbers from residual heat

In East-Germany, near the Polish border, a 4.5 ha sized greenhouse is located in the middle of a national park. In this greenhouse, a Dutch grower cultivates peppers and cucumbers by using residual heat and residual CO2 from a wood-processing firm. Last week, he harvested his first products.

"The greenhouse is a square of 216 x 215 meters, with a height of six meters and a white substructure", explains Vahl. "In the middle we established a wall of plastic film, which enables us to cultivate cucumbers on 2.4 ha and peppers on 2.2 ha."

Residual heat and -CO2
The greenhouse is located at an old industrial zone, next to a national park. Therefore, it is not possible to expand the greenhouse. However, they are cultivating with residual heat and -CO2 from a nearby wood-processing firm. "In the past, the heat went into the air. Now, we use it in the greenhouse."

The greenhouse is equipped with clear glass. The plants are grown on cultivation gutters and Grodan rock wool. "Last week, we harvested their first cucumbers and they looked very good", says Vahl. "You always have to become familiar with a greenhouse - how everything works. Next year, we will install an extra poly film inside.

Werder Frucht
The production will be branded with Werder Frucht. This provincial brand is well-known in Berlin, Germany. "People from Berlin want vegetables from Brandenburg." Besides that, these provincial products will have a higher yield and in this area there is not much horticulture. "This makes it worthwhile for us to cultivate in this region."

http://tuinderij-vahl.nl/