Energy savings and improved tomato production with increased pruning
Arie de Gelder (Wageningen UR Glastuinbouw) indicated that in the test section where 55% of the leaves were pruned, production increased by about 1 kg/m2 and approximately 1 m3 / m2 more gas was saved compared to the reference section. Jeroen Sanders (Proeftuin Zwaagdijk) stated that increased growth was achieved in two trial companies, but that too much leaf picking countered the improved results. Wageningen UR in contrast, continued pruning and hasn’t yet noticed declining output.
Determining photosynthesis online
In addition, work is being done on the development of systems that can determine the photosynthesis of the crop online. This allows growers to optimize the climate. The CropObserver by Phenovation gives a good estimate of the efficiency of the light used in photosynthesis. For the determination of the production of assimilates, a model is required that determines the stomata opening. The application of the other system, the crop photosynthesis monitor, still has a few glitches, but tests are still being done.
Better quality and production
During the tour at Multigrow, Dion van Mullekom indicated that the dehumidification – the Air & Energy system – allows him to save on energy significantly. This is because there are more hours of screening, less minimum pipe use and less ventilation. In addition, nearly all the energy in the greenhouse air is transferred through a heat exchanger to the outside air. Van Mullekom also expects to realize better quality and production through this system. He advised the existing growers to follow a course in The New Cultivation to get more knowledge about the crop, moisture and energy flows in the greenhouse.
Source: Kas als Energiebron
Also see the presentations by Dennis Medema, Arie de Gelder/Jeroen Sanders and Anja Dieleman.