Joining forces
As the research institute for greenhouse horticulture, Wageningen UR Glastuinbouw has for years been doing research into LED lighting in conjunction with partners from the sector. In order to further demonstrate and research the possible applications for LEDs in horticulture, Wageningen UR Glastuinbouw and Philips have joined forces. The new ‘IDC LED’ facility will focus on research into a wide variety of practical issues relating to LED lighting, partly because the latest generation of LEDs offers an increasing number of options for greenhouse horticulture, which include using not only assimilation lighting but also control lighting.Mini symposium
Researcher Tom Dueck from Wageningen UR Glastuinbouw kicked off the symposium by giving a summary of the results of the lighting research so far. LED lighting is also used by Wageningen UR as grow light and control light. The research goals vary from saving energy to being able to influence the various plant processes, such as stem elongation, germination, root formation and flowering. Plant specialist Esther Hogeveen-van Echtelt from Philips Horticultural Lighting discussed in greater detail the practical applications of LED lighting in horticulture. Here the main focus was on research to find the right light recipe for each crop and growth phase and to suit the growers' specific business circumstances. Practical demonstrations were given of a number of applications for LED lighting on a commercial scale.Joop van den Nouweland, from Marjoland, talked about the experience he has gained over a period of four years working with LED lighting for cut roses. He said he has achieved an 8% increase in production with 4% more light, which means an increase of 12 euros per m². Lastly, Andy de Jong from Jami VOF talked about his practical experience this past winter. At the end of 2012 he installed Philips LED GreenPower interlighting over 3 hectares in his tomato nursery. Mr de Jong says this enabled him to achieve a 30% increase in production compared with crops that were not lit.
New facility
The facilities at the LED Innovation & Demonstration Center (IDC LED) comprise five different departments of 145 m² in which research is being carried out using different LED solutions. These departments can be compared and contrasted with the greenhouse departments in which SON-T lamps have been installed. They include:- Two departments fitted with a combination of Philips GreenPower LED interlighting and top lighting for tomato production. The aim here is to find out to what extent this light recipe can reduce energy consumption and increase production and how it can be applied in cultivation.
- Two departments with Philips GreenPower LED top lighting in combination with Philips GreenPower (SON-T) for the production of chrysanthemums with the aim of saving 30% on energy.
- One department with 14 tables equipped with individually controllable LED lighting, whereby the spectrum (deep red, blue, far red and white), light intensity (0-400 µmol/m²/s), duration of lighting and position can be adjusted in a flexible manner.