In the Dutch research program “Greenhouse Waterproof”, Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture is working on solutions for a zero discharge and minimal leaching, together with LTO Glaskracht and other partners. New this year is a project co-funded by the Club of 100 about a monitoring system for fertilizing soilless crops.
Ongoing research Greenhouse Waterproof
In 2016 ongoing research focusses on recycling in pot orchids and cymbidium, on lisianthus growing on substrate, and on controlling diseases in hydroponic systems. Also, much attention is given to the mandatory purification of effluent water. The possibilities and constrains for implementation of purification technology in practice are studied jointly with suppliers.
New project by the Club of 100
New this year is a project co-funded by the Club van 100. In this project a monitoring and guardian system for fertilizing soilless crops is developed. The aim is to create more confidence is the quality of the recirculating nutrient solution, making discharges unnecessary.
Companies reduce emissions
Emissions of fertilizers and pesticides to ground and surface waters are of major concern for greenhouse horticulture. Emission standards oblige horticultural enterprises to take serious steps to reduce drainage and leaching, and purification of pesticides from discharged water will become mandatory in 2018.
Greenhouse Waterproof
More information about new knowledge developed by Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture on strategies for (complete) recycling, purification, and reduction of leaching can be found at: www.glastuinbouwwaterproof.nl