A new oscillating gutter system claims to allow a total production of 200,000 strawberry plants per hectare. While already installed on a commercial scale, Spanish greenhouse builder J.Huete showcased the solution for the first time to the public at the recent Fruit Logistica.
Leonardo Juarez, Javier Huete Lazaro, Cayetano Navarro and Carlos Mendez of J.Huete at the recent Fruit Logistica.
The oscillating gutter system was designed with the aim to create a maximum plant density in greenhouse strawberry production. During the production stage, all of the gutters hang next to each other in the bay with a distance of only 53 centimeters between them. During the harvesting stage, every other gutter is raised, which creates a space of 106 centimeters between them, allowing workers to maneuver between the gutters to pick the fruits and perform additional crop work. By this way, the number of plants and yield per hectare is doubled.
"Depending on a number of factors, initial savings can be made as less greenhouse structures are required to achieve a similar production", explained Javier Huete. "Of course the oscillating system requires additional investment per hectare, but nonetheless the overall benefits of the system will outweigh these."
J.Huete offers the strawberry system as a complete turnkey solution. They have designed a special greenhouse structure that can carry the additional weight of the gutter system. As well as this the structure has special installation points for the oscillating drives and pinions. A clever drainage gutter system from the company Hydroponic Systems, completes the design.
The greenhouse manufacturer mentioned that they have received much interest for the system since its introduction. "Last year the first commercial projects have been realized and we currently trial the first crops in these projects and finetune the system."
Also at the Fruit Logistica, Huete welcomed many interested parties at their booth. The group explained the benefits of the oscillating system and showed them how it reduces not only the products' physical footprint, but also provides better working conditions as the harvesting can take place in shade rich and more ergonomic conditions.
“We expect to complete more new projects with the new oscillating system this year, as the Berries sector is expanding and there's a general interest in it”, Javier Huete concluded.
For more information:
J.Huete International
Leonardo Juarez - Export Manager
Email: export@jhuete.com