Ag tech on show at fourth Seed meets Technology

The fourth meeting of the international seed event, Seed meets Technology, lasted three days and received a similar number of visitors as last year. However the percentage of foreign visitors has risen explosively. Seed meets Technology seems to be becoming more and more an international event.

The first day covered the subject of phenotyping in the field. The drone delivers a lot of data, but what exactly can you do with it? This was explained in detail in the lectures. The highlight of the event, the symposium, 'Innovations, vertical farming and hydroponics all over the world', was opened by alderman Harry Nederpelt. Both the Dutch and English lectures were fully attended. After the lectures, there was the possibility of visiting the hydroponic trial fields where Botman Hydroponics, Enza Seeds and Industrial Product Solutions showed their systems for the growing of hydroponic lettuce. A new theme this year was soil salinization. Arjen de Vos, from the organisation Salt Farm Texel, in collaboration with Professor Pier Vellinga and Dr. Klaas Smits, gave an enlightening description of the problems of soil salinization as well as possible solutions and salt tolerant crops.

Outside the lectures, there was of course plenty to see on the exhibition floor. From cleaning machines, disinfectant-units and moisture meters to red Chinese cabbage and pink tomatoes. There were also outside field trials to see from Sakata and Takii, with dozens of crops.

Next year will be the fifth anniversary of the Seed meets Technology conference. This will take place from the 25th to the 27th of September 2018.

For more information:
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