UK: Growers growing with a difference

On 7 November, GrowSave kicked off a new study group project, focussing on Next Generation Growing (NGG). The pilot programme aims to take NGG principles and techniques, which have been established in the Netherlands, and help a select group of UK growers implement them at their nurseries. The principles, in brief, are:

Maintain an even temperature horizontally and vertically in your greenhouse
Improve your humidity control, including accepting more moisture in the air
Reduce the radiative cooling effect on the plants by shielding them from clear skies at night
Keep an active climate by promoting good air movement
Use both vent sides to minimise average vent position and allow venting above closed screens
Maximise photosynthesis by reducing vents and improving CO2 uptake, misting rather than shading when conditions are too warm
Keep the plant in balance: consider the ratio of light levels achieved to 24-hour air temperature

Some of these concepts may go against the conventional growing practice, but Dutch growers have already demonstrated their efficacy. Anecdotal evidence suggests significant energy savings are possible. In order for members of the study group to achieve these savings, some collaboration will be required. This will be facilitated through online data sharing, using the LetsGrow.com platform, and subsequent discussion between members of the group, NGG experts and consultants from FEC Energy.

For more information:
FEC Energy
10th Street
Stoneleigh Park
Kenilworth
Warwickshire
CV8 2LS
024 7669 6512
info@fec-energy.co.uk
www.fec-energy.co.uk