Netherlands: Proper combination of blocks and slabs works perfectly
Jos van der Meijs has a company of 2.1 hectares with the red 'Sapporo' variety. Every year he is testing new varieties, assessing quality, taste and production. "We strive for the best quality peppers and choose varieties that fit well with our company and meet the wishes of our buyers. These are mostly consumers in England and Japan and to a lesser extent the Netherlands, Germany and the US. In Japan, the peppers must meet additional demands in terms of diseases and pests.
Matching slab and block
The pepper grower has been cultivating a number of seasons using Grotop Expert slabs with matching Plantop blocks. "Because the slab and the block are of the same material, they connect suitably. When the water content in the rock wool changes, it changes in the block as well. In the past, it sometimes happened that the slab was dry while the pot was still wet. It is also nice that the blocks are fairly homogeneous. We have no problems with pots being too hard or too soft."
Focus on water content
The water content meters are an important tool. With the hand meter the grower looks for a 'representative' slab in the greenhouse. After that, the continuous water content meter is placed, which is connected to the climate computer. Van der Meijs follows the course of the water content, and the EC during the day.
With this in mind, he can water the plant and add fertilizer as needed. "Suppose that the summer is cloudy and suddenly the sun breaks through: this will have a huge impact on the greenhouse climate. Because I constantly keep an eye on the data, I can avoid problems by adding extra water and adjust things at the right moment."
Fewer diseases
The good steering capabilities in terms of moisture and EC are also useful in the prevention of diseases and pests. Fusarium in particular is a difficult problem. The disease is hard to recognize at the time of harvesting.
"As cultivation is drier in autumn, the block is also drier and sporulation is less of a problem. In combination with greenhouse climate control, we try to prevent any mold spores that are responsible for Fusarium in the flower." In conclusion, Jos thinks that a controllable block / slab combination provides a good tool to optimize cultivation. The continuous water content meter, measuring the EC and the water content, and the advice given by rock wool supplier Grodan, assist him in realizing a sustainable quality product.
For more information:
Grodan
P.O. Box 1160
6040 KD Roermond
The Netherlands
T +31 475 35 30 20
F +31 475 35 37 16
[email protected]
