The symposium Teeltsystemen (‘Growing systems’), held on 26 November at the Tuinbouwrelatiedagen Venray, presented some interesting innovations in cultivation systems. The event included technology-oriented innovations and agro-ecologically-oriented innovations such as sustainable land management.
Emissions and supply in horticulture
Challenges in the market and society demand near-constant adjustments in cropping systems in horticulture throughout Europe. These mainly involve reducing emissions of nutrients and chemical crop protection, but also concern climate change and biodiversity. In the market it’s mostly about supply assurance, as in the continuous and reliable supply of good quality. These and other issues prompted Wageningen UR and Vollegrondsgroente.net to organize a symposium on the need for renewed cultivation systems.
"Teelt de grond uit”
One session gave an overview of the "Teelt de grond uit” project for leafy vegetables, leeks, summer flowers and seedlings by John Verhoeven (Wageningen UR), Robert Sandee (innovative grower), Henk van Reuler (Wageningen UR) and Matthijs Blind (Proeftuin Zwaagdijk). Peter Does (Nunhems) presented a summary of international developments regarding production of leafy vegetables in water. Finally, Willem van Eldik (DLV) gave an overview of developments in strawberry production from open ground to greenhouse cultivation on racks.
Soil, fertilizer and resilience
Another session focused on soil, fertilization and resilience. Sjoerd Smits (Hortinova) indicated that with good soil, fertilization with nitrogen can be reduced significantly. Wim Peeters (organic grower) presented his method. A major bottleneck effect is still the availability of nitrogen. With leguminous green manures and fertilizers that can be increased, said Annelies Beeckman (Inagro B), but sometimes there still remains a shortage. Koen Willekens (ILVO B) proved that compost contributes to soil quality. Wijnand Sukkel (Wageningen UR) stated that there are various possibilities to increase the resilience of systems in which spraying can be reduced and / or revenues can be increased.
Ecology of the cropping system
In the plenary part of the symposium, Janjo de Haan (Wageningen UR) stressed that technological innovations should also pay attention to the ecology of the cropping system to make it more resilient and robust. Alternatively, agro-ecological innovations need technology for an efficient implementation.
Source: WageningenUR
Announcements
Vacancies
- Head Grower Strawberries, Australia
- Growing Manager for Hydroponic strawberry producer
- Farm Manager Costa Rica
- Regional Sales Manager Fresh Produce
- Head Grower Strawberries, Norway
- Export Trade Manager
- Business Developer - Northern Europe
- Orchard Sector Manager
- Grower
- International Citrus Account Manager
Dutch symposium on cultivation systems highlights innovations
Publication date:
Receive the daily newsletter in your email for free | Click here
Other news in this sector:
- 2023-09-27 What's happening on the second day of VertiFarm?
- 2023-09-27 25 years of Horti-Consult International: "We're not doing too badly here"
- 2023-09-26 LeafSpec named finalist for round five of $3 Million Grow-NY Global Food and Agriculture Business Competition
- 2023-09-26 Training on microgreen farming
- 2023-09-26 US (VA): Alliances and innovation headline 2nd annual edition of CEA Summit East in Virginia
- 2023-09-25 How to master your hygiene protocols
- 2023-09-25 US: Semifinalists announced for $1 million Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge
- 2023-09-25 New York Produce Show and Conference welcomes floral exhibitors again on December 6
- 2023-09-25 Over 200 visitors during the 'Open Energy Day' at Trias Westland geothermal project
- 2023-09-22 Dutch Chili Fest brought the heat to Eindhoven
- 2023-09-22 'Women in CEA' kicks off at VertiFarm
- 2023-09-22 Photo report: British Tomato Conference
- 2023-09-22 The industry looks to the future
- 2023-09-22 NL: Kids festival Wageningen University & Research in Bleiswijk
- 2023-09-21 British Tomato Conference kicks off
- 2023-09-21 10th International Propagation Seminar sheds light on sustainable, soilless growing
- 2023-09-20 University of Florida greenhouse climate management starts October 1
- 2023-09-20 US: CEA Summit kicks off in Virginia
- 2023-09-19 "The necessary resources can be managed more easily in cooperation than on a stand-alone basis"
- 2023-09-19 Seed to food chain in focus at Horti Agri Next MEA 2023
