Next year, Van der Knaap Groep and Wageningen University & Research will start a new trial. The trial will examine the negative effect of sodium on the production and quality of pepper crops.
Van der Knaap has developed a sodium remover that complies with the new regulations for 2026. “We want to demonstrate the benefits of having a low sodium content. We are going to test that by feeding part of the crops with a high sodium content and one part without sodium. We are going to do this for a year and analyze the results," explains Karel de Bruijn.
Bright side
Karel: "2026 is approaching. From then on, the water discharge should not contain any sodium at all. We are the frontrunners with this sodium remover. But the purpose of this test is not just for the new regulation in 2026. We also demonstrate that removing sodium is better for production. This will allow us to show the bright side of the regulation, which may be seen as inconvenient for some.
We use coconut substrate during the trial. We also use mineral nutrition. "With mineral nutrition, it's easier to control how much sodium is included," explains Karel.
On January 4th or 5th, Enza's Red Wing variety will be planted.
For more information:
Van der Knaap Groep
www.vanderknaap.info
vdk@vanderknaap.info
+31 174 296606