The Thijssen family grows lettuce on water in Willich. The so-called deep-floating technique is unique in Germany so far, farmer Harry Thijssen tells WDR. On about 2.5 hectares, his lettuce plants float on Styrofoam sheets in huge ponds. Large blinds protect the lettuce from burning, and special lamps ensure optimal growth. "We use the lamps when the days get shorter. When it gets cool and wet outside, they help prevent the plants from getting fungus," says Thijssen Senior.
Compared to conventional cultivation in the field, they save 90 percent water since hardly a drop evaporates in the greenhouse because of the Styrofoam panels. Another advantage is that controlled cultivation means there is almost no waste. All lettuces are the same size. Before they are packed, the long water roots have to be shortened a little. But only a little, says Thijssen Senior: "We leave the root and the root ball on, so the lettuce stays fresh longer."
For more information:
Rheinlandhof GmbH & Co. KG
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Str. 35
DE – 47877 Willich
Tel.: + 49 2154 88 42 92 00
Email: [email protected]
www.rheinlandhof.de