Controlling the climate inside a greenhouse is one of the most important parts of growing. In case you might have missed one of these stories last year, here's a chance to catch up!
"80% of production is determined by the greenhouse climate"
Philippe Bertolotto's tomato plants would produce virtually nothing in summer without ReduSol. But the precise moment of application and removal is crucial, and identifying that time window is a challenge every year.
Of all parts of the tomato plant, the top of the plant is the most sensitive to excessively high temperatures. This is where the new leaves and flowers develop, and if this is disrupted, production will grind to a halt. The second most sensitive part of the plant is the flower itself. Too high temperatures result in small flowers, which have difficulty in proceeding to the fruit set stage because the pollen is not fertile.
"CARA MET sensors now connect to every climate computer"
What exactly goes on in a plant's root zone is still a mystery to many. Yet, as a grower, it is essential to know what is happening in the substrate or soil. According to Sense NL, detailed and reliable data on EC, water content, and temperature can be used to optimize irrigation and fertilization strategies and take the crop to the next level.
Saving energy in the greenhouse with the AC foil program:
Creating an active climate with less energy
At VOF van Winden, Harry van Winden's company, they started using the anti-condensation foil (AC foil) from Oerlemans Plastics Horticulture for their cucumber cultivation this year.
New climate control system GrowDirector 3 PRO:
"Designed to simplify growing and enhance operations"
"It is not just an intelligent climate control system for indoor and greenhouse horticulture, it is a comprehensive automation and data management solution designed to simplify growing and enhance operations, leading to reduced labor costs, grower errors, and resource consumption while improving yields and profits," says Dima Chernobilsky, CEO of Grow Director Ltd when talking about their new climate control system GrowDirector 3 PRO that was launched earlier this month. "This third-generation product feature modular and scalable wireless controllers, advanced sensors, and intelligent algorithms that work together to create the optimal environment for plants to thrive."
"Now also in tomato cultivation"
Insect mesh filter continues to amaze with new insights on climate making
It was Cock van der Voort, the father of Jack of SchermNed, who came up with an insect mesh filter he developed himself many years ago. It is an alternative to the harmonica netting, much better known in horticulture.
"We have been working with it for years but have never really given it much publicity," Jack confesses. Together with Terry and Mark and the rest of the team, they now run the family business. "At first, it was mainly breeding companies that asked for it. In recent years, we have also started installing the insect mesh filter at many cucumber growers."
Antoine Daccache of Daccache Green Line:
Climate change positive for tomato cultivation in Lebanon's high mountains
In the winter, the ground is blanketed in a meter-thick layer of snow. However, come summer and fall, lush crops of sun-ripened tomatoes emerge. And there is nothing tastier than a tomato that ripens on a plant whose roots are nourished in fertile, open soil and whose leaves sway gently on a breeze that blows in from the mountains. So says Antoine Daccache, whose plots on Mount Lebanon are 1,500 m above sea level.
ErfGoed develops Airflow Floor system
'Aerated floor' offers opportunities for a better-growing climate and energy savings
An ebb-and-flow floor heats and cools by means of hoses under the floor. With the injection of air, the air around the crop is heated or cooled. That's ErfGoed's new Airflow system in a nutshell. The airflow achieved in this way brings several positive effects—for example, a better-growing climate and savings in energy costs. Initial trial results are promising, but other practical trials should provide more insight into the exact opportunities and possibilities.
Creating an optimal and insect-free climate in a Mexican tomato greenhouse
Aware of the challenges they face in terms of pest and weed control, El Chapoteadero, a greenhouse dedicated to tomato production in the state of Puebla, Mexico, has found in the insect control screen Xsect Balance and Groundcover one of the key elements to ensure the success of their operation.
El Chapoteadero began operations in 2008 with the purpose of entering the market for tomato production and exportation. The growth of this greenhouse has been based mainly on its sustainable and innovative approach, both in the design of the greenhouses and in its cultivation methods. They have migrated from soil cultivation to the use of coconut substrate (hydroponics) to meet the increasing demands of the exportation market.
Hanania Avakrat of Shorashim Nursery discusses DryGair dehumidifiers
"Our dehumidifiers still control humidity after 13 years"
Shorashim, founded in 1982, is one of the largest nurseries in Israel. They specialize in growing vegetable and spice seedlings using advanced manufacturing processes and technologies. The nursery includes 10 hectares of greenhouses and provides over 150 million seedlings a year to farmers all over the country.
As one of the largest nurseries in the country, Shorashim was one of the first commercial growing facilities to incorporate DryGair 13 years ago. The goal was to prevent diseases, improve growth, and save energy.
Filclair launches new greenhouse model:
"Combining benefits of double-layered and semi-closed growing"
With their new greenhouse model, the Filclair team offers growers the opportunity to benefit from both semi-closed cultivation and working in a plastic growing facility. "A double-layered plastic greenhouse offers a high insulation value, so you hardly lose heat," says Jelle Boeters of Filclair. "And semi-closed cultivation provides extra control over the climate, allowing for energy and CO2 savings."