Maintaining optimal temperatures in the root zone is a significant challenge that greenhouse growers face today. Root-zone temperature directly impacts plant health, nutrient uptake, yield, and stress resilience. However, conventional heating and systems are designed to heat or cool ambient air rather than deliver targeted temperature control, which is a limitation that can lead to energy inefficiencies and inconsistent crop performance.
Stratus Plastics International Inc. has developed a solution to this problem: ThermaRoot, a heated and cooled bench system designed to maintain ideal root-zone temperatures year-round. Unlike traditional systems, ThermaRoot delivers direct thermal regulation to the plant's root zone, addressing fluctuations that often go unmanaged with conventional air-based climate controls.
Real-world trial in an organic greenhouse
Since February 2025, Green Search Inc., a 2-acre organic greenhouse and research facility in Ontario, has been trialing the ThermaRoot system in the production of organic English cucumbers and bell peppers. The results so far have been promising.
© Stratus Plastics International
"There was a clear difference between the control and heated benches for both the English cucumbers and bell peppers," said Remco Kostwinder, owner of Green Search Inc. "The fruit quality was noticeably better, and the cucumber plants produced more flowers. We observed at least a 5% increase in yield. We're hopeful that the cooled benches will deliver similarly positive results. For the peppers, there were fewer signs of nutrient deficiencies, and the system helped prevent common fruit quality issues."
The trial also demonstrated significant energy savings, particularly during colder periods. By directing heat to the root zone, ThermaRoot reduces the need for excessive ambient heating, which often leads to high operational costs.
Data-driven results
Throughout the trial at Green Search Inc., daily data has been collected on plant growth, yield, disease resistance, and energy use. Preliminary results show that root-zone temperature stability leads to improved plant vigor and root development, enhanced flowering and fruit quality, lower risk of stress-induced deficiencies, and more consistent yields under variable environmental conditions.
A scalable solution for sustainable agriculture
As environmental concerns and energy costs continue to rise, precision heating and cooling technologies like ThermaRoot offer a scalable, sustainable solution for growers. The system holds strong potential for adoption in both organic and conventional greenhouses, supporting year-round production while reducing input costs. Stratus Plastics International Inc. plans to continue its collaboration with Green Search Inc., further showcasing the system's benefits through extended trials and data publication.
"We're committed to supporting agri-tech innovations that align with sustainability, performance, and real-world applicability," said Remco Kostwinder.
For more information:
Stratus Plastics International
[email protected]
stratusplastics.com/
