The third Van der Knaap Growing Technic Day was successfully held in Beijing on November 7th. The event brought together professional greenhouse growers and facility industry partners from across the country to discuss the latest technologies and challenges in greenhouse management.
© Luo (Cathy) Rong | HortiDaily.com
Wim van der Ende from Van der Knaap shared insights on irrigation, radiation, water uptake, and temperature. He emphasized that while growers need to focus on the ambient greenhouse temperature, the root-zone temperature should not be forgotten. Maintaining a root-zone temperature between 20-25°C is beneficial for optimal nutrient and water uptake. He also highlighted that a good substrate is crucial for root development and overall plant health.
Marc Middeldorp from Van der Hoeven introduced the ModulAIR Philosophy. This approach involves modifying a single parameter in the greenhouse climate control system to achieve a more homogeneous climate and utilize positive pressure to reduce pests and diseases. He outlined three main cooling methods: Adiabatic Cooling, Night Cooling, and Full Cooling.
Given that China is a vast country with varying climate conditions from north to south, and high summer humidity is common in many regions, Marc suggested that the ModulAIR system with Full Cooling is well-suited for summer production, while Night Cooling is more applicable for winter production.
© Luo (Cathy) Rong | HortiDaily.com
Godfried Dol, with experience across countries like Australia and Saudi Arabia, shared extensive practical knowledge on climate control. He used real pictures to illustrate assessment techniques and actions for managing both vegetative and generative production phases. He noted that as many Chinese growers are transitioning from conventional to semi-closed greenhouses, numerous critical details must be carefully considered during this process.
© Luo (Cathy) Rong | HortiDaily.com
A roundtable forum was also held during the event, where the audience raised many questions on topics such as temperature and humidity management, and how to better control temperature differentials. The discussions were highly productive and engaging.
© Luo (Cathy) Rong | HortiDaily.com
© Luo (Cathy) Rong | HortiDaily.comThe speakers (from left to right): Marc Middeldorp (Van der Hoeven), Liu Mao (Van der Knaap), Wim van der Ende (Van der Knaap), Godfried Dol (Van der Hoeven), and Daan Mansveld (Van der Hoeven).
For more information:
Van der Knaap Group
www.vanderknaap.info
