NL: Third trial year starts in energy efficient tomato growing project

The third year of the research program into energy efficient tomato growing has started at the Botany Group. Together with Ridder, Grodan and Signify are building on their collaboration and are focusing this year on large truss tomatoes. In the previous season the partners already proved that high quality cherry tomatoes can be grown with lower energy use while preserving taste and quality.

© Ridder

In this new growing season Ridder again plays an important role as technology partner. Ridder supplies the Hortimax Pro climate computer and the climate screens for this trial. Hortimax Pro brings climate, water and energy together in one clear platform, unites partner solutions and combines data in one place, making every choice visible and every result measurable for true crop control. This enables very precise climate settings, which is crucial for maintaining a stable and energy efficient greenhouse climate. It also ensures you always have control of the climate, wherever you are.

About the research
The goal of this multi-year study by Grodan and Signify, with Ridder as a partner, is to explore how tomatoes can be grown year-round with a significantly lower energy input without compromising yield or fruit quality. In collaboration with various partners the research aims to achieve about 40 percent less heat input in the greenhouse through a full LED lighting system. This year, both Philips GreenPower toplighting force and a combination with Philips GreenPower interlighting are being tested to see how this results in increased yield from, for example, lower energy consumption. The focus of this trial is not only on lighting but also on integrated climate control. This includes approaches such as dehumidification systems, more insulating screens and careful nutrient management with lower nitrogen levels. The ultimate ambition of this innovative project is to develop an energy efficient growing system that is both sustainable and economically viable for the greenhouse horticulture sector.

The trial is carried out using Ridder's Hortimax Pro climate computer and climate screens, sensors from Wireless Value, Grodan stone wool growing media, toplight and interlight from Philips LED Solutions, and cultivation advice on fertilization and water strategy from Normec Groen Agro Control. New to the group of research partners is breeder and seed supplier Axia.

With this trial Ridder and the other partners aim once again to gain valuable insights into how technology, data, and growing expertise can work together to enable energy efficient and future proof tomato growing.