Mid-year results from the Botany trial show that a low-heat, full-LED strategy is on track to deliver higher yields and improved quality in larger truss tomatoes. The trial, led by Grodan and Philips Horticulture LED Solutions with support from Ridder climate screens and the Ridder Hortimax Pro climate computer, indicates that this approach can work not only for cherry tomatoes but also for larger varieties.
Early findings suggest that combining Philips toplighting with interlighting could increase yields by 5–7%. A low-nitrate strategy is helping steer the crop toward more generative growth, while optimising the potassium-to-nitrate balance may reduce blotchy ripening. At the same time, further energy savings are being achieved by fine-tuning screening, heating and lighting settings.
© Ridder
Building on earlier trials where greenhouse heat input was reduced by more than 50%, this season continues to focus on energy efficiency through active dehumidification, intensive use of climate screens and reduced reliance on pipe-rail heating. The energy screens remain closed almost all day, while blackout screens are opened for about five to six hours daily to protect flower quality.
The screening strategy has been further refined using Wireless Value radiation measurements and sensor data integrated into the Ridder Hortimax Pro system. This allows real-time monitoring of heat loss, enabling earlier screen closure when needed to keep crop temperatures stable and maintain production while saving energy.
© Ridder
In sections with interlighting, toplighting levels have been reduced to 247 µmol/m²/s instead of the standard 350 µmol/m²/s, resulting in an additional 1.5% energy saving. While modest, this reduction is significant given that LED lighting accounts for around 65% of total energy use.
The trial combines technologies and expertise from several partners, including Grodan growing media, Philips LED systems, Ridder climate solutions, Wireless Value sensors and fertilisation guidance from Normec Groen Agro Control, with Axia supplying seeds. The goal is to better understand how integrated technology and data-driven cultivation can support more energy-efficient and future-ready tomato production.
For more information:
Grodan
T +31 47 53 53 535
www.grodan.com
Signify
www.philips.com/horti
Ridder
Email: [email protected]
https://ridder.com/
Jorge Gonzalez, Product Manager
[email protected]
