The importance of water quality
Joost Hovens, Account Manager at Cindro, is involved in the trial to investigate how irrigation water can be brought into optimal condition throughout the process of lit cucumber cultivation. In this episode, he explains: “The test at Botany clearly illustrates the effects of good irrigation water, which is knowledge that we are happy to share with growers. They can apply these results to their practices, and hence organize their water supply as optimally as possible.” Good quality irrigation water contributes to making cucumber cultivation and the sector as a whole more sustainable. Hovens continues: “By preventing biofilm in pipes, growers do not have to use chemical cleaners. Moreover, plants with good and uniform irrigation water are resistant to diseases and less pesticides are needed. ”
Use of biological crop protection products
Luc Kurris, IPM specialist at Royal Brinkman, researches with the trial whether his company's biological crop protection products respond differently to varying types of lighting. In the video he shares: “With the trial we can show growers that LED lighting has no negative influence on biological crop protectors. Even in low-light conditions and with the right supplement feeding strategy, insects can still reproduce easily and stay alive. This is important knowledge that we are happy to share, to inspire growers to keep their crop as healthy, organic and natural as possible. ”
Effect on different cucumber varieties
Peter Custers, Account Manager at De Ruiter, researches what the ideal plant type should look like, using different lighting concepts at Botany. “We use various datapoints from the trial to develop increasingly improved varieties. This is important for the grower to be able to guarantee even better quality and efficiency." This has major advantages in terms of sustainability: “If we can produce varieties with efficient energy requirement, this will contribute to sustainability. We continue to develop our processes and strategies in order to further develop those optimal plant types. This makes it easier for growers to control the crop. ”
Want to learn more?
The research trial on lit cucumber cultivation was set up in October 2020 at Botany and will run until the end of March 2021. Ten parties are currently involved in the trial, including Grodan.
