VERTICAL FARMING AND CONTAINERIZED CULTIVATION

Challenge

In recent years, the breeding activities of the strawberry breeder Fresh Forward have expanded considerably. Both the outdoor and substrate programs have been scaled up, with the result that Fresh Forward has now grown from its location in Eck en Wiel. To give more space to the various breeding programs, it was decided to move to a new location in Huissen (Gld) with four hectares of greenhouse surface in the NEXTgarden Lingewaard development area. Examples of crops for which breeding is done specifically are greenhouse spring cultivation and continued cultivation. However, more attention is being paid to the “low-chill” cultivation system. In this cultivation system, varieties with a low cold requirement can be grown from December to July with a constant production of high-quality fruit from the end of February. That is of course not possible without high-quality growth lighting.

Solution

In this greenhouse two technologies with different light, spectra are used. One part is equipped with FLORALUX.imperium luminaires, with a high content of red and blue light, which stimulates growth. The trial in which these FLORALUX.imperum luminaires were used is easily recognizable by the typical red / purple lighting. The other part of the trial is equipped with FLORALUX.spectris luminaires. The sunlight spectrum is simulated with these so-called full-spectrum luminaires. This part of the test, therefore, looks as if traditional lighting has been installed. The unique spectral structure of the light from these lamps ensures optimal growth and pleasant working conditions for the staff in the greenhouse. Both types of lamps are characterized by a low radiant heat so that the influence of LUMINAID LED lighting on the climate is nil. FLORALUX luminaires are controllable as standard. This allows Fresh Forward to independently change the intensity of the light level, adapted to the amount of sunlight from outside.

Flevo Berry BV

Flevo Berry has developed the Flevo Berry Concept; a clear choice for continuity in the value chain of strawberry growth. They offer similar berries throughout the year by working with different varieties which are specifically bred for each season.Flevo Berry BV fills in the season with early, middle and late short day varieties and everbearing varieties.

Botany Meterik

Botany is the Dutch knowledge- and development partner in plant physiology, plant health and cultivation techniques. At their facilities in Meterik several testings are conducted with FLORALUX growth lighting technology to determine the real impact of FLORALUX at indoor strawberry growth.

Van Vugt Ridderkerk

Van Vugt Herbs in Ridderkerk is one of Europe’s largest players in fresh cutting herbs. The herbs are delivered to catering wholesalers and supermarkets throughout Europe and are packaged according to customer requirements and often with private labels. The head office is in Ridderkerk (NL), followed by a large greenhouse complex. In order to further guarantee continuity, Van Vugt carries out experiments with exposed cultivation in its demo greenhouses. The FLORALUX system is used for this, whereby an optimum diffused light image with the correct micro-rollers is achieved.

Jong Fruit Dongen strawberries

CHALLENGE
Jong Fruit B.V. is a progressive player in the market for so-called soft fruits. For example, Jong Fruit ran the introduction of assimilation lamps in 2006 far ahead of the music. In an era where this technology is still in its infancy, Jong Fruit develops a strategy that reaps more success each year. Meanwhile, they can be proud of our lead on other growth light growers. Jong Fruit B.V. is a member of Coforta.com U.A. and sells via The Greenery B.V.

SOLUTION
Recently, Jong Fruit commissioned a FLORALUX.LT growth lighting system from LUMINAID for the cultivation of winter strawberries. With this system Jong Fruit expects B.V. to greatly improve the yield of the crop, both in volume and in quality. It is one of the FLORALUX.LT systems that LUMINAID is rolling out after earlier successful realizations of the strawberry cultivations.

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Hereijgers - Verdaesdonck strawberries

CHALLENGE
You can enjoy sweet Dutch strawberries all year round. And that with lower energy consumption and climate control optimization compared to other possible solutions.

SOLUTION
FLORALUX.LT has been specially developed as growth lighting for the stretching, growing and flowering of crops. Due to its unique properties and technology, this lamp ensures optimal assimilation process during the growth of strawberries.

This project was realized in a 10.000 square meters of horticultural greenhouses at the Hereijgers-Verdaesdonck facilities, a progressive strawberry grower in Zundert (NL).

Installer: Stan van Eekelen B.V.