Two Dutch chrysanthemum growers start with Next Generation Growing

The Dutch chrysanthemum growers Arcadia and Van Uffelen will apply the Next Generation Growing. Technokas has been asked to install the necessary climate installations in both nurseries.

Two years ago, the greenhouse of Uffelen was designed and built by Technokas. The Chrysanthemum nursery is therefore, to a certain degree, already prepared for the arrival of the climate installation which is necessary for achieving Next Generation Growing. The installation at Arcadia will be realised in a new project for replacing and expansion of the existing location. The installation will suck in dry air through the apex, possibly mix it with greenhouse air and if required adds, on spot, additional heat to achieve the indoor temperature. Afterwards, it will be spread through transparent tubes over the cultivation departments.

Portals in the apex
The air handling units can be fitted in portals in the apex that have been installed for that purpose. In the greenhouses the necessary distribution pipes and mix groups for the heating units are being installed. The installations for the sprinkling and lighting are designed so that the hoses for air distribution can be placed above the crop and will not have a negative effect on the jet of conditioned air from the holes in the tube. Additionally, the greenhouses will be equipped with a second energy screen.

Long Term testing
Arcadia and Van Uffelen chose for the climate installation in response to the obtained results at another location of Arcadia. Wageningen UR, Kas als Energiebron, DLV, Deliflor and other chrysanthemum growers tested this installation for a long period. Also other crops with a climate installation of Technokas achieved positive results in controllability of the climate criteria and energy conservation during long term testing.

Conserving energy and a better climate
With the installation of Technokas the growers expect to regulate the climate in a cultivation department even better in terms of temperature distribution and relative air humidity. The growers expect - in combination with the energy screens - to save 15 to 30 percent in energy. In addition, they expect that the technique will enhance the quality of the chrysanthemums.

Source: Technokas

Publication date: Thu 1 Dec 2016