The crop changeover in greenhouse horticulture is in full swing again. This is invariably the moment for Glastuinbouw Nederland and the water boards to once again draw attention to water quality during crop rotation.
The water used for cleaning can contain nutrients and crop protection agents and should not be discharged into ditches. The drainage water from substrate mats and green waste should not end up in the ditch either.
Make sure that the containers with green waste do not leak into the yard and surface water. Collect the leftover water and discharge it to the sewer. Despite the focus placed on this, water boards see that it is not been done properly everywhere, therefore their enforcers are extra alert in this period.
Water quality
Ditches are more frequently polluted around the time of the crop changeover. The water authorities measure this in terms of exceeding water quality standards in the ditches. This is bad for the water quality and also endangers the admission of crop protection products, as emphasised by the water boards of Delfland and Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard, who together with Glastuinbouw Nederland are partners in the Zero Emission Greenhouse.
Conscious use of water flows when changing crops is therefore of great importance. Unnecessary discharges can often be prevented relatively easily. Good planning of crop rotation and knowledge of the water flows (the water system) at the company are of great importance.
Reuse water
It is also important to prevent discharges and reuse as much water as possible when starting a new crop. There are many tips on www.glastuinbouwwaterproof.nl on how to prevent discharges during the crop change. There is also a flyer with practical tips and points of attention to prevent discharges into ditches.
In addition, there is a more extensive brochure with the 'Procedure for preventing emissions from substrate crop rotation'. Entrepreneurs who violate the rules damage the image of the sector and moreover endanger resources, warn the water boards. Good water quality is a common interest.
Extra alert and extra checks
The crop changeover is a busy period in which a lot has to be done in a short space of time. The quality of the water must not be lost sight of in the process. That is why supervisors are extra alert during this period and enforcement action and criminal proceedings are taken where necessary.
Source: Glastuinbouw Nederland