In 2016, Van der Knaap Group launched its organic nutrition solution. It provides equivalent production quantities to traditional growing methods for growers in the United States and Canada under the USDA -National Organic Program. The innovation, which is developed in a bioreactor, converts residual proteins into a liquid organic nutrient solution that is administered to plants by using drippers.
Karel de Bruijn and Ron van der Knaap
Despite previous challenges, such as clogged drippers and pile-up in the substrate, the nutrition has proven to be suitable for cultivating gutters for a few years. Karel de Bruijn of Van der Knaap Group says: "This is a breakthrough for organic growers in North America."
Meanwhile, on the east coast, a total of 42 hectares of fruit vegetables (bell peppers, tomatoes, and strawberries) are being organically cultivated exclusively through the utilization of this solution. These companies have their own bioreactor on the farm that provides the crop with the entire nutritional recipe. The reactor produces organic nutrition for the crop by converting the proteins from residual products. Ron van der Knaap, Van der Knaap Group, says: "This is a perfect fit for growers. This meets the demand for high-quality, organic products, and it has a low footprint."
"Traditional fertilizers have six macro and six micronutrients, to the contrary the spectrum of micronutrients is much larger for organic food. As a result, the crop is more resilient," Karel adds. It is clear that the gentlemen find that this solution, which is designed for growers who use cultivation gutters, has great potential.
For more information:
Van der Knaap Group
Bovendijk 50, 2295 RZ
Kwintsheul, the Netherlans
Tel.: +31 174 525050
Email: [email protected]