By limiting evaporation, an exposed crop of cucumbers can still be carried out with very little heat. This was shown by the 'Cucumber year-round balance with minimal energy consumption' project. The main results of the project were a yield increase of almost 45% and energy savings of over 21%. The next steps are to further explore the limits of energy input and crop evaporation without compromising plant health.
At Kas als Energiebron, Botany researchers look back at the results after the third growing season of high-wire and exposed cucumber cultivation, with minimal energy consumption and the right balance of electricity and gas inputs. The premise of the research project is that this involves growing good-quality cucumbers year-round.
The project was initiated by the crop cooperative Komkommer and financed and coordinated by Kas als Energiebron, an innovation program of LVVN and Glastuinbouw Nederland. The study provides important insights.
Results third pilot season
In the first two winter seasons of the project, the first steps were taken in reducing energy consumption. Last winter, the aim was to optimize this further, by improving the light-heat ratio and limiting evaporation.
Overall production is not yet at practice levels. Cultivation optimization is therefore the next goal. Follow-up steps include further exploring the limits of energy input and crop evaporation without compromising plant health.
In the video below, watch the learning points from the third season of optimal cucumber cultivation at minimum energy consumption.
The research was initiated by the Crop Cooperative Cucumber, financed and coordinated by Greenhouse as an Energy Source, and made possible by Knowledge in your Greenhouse (Kijk), a broad supervisory committee, and knowledge partners from industry: BASF Nunhems, Biotalys, Enza Zaden, Grodan, Maurice, Mertens, More, NovaCropControl, Plant Lighting, Ridder, Rijk Zwaan, Royal Brinkman and Signify.
Source: Greenhouse as a source of energy