Predicting crop growth is becoming increasingly refined. Wageningen University & Research BU Horticulture utilizes digital twins, linking greenhouse data with 3D functional-structural plant models. This technology allows immediate analysis of changes in climate control or cultivation strategies. Researcher Maarten van der Meer notes, "With digital twin technology, growers will soon be able to achieve more with their data."
WUR collaborates with Sobolt and LetsGrow/Hoogendoorn to develop a 3D digital plant growth model offering insights into water balance and light distribution in the greenhouse. This model will soon be validated at Tomatoworld, where growers will test a dashboard that aids cultivation decisions. Van der Meer says, "As digitalization progresses, more data is available. With a dashboard, growers gain better insights into crop growth, light distribution, temperature, water usage, and forecasting for the near future."
The future of autonomous cultivation
By visualizing and integrating sensor data, growers can swiftly respond to changes, optimizing crop health and growth. "This model is practical and valuable for the next step in autonomous cultivation," says Van der Meer. Digital twins also benefit researchers and breeders, allowing extensive crop trials without needing a greenhouse."
Research into digital twins is part of a broader movement toward autonomous cultivation, including robots and advanced Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions to support growers in daily tasks. This technology presents great potential for the future of horticulture but requires fine-tuning and specific adjustments to crop types and greenhouse conditions.