A Dutch cucumber greenhouse has implemented a plant monitoring system to optimize irrigation scheduling and plant stress prevention. The eight-and-a-half-hectare facility, Van Lipzig Tuinderijen B.V., transitioned from manual weight loss calculations to real-time data analysis using Gremon Systems' Trutina.
The family-run operation has consistently prioritized modernization, from adopting technologies to refining its management strategies. The grower's recent experience with Gremon Systems' Trutina plant diagnostic and monitoring system underscores the transformative power of precision data, with Bart Versteegen stating, "Trutina opens your eyes. It gives you insight into exactly what a plant is doing and warns you before stress occurs.
Operating in an industry where efficiency and sustainability are paramount, the greenhouse faces the dual challenge of maintaining uniform plant health across four distinct sectors and meeting stringent production targets. Each sector presents unique microclimates, requiring precise irrigation and environmental control to optimize yield and quality. Traditional irrigation scheduling relied on intuition and manual calculations—prone to inefficiencies and plant stress.
"Before Trutina, I'd look at the graph, try to calculate weight loss manually, and hope I got it right," Bart shared. "Now, I know exactly when and how much water to give, thanks to Trutina's precise data."
Irrigation management
Gremon Systems' Trutina delivers a data-driven and comprehensive system for irrigation management, integrating advanced plant weight measurement, substrate monitoring, and real-time analytics. "Unlike traditional tools, Trutina provides actionable insights that empower growers to make informed decisions and proactively address challenges", says János Lóczi, co-founder of Gremon Systems.
Accurate water management
"The first and last irrigation are the most critical," the grower explained. "With Trutina, I can ensure the exact 9% weight loss I'm aiming for, keeping plants healthy and productive."
János further emphasized the importance of timely saturation, stating: "Reaching the saturation level at the right time is crucial. If delayed, there is a risk of disrupting the plant's water balance, which can lead to increased flower and fruit abortion, ultimately impacting overall yield."
Stress prevention
"Trutina warns me before plants are under stress, so I can take action early. This keeps my plants out of danger and ensures consistent growth." János further explained the complexity of irrigation adjustments, highlighting that: "Irrigation strategy cannot be based solely on the current light conditions. For example, after several sunny days, a sudden cloudy day doesn't immediately reduce plant activity, as the accumulated reserve energy keeps the plants more active. Ignoring this factor could lead to overwatering or improper irrigation timing."
Insightful data
The system provides clear metrics on biomass weight, drain percentages, and substrate saturation. "It's like having a window into what my plants are experiencing," Bart said. Trutina's reliability and ease of use have also earned his trust. "The hardware is built for greenhouses. We're working in a jungle, not a living room, and Trutina handles these conditions effortlessly," Bart noted.
Collaboration
The grower's journey with Trutina has been a story of collaboration and continuous learning. Monthly consultations with Gremon Systems' specialist János Lóczi have been instrumental in refining irrigation strategies and optimizing plant care."János knows so much about water management—he's taught me to fine-tune everything," the grower said. "From when to start and stop irrigation to how to respond to sudden weather changes, his advice has been invaluable."
One major insight involved adjusting screening strategies to mitigate the effects of rapid weather changes. "Before, we never realized how much outgoing radiation could harm the plants," the grower explained. "Now, we screen early on sunny days to protect the head from cooling too quickly. It's made a huge difference in preventing diseases."
Additionally, the grower emphasized how Trutina's detailed analytics have changed how they manage their greenhouse. "I'm more proactive now. I check Trutina first thing in the morning and adjust my irrigation schedule based on the night's data. It's made my job easier and more efficient," - Bart explained.
Results beyond expectation
The grower's experience with Trutina has been positive, highlighting measurable improvements in efficiency, plant health, and yield stability. He explains the stress and disease pressure reduced. "In cucumbers, it's common to see diseases in the plant heads due to stress. Thanks to Trutina, we almost never see this anymore. Keeping plants out of stress has been a game-changer." Then there's the optimized resource use. "The system has made our water usage far more precise, saving resources while ensuring plants get exactly what they need." Another point is the increased yield stability. "We grow about 230 cucumbers per square meter annually. With Trutina, I'm confident I could push that even higher without risking plant health."
János pointed out another crucial stress factor that Trutina can detect: "Plant overload is a significant stress factor that can be identified through Trutina's data analysis. The system can even predict the threshold that should not be exceeded to maintain optimal plant health. If a plant remains in an overloaded state for too long, this stress will negatively impact its potential in the following days, reducing overall productivity."
Plants needs
"Trutina has taught me to predict plant needs before they arise. I've become a better grower because of it", Bart concludes. He also noted how Trutina has improved consistency across all four greenhouse sectors. "Even though every sector has its own microclimate, Trutina helps me balance irrigation and keep all sections performing at their best. It's not just about individual features. Trutina works as a complete system, and that's what makes it so powerful. I'd recommend it to any grower because it opens your eyes to what's happening in your greenhouse. It's not just hardware and software; it's a partner in making sure your plants thrive."
The grower also praised Gremon Systems for their hands-on support and dedication to teaching. "Every month, I learn something new from János. He doesn't just tell me what to do—he helps me understand why, and that's invaluable."
Beyond irrigation, the grower highlighted Trutina's ability to reveal plant behavior in unprecedented detail. "I've learned to read my plants in ways I never thought possible. I can see when they're about to go into stress and take action before it's too late," they said. "It's taught me to think ahead and be proactive rather than reactive."
Want to learn more? Join the Gremon webinar on February 27 at 16:00 CET:
" Water Wrapped in Green - Cucumber Cultivation Done Right - Make Every Drop Count!"
With expert speakers:
🔹 Rudolf de Vetten, Chief Product Officer and co-founder of Blue Radix, a leading expert in data-driven greenhouse automation and precision growing solutions.
🔹 János Lóczi, Leader in Data-Driven Crop Cultivation, with decades of hands-on experience in greenhouse management and irrigation optimization.
Register here: https://bit.ly/cucumber-cultivation-done-right-webinar
For more information:
Gremon Systems
https://gremonsystems.com