Certhon Innovation Centre
First ‘daylight-less’ crops are being grown at the Certhon Innovation Centre
Certhon, a designer and builder of greenhouses, started growing the first crops in its very own Innovation Centre several weeks ago. The company aims to gain specific horticultural knowledge for indoor and vertical farming purposes through this brand-new test centre. Based on this knowledge, Certhon will be able to provide its customers with highly specific advice.
Six weeks ago, the first tomato and sweet pepper plants were brought into the Innovation Centre, to be followed by raspberries and strawberries two weeks ago. Next month, lettuce and herbs will also be grown in the ‘daylight-less’ Innovation Centre.
Advising customers and partners
According to Certhon agronomist Jeroen van Lent several varieties of each type of crop will be tested. “Each variety responds differently to the indoor situation. Based on the horticultural knowledge we are gaining we will be able to provide our customers and partners tailored advice.” The launch of Certhon’s Innovation Centre was preceded by two years of research. “In addition to the successful indoor projects we have already completed, we also conducted research into optimising the technology of daylight-less cultivation”, says Van Lent.
Eight different cultivation cells
The Innovation Centre contains eight different cultivation cells on a surface area of 240 square metres. “We will be able to continue our research on a really big scale. During the first few years will enable us to help our customers with the cultivation of a diversity of crops with the knowledge we will gain here. In addition to this, we will be growing pilot crops to obtain reference figures. This unique facility will also enable us to show our customers fully operational systems.”
Detailed monitoring
Van Lent expects to harvest the first tomatoes at the beginning of May. He believes that this cultivation method offers many advantages. “The crop can be monitored down to the smallest details. You can ensure that the conditions are ideal at every moment of the day. There are no fluctuations in temperature, humidity or other uncontrollable factors. In addition to the knowledge we are gaining, we are also looking for ways to optimise our technical systems.”
Present at GreenTech
Certhon will be present at the GreenTech professional trade fair with a stand at the Vertical Farming Pavilion. Visitors will be able to take a look at the Innovation Centre’s research cells in real time.
Source/photo: Certhon.
Related
Certhon builds eight growth cells in new research facility
Certhon is building its own research facility next to its office in Poeldijk: the Certhon Innovation Centre. The Dutch greenhouse designer and builder has been conducting pioneering research on optimising the technology of growing without daylight for the past two years. By the end of 2017, the facility will contain eight growth cells, where continuous research to develop the next generation cultivation system will be carried out.
Certhon started building its Innovation Centre last month. It will be used to further develop Certhon’s PlantyFood cultivation system, which involves growing vegetables, fruits and flowers without daylight. Demand for safe and healthy food, which is sustainable and locally produced, is increasing worldwide.
Daylight-free cultivation
The greenhouse designer and builder is expecting the demand for indoor cultivation solutions to grow rapidly. However, cultivation in a growth cell requires different methods than growing in a traditional greenhouse. The biggest change, compared to traditional growing methods, is that cultivation methods are not determined by the outside climate; instead, state-of-the-art technology is used to create an indoor climate. Research will be conducted in an area of 240 m2, which will be used to establish best practice for large-scale daylight-free cultivation.
Crop tests
Certhon sees great potential in the daylight-free cultivation of tomato, pepper, soft fruit, lettuce, herbs and other crops. These crops will be tested in different climates, with different humidity and lighting programs. Tests will also be conducted with lighting, sensors, and hardware and software. “We are not a research Institute”, says John van der Sande, Head of R&D at Certhon. “We can use the knowledge we acquire in our own research institute to help our clients maximise results in the first couple of years. As well as tools to create an ideal environment, we also offer specific agronomical expertise.”
Source/photo: Certhon.
