Wageningen, the Netherlands
November 25, 2011

Source: Wageningen UR Glastuinbouw

For the next generation greenhouse cultivation with three screens and controlled ventilation Sweet Pepper was grown with an energy demand of 22,2 m3/m2. The production was 30,6 kg/m2. The energy saving compared to two groups of growers was 0,3 m3/(m2.week). This is remarkable especially for summer. Then growing Sweet Pepper is possible without a minimum heating pipe temperature and without a energy demand for heating. This project was funded by the Product Board for Horticulture and the Ministry of Economics, Agriculture and Innovation as a part of the programme Kas als Energiebron.

At the start of the cultivation the desired mean temperature was not realised. This was unfavourable for development of the first fruits. Due to low light levels fruit set was delayed in January. The delay in production was compensated in March. With low light levels moderate temperatures avoided abortion of flowers. So then the light level increased fruit set was possible. To the end of the cropping period temperature was set to 15 oC at night and 19 oC at daytime resulting slow but steady growth until the end of harvest in November. The controlled dehumidification worked properly the whole year according to its design. Three weeks before the last harvest it was turned of because humidity control was unnecessary. This saved energy, because in that period humidity control was only possible with input of heat. The experience with the next generation cultivation of Sweet Pepper were comparable with Tomato and Cucumber. It is an approach the result in energy saving, without negative consequences for production and quality. Only early production is delayed some days.

Rapport: Het Nieuwe Telen Paprika (in Dutch only)

Website: http://www.wur.nl

Published: November 25, 2011