Key Takeaways
- Grodan and Philips Horticulture LED Solutions are collaborating to reduce greenhouse energy use through integrated LED lighting, irrigation, and climate strategies.
- Trials at the Botany Research Centre aim for a 50% reduction in heat input while maintaining high tomato yield and fruit quality.
- Grodan’s stone wool substrates and root zone monitoring are central to nutrient management at lower electrical conductivity (EC) levels.
- Dynamic LED control, including spectral dimming and Daily Light Integral (DLI) planning, aligns lighting with crop needs and energy pricing.
- Vertical temperature profiling and advanced screening improve climate balance and plant health.
Grodan Leads Root Zone Management in Low-Energy Tomato Cultivation
Multi-Partner Trial Focuses on Climate, Light, and Irrigation Integration
Grodan (Profile), in partnership with Philips Horticulture LED Solutions, is advancing research on energy-efficient tomato cultivation through a combination of dynamic lighting, precise root zone management, and controlled climate strategies. The trials, conducted with partners including Ridder, BASF, Wireless Value, Normec Groen Agro Control, and Maurice Kassenbouw, are being held at the Botany Research Centre.
Following successful results in 2023 showing a 50% reduction in heat input, the 2024 trial explores spectral dimming, advanced screening, and vertical temperature monitoring. These elements are combined with Grodan’s substrate solutions to maintain plant vigor and fruit quality under low-energy conditions.
“This trial demonstrates how a system-wide approach, including lighting and irrigation control, can significantly lower energy inputs while maintaining crop performance,” said Raats of Philips.
Precision Irrigation with Grodan Stone Wool
Managing EC to Support Yield and Brix
Grodan’s stone wool substrates enable growers to precisely monitor and control water content (WC%), EC, and nutrient delivery to match plant demand. Using two nutrient recipes—including a low-nitrate formula—researchers targeted minimal EC levels without compromising fruit sweetness or weight.
Preliminary results indicate fruit size was approximately 10% larger at 2.8 mS/cm EC compared to a standard 3.8 mS/cm, with consistent Brix levels across both treatments. This supports the hypothesis that nutrient uptake and plant development can be maintained with optimized feed strategies using Grodan substrates.
“We aim to maximize nutrient efficiency while supporting fruit quality through our substrate’s steerability,” said Lee from Grodan.
Smart LED Strategies: Spectral Dimming and DLI
Reducing Energy Use with Adaptive Lighting
Philips’ multi-channel LEDs support spectral dimming, allowing growers to deactivate less efficient light spectra when external daylight suffices. Paired with Ridder’s climate computer, the system targets optimal light distribution based on DLI planning.
LEDs are dimmed in real-time according to radiation forecasts, enabling efficient electricity use aligned with market pricing. These innovations contribute to energy savings and help stabilize the greenhouse environment for consistent crop growth.
Climate Control and Vertical Monitoring
Maintaining Uniform Conditions for Generative Growth
Advanced climate screens and vertical temperature sensors help balance air and leaf temperatures throughout the plant canopy. Adjustments to grow pipe temperatures, combined with airflow from below the crop, ensure a stable climate and enhance assimilate distribution.
These measures help prevent head disorders and promote balanced growth, particularly under reduced heat input conditions. Data collected from sensors supports further optimization of humidity, irrigation, and temperature strategies.
“This year’s trial validates our approach and has drawn significant attention from growers experimenting with active dehumidification,” said Raats.
Grodan Trial Points to Future of Low-Energy Greenhouse Agriculture
The trial’s early results underscore Grodan’s role in demonstrating how effective root zone management, when combined with advanced lighting and climate strategies, can reduce energy consumption without sacrificing productivity.
“Growers are showing strong interest in these integrated approaches,” said Lee from Grodan. “We believe that with further refinement, this trial provides a roadmap for the future of sustainable, low-energy tomato production.”
With increasing industry focus on energy efficiency and carbon reduction, Grodan’s contribution to these trials continues to support practical solutions for commercial greenhouse growers worldwide.
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