Oct. 30, 2012, Amsterdam — The Next Generation Semi-Closed Greenhouse
concept by the AVAG consortium (Sercom Regeltechniek and Environmental
Monitoring Systems) was judged the most promising innovation at this
year’s Horti Fair.
Oct. 30, 2012, Amsterdam — The Next Generation Semi-Closed Greenhouse concept by the AVAG consortium (Sercom Regeltechniek and Environmental Monitoring Systems) was judged the most promising innovation at this year’s Horti Fair.
The jury noted that “suppliers to horticulture are continuing to innovate and invest in the future, despite the unrelenting economic climate.”
A total of more than 100 new products and services are being introduced this week at Horti Fair.
This award-winning innovation can be used to control air quality in the greenhouse, in addition to the traditional parameters of temperature, humidity and light. This means that a new step forward has been taken in measuring and controlling plant quality.
The key focus is the use of fewer resources. The CO2 dosage is more easily optimized, the growth potential of the crop is improved, and heat is utilized even better.
This combination tool (MACView Greenhouse Gas Analyzer and SERCOM climate computer) focuses on reducing the consumption of energy and ensuring a crop that provides an added value.
“Sercom and EMS effectively apply technologies from other sectors to greenhouse horticulture,” said jury chairman Geert van Oosterhout.
“When the presence of small quantities of harmful gases in the greenhouse air is hindering the optimal growth of a crop, the source of the problem cannot be detected with the naked eye. Although it can be detected in more serious cases, it is obvious that the damage has already been done.”
The new system detects harmful gases even in low concentrations “and thus makes the invisible visible. And it then provides information for measures to solve the problem. This combination is thus adding a new dimension to greenhouse climate control.”
The other members of the jury are Jeroen van Buren (manager of greenhouse horticulture, DLV Plant BV), Heinrich Dressler (Gb Das Magazin für Zierpflanzenbau, Germany), Cor van de Kaay (vegetable grower), Linda Kaluzny-Pinon (Culture Légumière, France), Frank Kempkes (technical researcher at Wageningen UR greenhouse horticulture), Leo Marcelis (Professor in crop protection in low-energy greenhouses at Wageningen UR), and Steven Vale (The Commercial Greenhouse Grower, Great Britain).
“The initial results are promising and confirm the expectations of the project,” concluded the jury report. “The Next Generation Semi-Closed Greenhouse can thus make a significant contribution to continued sustainability in greenhouse horticulture worldwide.”
Horti Fair continues to Friday (Nov. 2) at the Amsterdam RAI.
Print this page
