MULTI-LAYER CULTIVATION UNDER GLASS

For strawberry cultivation, concrete research is being carried out into so-called multi-layer cultivation. Four cultivation layers have been placed one above the other in a greenhouse at Proefcentrum Hoogstraten. A pipe rail has been laid between the rows of gutters to carry out crop care and harvesting with carts. In order to eliminate the shadow effect of cultivation gutters on the underlying layers, the three lower layers in the system are equipped with FLORALUX.fortis growth lighting that provides more than 200 μmol / m² / s at crop level per cultivation gutter.  Further tests have been carried out via the GLITCH project to set the correct light intensity in the different layers via the dimming function of the FLORALUX light lines. The goal is to produce the same on each layer as on the top layer, in order to increase production to four times the production per square meter. This without quality loss, drops in fruit size or abandonment in the harvest. The first test results are very promising. LUMINAID works together with the test centre and various market parties to further improve multi-layer cultivation.