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Buildings
27 November 2020
Next Generation Growing (NGG) is a set of techniques pioneered by Dutch growers to increase glasshouse production efficiency. The key benefit of NGG is the creation of an environment in which the plant thrives so that photosynthesis is maximised under the given light level. The principles of NGG focus on providing the crop with exactly what it needs, when it needs it. Read more about how to apply NGG to your glasshouse growing system by reading this Technical Update.
20 July 2021
Learn about the key factors involved in installing an effective heat-pump system.
27 November 2020
The use of sensors within horticulture is hardly a recent development, with thermometers, measuring boxes and CO2 sensors having been used for decades. However, the advent of wireless sensing technology, as well as the reduction in prices of such equipment, means data collection is now cheaper and easier than ever before. Determining which types of sensors are best suited to your needs depends on a myriad of factors. This Technical Update looks at the sensors that may be available to you for different measurement requirements, how the information may be shared and viewed, and the impact of big data.
23 June 2022
Cold store setup and management contribute significantly to the cost of operation. Cold stores are used within horticulture in a variety of situations and for different purposes, so a ‘one type fits all’ approach is rarely the most efficient. There are, however, several considerations to be made in ensuring that you get the best from your own or rented facilities. Some of these were explored during a two-day study tour in Denmark, by a group of hardy ornamental stock growers. Read this Technical Update to find out more.
23 June 2022
Optimising production methods is one of the aims of many greenhouse growers, and each type of plant will have its own requirements and characteristics in terms of the environment it can thrive in. An important part of achieving that environment is air movement.
2 December 2020
The principles and benefits of diffuse light in greenhouse crops are widely accepted. In this document, we remind ourselves why diffuse light is important, explain how it is measured and the different solutions available to enable this benefit in your greenhouse.
2 December 2020
Energy makes the world go round and it can manifest itself in many forms including radiation, light and chemical. However, we are mostly concerned with it as heat, electricity or as fuel (i.e. oil, gas, wood etc.) which, for the most part we pay for. It’s important that we are able to measure it, so we can evaluate and compare its costs and assess how efficiently it’s being used. Read more about how best to measure your energy use in this technical updates.
2 December 2022
Read this series of factsheets to learn about the light spectrum and how it can be used to manipulate protected crops for your benefit.
10 March 2022
This project identified areas where energy and water use efficiency might be improved in glasshouse soft fruit production
30 January 2023
Learn more about water auditing, planning for unexpected supply interruptions and how to use abstraction licences efficiently and flexibly.