Glasshouse powered by volcanic energy

A new 5 ha glasshouse complex in New Zealand is heated by geothermal energy and obtains CO2 from volcanic sources. The project is owned jointly by indigenous people and a commercial horticultural enterprise in New Zealand. The first sweet pepper and tomato plants are well established.

Mobile lights: New trend for pepper growers?

Supplementary growth lighting is becoming increasingly popular with glasshouse growers. The key reasons are the ability to shift cultivation, year-round production, improved productivity and larger, good quality fruits. But on the other hand the necessary equipment is expensive and costs a lot of energy.

Innogrow awarded for innovation

Recognising that the greenhouse can be a source of energy, rather than just consumer of it, is a turning point for the industry and one highlighted during the International Horti Fair 2003.

Matching fertilisers to crop varieties

Monitoring mineral status through gene expression, breeding fertiliser-efficient plants and matching varieties to an appropriate soil are all becoming possible.

Get the best quality from hydroponics

In some cases, consumers have a negative perception of hydroponic production despite much scientific evidence to indicate that, providing the nutrient solution is applied correctly, the quality of products is usually better than products grown in soil.

Water management for uniform dosing

The demand for high quality and high yield from a crop coupled with less use of fertiliser means that the risk of too little water or the incorrect mix of fertiliser at the plant is greater. Growers therefore must look for a uniform water distribution system.

Polyethylene film with controlled degradation

Controlled degradation of polyethylene films could be an environmental solution for the future.