The BEST (bubble energy-saving technology) greenhouse is an extraordinary structure: a semi-curved span with a bubble film, so it is similar to the combination of a tunnel greenhouse and a large-span greenhouse. Previous studies have shown that woody soft fruits can grow well and save energy in BEST greenhouses. The Greenhouse Horticulture and Flower Bulbs business unit of Wageningen University and Research Department began to study the possibility of the best greenhouse cultivation of zucchini in the spring of 2021.
The goal of BEST greenhouse is to save energy and limit the consumption of carbon dioxide. The bubble film provides diffuse light. In order to prevent the temperature from rising too much, a continuous ridge aeration device is installed in the greenhouse, and the side wall can be opened widely. BEST greenhouse is also equipped with screens, high-pressure atomization, CO2 dosing device and heating device.
In recent years, as part of the Kas Als Energiebron (Greenhouse as Energy) program, research has been done to grow raspberries and blackberries in the BEST greenhouse. The main conclusion of the study is that the greenhouse can ensure good production and save about 40% of energy. Like woody berries, zucchini requires moderate heat, so it is usually grown outdoors, but yellow zucchini is particularly susceptible to wind and can only be grown in a covered environment. This is why WUR investigated whether it is also feasible to grow yellow zucchini in the BEST greenhouse.
65 fruits per year The study includes two crops. The first harvest was from February to July, and the second harvest was in August. The result of the first training was very positive. For example, 65 fruits are harvested per square meter; it is estimated that 75 fruits can be produced each year. Therefore, these 65 fruits are relatively high compared to the actual farm output.
In the first planting, 5 kg of CO2 per square meter was required for planting; this is half of the expected 10 kg for the two crops. The use of natural gas is slightly higher than expected-partly due to cold periods-which is 7.7 cubic meters of natural gas per square meter (the forecast for both crops is 10 cubic meters). The second quarter is expected to last until November, when the final data will be announced.
For more information: Wageningen University and Research Department www.wur.nl
We ask you to fill in all text fields marked with *.
Receive free daily newsletter in your email | Click here
Other news in this area:
<< Back | Gardening Daily
Sign up for our daily newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest news!
You are receiving this pop-up window because this is your first visit to our website. If you keep receiving this message, please enable cookies in your browser.