method of lighting, the Philips LED solutions are very energy-efficient. In the long run this will also have a positive effect on our production costs.”
- Nikolay Gordiy, General Director, UGC
Uman Greenhouse Complex is at the forefront of modern horticulture. It has been growing tomatoes and cucumbers since 1974, and today its hyper-modern greenhouse spans over 30 hectares. Could light help to increase the weight of fruit, and drive up production levels?
Uman Greenhouse Company (UGC) has been carrying out trials with hybrid lighting for some time now. During 2010-2011, the company tried adding interlighting to its current system, to provide the lower parts of the plants with additional sustenance. These trials proved that heavier tomatoes could be produced through interlighting. In 2011 the test was extended to include new LED interlighting modules, used in a 0.625 hectare plot.
The trial produced positive results. Working in close collaboration with Philips specialists and a plant physiologist, UGC was able to find the ideal spacing and settings for the horticultural lighting. It found that the light shined on the lowest leaves has a positive effect on coarsenes and production.
“We are proud to be the first grower to work with Philips LED interlighting”, said Nikolay Gordiy, General Director of UGC. “We have been using Philips GreenVision 1000 W systems since 2008. This modern HID installation immediately gave us a 25% increase in production. With the new LED interlighting solution we expect to increase production by a further 15%.”
The new greenhouse lighting is saving energy. Early indications show that using a partially LED-based system will create an energy saving of 80%. Thanks to these savings, the investment on the new lights will be paid back within two and a half years.
Van Nature/Jami VOF
Find out how greenhouse lighting is helping Van Nature grow tomatoes all year round
LED4CR0PS
Find out how LED grow lights are helping STC to develop new farming methods
Leo van der Harg
Find out how grow light systems with LED are improving crop quality at Leo van der Harg
Maatschap Kreuk
Find out how LED greenhouse lighting is increasing flower quality at Maatschap Kreuk
Marjoland
Find out how LED flowering lights are helping Marjoland to improve plant quality
Purdue University
Find out how Purdue University is discovering the ideal indoor growing conditions with LED propagation lights
