Deliscious is a leader in lettuce growth. Run by twin brothers Roy and Mark Delissen, it is the first Dutch lettuce farm with a mobile ‘gutter’ system in which the plants float on water, and the first to transfer a part of its cultivation to a completely closed space. But how could Deliscious maintain its production in winter, when less daylight is available?
A fully controllable environment
Deliscious
The Netherlands
We have increased the quality of the plants, due to a conditioned cultivation process.
The challenge
At Deliscious they use a dynamic model to ensure that the greenhouse is always full. It is comparable with the system used by supermarkets: one out, one in. This frequently led to problems in the winter because an order for extra plants takes longer. At that time of year, the day length is the limiting factor for growth. Innovative as always, the Delissen brothers decided it would be useful to propagate the lettuce plants themselves using LED lighting.
The right lighting
The Delissen brothers are never afraid to turn over a new leaf. Seeking a new cultivation concept that would allow them total control over the growing process, they spent just over a year testing different lighting levels and spectra. As a result, they identified the right light recipe for growing lettuce without daylight.
LED light is a vital ingredient in this process. Philips GreenPower LED production modules, which measure one and a half metres in length, illuminate the baby plants with the correct light formula to ensure uniform growth. The growers can control the exact duration, brightness and spectra of light that each crop of lettuce gets, ensuring consistent growth all year round.
Mark Delissen is very happy with the results. 'During the test phase, we found that the plants from the cell are of a much higher quality. This is because they are accustomed to consistent, optimum conditions, whereas at the plant supplier’s site they have to cope with variations in temperature, air humidity and other uncontrollable factors. We expect the stronger plants will also enable us to save on plant protection, but that will be an added bonus.'
The optimisation of the cultivation process means a better return for the growers, and a consistent quality of product for their customers. In addition, the long lifetime of LED bulbs means that lettuce production will remain virtually disruption-free.
Philips GreenPower LED production module
The production module is developed for multi-layer cultivation in conditioned environments with little or no daylight.
Year-round growth for lettuce lovers
The Team
Deliscious
Grower
Certhon and Lights Interaction b.v.
Philips LED Horti Partners
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