19
Jul 2022

Let the light in to achieve higher production in Winter

Let the light in to achieve higher production in Winter
It costs you not to clean.  Now, when prices are high for produce it is a good time to look up to see what you are missing out on

Unclean Roof:

Businesses are struggling to find the time to clean their greenhouses on a regular basis, the rule of thumb is 1% more light is 1% more production.

The longer you leave the roof the harder it becomes to clean it over time.  Properties that have automatic roof cleaners have an advantage, it is a large capital outlay, to have automatic washers installed, but it pays for itself time and time again.  For smaller properties the capital costs are too much, but there are solutions.

Agdrone – have a superb solution that will clean the greenhouse and keep you safe from harm.  Spraying with a drone offers an alternative to physically walking on the structures and cleaning either glass or plastic greenhouse roofs.  With labour shortages a constant issue for growers, finding the time is also proving very difficult.

The best time to spray the roof is during crop rotation.   Please make certain you understand the chemical being applied and the precautions required to prevent contamination.  This is critical.  Cucumber growers that have multiple rotations, have more opportunities to clean and apply coatings.

 

Condensation:

The other issue, I believe is somewhat avoidable, is to reduce condensation.  Condensation can block or reflect up to 8% of light.  Products can be sprayed internally on the roof, during crop change to reduce or even eliminate condensation on the inside of the structures.  If you are replacing crops in Autumn, this is the perfect time to apply.  It is Winter now but now is a good time to visualise and may have you considering why you have not done this before.

 

Article written and compiled by Stefan Vogrincic

All Article’s checked and edited by Marie Vogrincic

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Subscribe to our E-Zine

Sign up here to subscribe to the Grower2grower Ezine. Every two weeks you will receive new articles, specific to the protected cropping industry, informing you of industry news and events straight to your inbox.

More

From This Category

March 24, 2025
Dynamically controllable LED grow lights for plant nursery
New developments continue to improve plant quality and reduce energy requirements
No Shortcuts in CEA: Hard Truths on Greenhouse Success
February 25, 2025
No Shortcuts in CEA: Hard Truths on Greenhouse Success
"CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture) is not a get-rich-quick industry. Success requires discipline, patience, and a commitment to long-term operational excellence"
February 25, 2025
Den Berk Délice improved production predictability and energy efficiency with Philips horticulture intelligent lighting
This system automatically controls LED lighting based on natural light levels
February 11, 2025
Intelligent Philips LED lighting at J&A Chrysanten optimizes production and energy efficiency
Philips help optimize chrysanthemum production and make it more sustainable
A holistic approach in a full LED tomato trial resulted in a 50% reduction in heat input
January 29, 2025
A holistic approach in a full LED tomato trial resulted in a 50% reduction in heat input
Philips Horticulture LED Solutions and partners collaborated on a trial to help tomato growers find a solution for cultivating a full-LED winter lit crop with a low heat input without impacting yield or quality.
January 28, 2025
AP4 Porometer by Delta-T Devices
The AP4 Porometer measures stomatal aperture in terms of leaf conductance to water vapour.
CLASSIFIED