Project RAAK for measuring crop growth
The Smart Sensor Systems and Photonics lectorates of The Hague University of Applied Sciences will spend the next four years researching the use of sensors, data and data analysis in greenhouse horticulture. Together with Inholland University, Lentiz MBO and several technical suppliers, breeders and growers in the Westland region, the professorships want to take a big step towards large-scale application of sensor technology for monitoring crop growth.
"Dutch greenhouse farming already has a low footprint compared to producers in other countries," says lector Smart Sensor Systems, John Bolte. "Yet it can be even lower if growers have more data available to optimise the growth of their crops and fight diseases better, for example. Methods currently used to take measurements disrupt growth and damage crops. With sensors, we can take non-contact measurements, for example with light technology such as optics or photonics."
Affordable innovation
The 'Crop Growth Well Measured' project thus focuses on investigating alternative measurement techniques and developing sensors that allow measurement without touching the plant. In addition, the researchers will also work on improving crop growth models. "The goal is to test this new approach, but the challenge lies mainly in making sure we keep it affordable," John explains.
Pilot with tomato plant
Tomato is the pilot crop in this research. "The plant is central. Now a grower has data about his climate, he or she sees something happening with the plant itself and adjusts the climate accordingly. This project provides more data about the plant itself, so growers can manage the crop more directly, resulting in better yields and lower costs. Although we are working with tomatoes in this project, we expect the results to be useful in other crops as well."
Partners from the field
2Grow, 2Harvest, AVAG Greenhouse Technology Center, Axia Seeds, Duijvestijn Tomatoes, Greenport West-Holland, GRN Consultancy, Hortitech, Komkommerkwekerij Reijm & Zn., LetsGrow.com, Stichting Tomatoworld and Vertify are the practice partners involved in the project. "We are proud to have represented all disciplines with an interest in this research. From seed supplier and grower to sensor specialist, data analyst, industry association and many more. With this team, we should be able to achieve great results," John concludes.