At the annual Pot and Bedding Plant Day, organised by Glastuinbouw Nederland, Delphy and Kas als Energiebron, growers, suppliers, and innovators came together to discuss the latest developments in the greenhouse horticulture sector. With a strong focus on sustainability, data-driven growing and regulations such as CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), the day was all about the future of the pot and bedding plant sector.
Growth models and data insights
Models that predict plant growth based on environmental factors and sensor data were a major topic of discussion. These models, coupled with accurate climate data, give growers more control over the growth process and help achieve sustainable crop goals. Innovative models provide improved efficiency, reduced resource use and improved product quality.
Sustainable alternatives to peat
Another relevant theme was the use of sustainable alternatives to peat in potting soil. With increasing pressure on the industry to reduce CO₂ emissions, peat substitutes such as coir, compost and wood fibre are being sought. RHP shared the latest developments in this area here, the availability of these alternatives and the environmental impact and what influence this has on the quality of the cultivation is being looked at.
Dashboard The New Cultivation
The Dashboard New Cultivation was presented as the platform for the future of cultivation. This data-driven platform enables growers to optimise greenhouse climate control based on the latest insights and technologies. This new dashboard was co-created by Kas als Energiebron.
CSRD: reporting environmental impact
The introduction of the new European regulation, the CSRD, has a major impact on business operations within greenhouse horticulture. The Pot and Bedding Plant Day discussed in detail how companies in the sector can prepare for this obligation. With an emphasis on transparent reporting of environmental impacts, such as water and energy consumption and the use of raw materials, it became clear that sustainability is not only an ambition, but is also becoming a necessity from a regulatory point of view.
Sensors and Screens: optimising greenhouse technology
Data-driven growing was the focus of the workshop on sensor technologies. The latest generation of sensors that measure environmental factors such as light, temperature and humidity in real-time offer growers unprecedented opportunities for optimisation. Growers can use various dashboards to directly analyse this data and use it to more accurately control their screening technologies and other climate equipment. Smart screening can significantly reduce energy consumption while optimising growing conditions for plants.
Conclusion
The Pot and Bedding Plant Day demonstrated that the greenhouse horticulture sector is in the midst of a transition towards more sustainable and innovative growing. With the introduction of the CSRD, the emergence of sensors and screen technologies, and the use of alternatives to peat, it is clear that the sector faces major challenges. At the same time, the technological solutions available offer the opportunity to turn these challenges into concrete improvements for both the environment and business results. Glastuinbouw Nederland continues to actively monitor and support these developments, with the aim of preparing the sector for a sustainable future.
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