Signify supplied a new greenhouse of over 4 hectares for light cultivation using 100% LED at Dutchberries in Zuilichem (NL), in cooperation with HortiLED Partner Stolze, Maasdijk. It is the first strawberry cultivator with a full LED installation with the compact Philips GreenPower LED TopPower, delivering 196 µmol / s / m2. “The lighting installation lived up to expectations during Sonata’s first winter harvest,” says satisfied grower Boudewijn van der Wal.

The new 4.2 hectare greenhouse was completed in the spring of 2020. This brought the company’s total growing area to 34 hectares. After an unlit summer harvest, the Dutchberries planted for their first lighted winter harvest on September 23.

“Winter production is interesting for two reasons: our customers are positive about it and it’s good for spreading the workload. Growing strawberries in the greenhouse is always busy in the spring and fall. We can still keep our employees busy in the summer, but the work practically stops. With LED-lit cultivation, you can grow all year round and close the gap, ”says grower Boudewijn van der Wal.

To make the best possible choice, the entrepreneur sought the advice of colleagues, researchers and suppliers. After extensive research, 100% LED became the best option. In strawberry cultivation, it is important to be able to achieve 24-hour low temperatures at the right time. Cool nights and not too high daytime temperatures produce the sweetest fruits. Full LED is perfect because its low heat output makes it easier to obtain and maintain the desired climate. This allows you to grow delicious, sweet strawberries even in the dead of winter.
The compact Philips GreenPower LED luminaire from Signify especially won over the Dutchberries. “The specifications and quality of the lamps are top notch and Signify is a reliable supplier with a high level of knowledge and service. You are making such an investment over the long term and it just has to be fair, ”explains the producer.

Effective spectrum
Dutchberries opted for the luminous compact with the deep red / white / blue spectrum. This module has a light output of 2150 µmol / s and uses 645 W with an efficiency of 3.3 µmol / J. This module now even allows a higher level of efficiency. The system delivers 196 µmol / m2 / s, which is more than enough for a high quality winter harvest.

Van der Wal is delighted with his first full LED cultivation. “Plant growth and flowering went well. From the beginning of December to the beginning of February, we harvested 6 to 7 kg / m2 of excellent quality. Although Elsanta is our current main strain, we have deliberately chosen Sonata for this crop. Plants need to cool longer after multiplication and Sonata combines better plant shelf life with good fruit quality. In terms of cultivation results, the lighting installation lived up to expectations. It appeals to us and our customers. “

With lighting that increases the availability and quality of food, we help improve health and well-being, one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG3). Our goal is to double the percentage of our turnover in this area to 32%. This ambition is a key element of our Brighter Lives, Better World 2025 program, which we launched in September 2020.