Grodan 6-phase model

Growers’ needs for structured cultivation information are continually increasing due to the improved insights into cultivation, development of new cultivation systems and the continuing increases in the scale of horticultural operations. The Grodan 6-phase model offers a blueprint for optimal crop results during both each cultivation phase and the entire cultivation period.

Greenhouse filled with swett pepper plants

Each phase is characterized by a specific development of the crop that imposes specific requirements in that phase. Consequently, the advice for each phase needs to be tailored to the specific stage and take account of the crop and rooting climate.

The Grodan 6-phase model not only assists growers in the selection of the appropriate substrate slab for a specific crop, but also helps then to determine the optimum watering strategy for the specific type of slab in each cultivation phase. The model can also assist in the determination of schedules for the plant load, temperature regimes, fertilization schedules, and CO2 and lighting levels. Users of the 6-phase model receive an e-mail with the relevant cultivation recommendations before the beginning of each cultivation phase.

Advice

14 Nov 2018

Best Practice Guidelines for Greenhouse Water Management

Did you know that growing a kilo of tomatoes in the open field requires a whopping 60 litres of water, whereas in hydroponic greenhouse cultivation it is only15 litres?

Advice

14 Nov 2018

Preparing for a new crop

It is important to give the best possible start to the new crop. The turn-round period offers opportunities to clean the glasshouse and carry out essential maintenance prior to its arrival. Commercial pressures sometimes mean that the glasshouse is only empty for 2-3 weeks. However a good clean up in this period will pay dividends for the cultivation to follow.

hand, holding, Grodan block, showing, bottom, roots, coming out, grodan

Advice

14 Nov 2018

Root zone irrigation management

‘Precision Growing’ literally translates into growing more, with fewer inputs. In this context GRODAN focuses on root zone management solutions, yet understands the need for a holistic approach towards the cultivation.

instruction video image, GIV, how to, advice, 6phase advice,

Learning

Cutting drainage holes in stages

A good start to a crop grown in substrate will ensure good plant and root development. In this context it’s worth paying extra attention to the cutting of the drainage holes, says Grodan’s technical specialist Gert-Jan Goes. “We advise growers to cut the holes in our slabs in two stages, to promote healthy root development in the slab, more uniform growth in the control phase and a substantial reduction in the amount of water that needs to be recycled or purified.”

RockWorld imagery,The Big Picture, circularity, reuse, stonewool, recycling

By Ellen Seelen

Sustainable Growing

If Grodan were a country

If Grodan were a country, it would be one of the most successful recycling countries in the world. In 2022 alone, Grodan achieved a recycling rate of 65%! By comparison, Germany, considered the most efficient recycling country in the world, has a recycling rate of 68%. Nevertheless, we are not satisfied yet and are working on better and more recycling solutions worldwide.

Growing solutions, growth, quality, innovative, development, Grotop Expert, grodan

e-Gro

Data and horticulture, the evolving industry standard

In summary, utilizing new high-tech devices and software, such as the new Grodan GroSens sensor and e-Gro, in cultivation facilities is vital for achieving precision, efficiency, productivity, compliance, risk mitigation, and maintaining a competitive advantage. These tools empower growers with accurate data and advanced analytics, leading to improved cultivation practices, higher yields, and better crop health.

Vera Theelen interview - Delphy ISFC strawberries

Sustainable Growing

With the right knowledge and guidelines, eventually it could be possible for all strawberry growers to use stone wool

Due to various challenges facing growers nowadays, it is becoming increasingly interesting to cultivate strawberries in high-tech greenhouses all year round. Stone wool is known to achieve demonstrable benefits as a growing medium for various other protected crops. However, little practical research has been conducted into its suitability for strawberries. That’s why Grodan decided to validate the performance of stone wool growing media in a real-life trial together with the Delphy Innovative Soft Fruit Centre (ISFC) in the Netherlands. We asked Vera Theelen, Researcher Soft Fruit at Delphy ISFC, to tell us more about the trial results so far and their implications for the strawberry market.

water properties, 7 strenghts, waterfall, rocks

Water Management

Sustainable Growing

World Water Day 2023

This year, the focus of the United Nations observance is how to accelerate the change needed to solve the water and sanitation crisis. The global campaign is called “Be the change”. The aim is to encourage society to take action and change the way we use, consume and manage water. As Grodan, being an active member in this society, our aim is to provide the best solutions and provide high-end services that can support growers to “Grow more, with less” and change towards a sustainable way of growing while respecting natural resources.

Grodan Newsletter

Do you want to learn more about Grodan? Feel free to sign up to our newsletter. Grodan ensures that growers can make optimum use of its products and services by interpretting the company’s knowledge of and experience with substrate cultivation in terms of up-to-date, crop-oriented advice. Ranging from tailor-made advice from crop consultants to newsletters, seminars and training courses and articles in trade journals.

How Grodan and Walker Environmental Solved a Waste Management Challenge

Whitepaper: The future of medicinal crop cultivation

Whitepaper: How Grodan and Fluence are mastering the art of growing medicinal crops

Whitepaper: Optimal irrigation strategy for large-scale production of medicinal crops

Sustainability

Grodan 6-phase model

Best Practice Guidelines for Greenhouse Water Management

Preparing for a new crop

Root zone irrigation management

Cutting drainage holes in stages

Latest blogs

If Grodan were a country

Data and horticulture, the evolving industry standard

With the right knowledge and guidelines, eventually it could be possible for all strawberry growers to use stone wool

World Water Day 2023

Grodan Newsletter

Grodan 6-phase model

Latest blogs

Grodan Newsletter

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