The vegetable production tour at Cultivate’14 visited CropKing Inc. in Lodi, Ohio, a family-owned and operated greenhouse manufacturer that specializes in controlled-environment vegetable production systems.
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CropKing research greenhouses
The greenhouses at CropKing have hydroponic Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) lettuce and herb production, as well as vine crops in Bato buckets.
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Seedlings
Seedlings are here for one to two weeks before being moved into the actual channels, where they stay for four to five weeks.
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Lettuce crop channels
The greenhouse system is designed for crops with a short turnaround, as well as crops off which foliage will be harvested. Typical plants are romaine, bibb and leaf lettuce.
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"Living lettuce"
The systems allows for the root system to be pulled out of the channel, trimmed and shipped with the product. The crops are still living when cut, allowing for customers to label with product with terms like “living lettuce.”
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Bouquet crops
Bouquet crops are produced from multi-seed pellets and include plants like Bok Choy and mustard. They can be packed in a clamshell container or bulk box and sent straight to farmer’s markets and restaurants.
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Micro-grains
Micro-grains are set up on a periodic feeding schedule. Crops like spicy greens, arugulas and mustards are started and then packaged as a small, tasty product and sold to high-end restaurants. A ten by 20-inch tray can sell for $5 to $10.
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Vertical airflow
The greenhouse has had a vertical fan up and running for about six months. Air is pulled from the center of the greenhouse and pushed down vertically. The system helps reduce instances of powdery mildew.
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Vine crops in Bato Buckets
CropKing recommends the use of the Bato Bucket or Dutch Bucket Bato bucketsystem. Each bucket is formed with a small reservoir, to ensure plants always have the appropriate amount of nutrient solution. They are made from high quality UV resistant plastic, and can be reused for years.
CropKing has a 25,000 square foot warehouse where they fabricate a majority of the components to build their greenhouses. The company provides customers with a total greenhouse package specifically designed for hydroponic vegetable crops that include heating, cooling and ventilation equipment , as well as dehumidification, optional floor heating, computerized environmental controller and automated nutrient injection system.
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In addition to providing greenhouses and hydroponic systems, CropKing offers technical service and support that includes grower teaching and training workshops, customized nutrient formulation and consultation on greenhouse installation and crop management.
Check out photos from Greenhouse Grower’s visit to CropKing’s research greenhouses.