Sollum Technologies, Delphy Improvement Centre Partner on Greenhouse Lighting and Irrigation Connection
January 12, 2024 
Sollum Technologies, a company focused on dynamic lighting solutions, is joining an LED pepper trial at Delphy Improvement Centre, a leading research and training facility located in The Netherlands, whose mission is to advance greenhouse horticulture techniques.
Delphy Improvement Centre, a part of the extensive Delphy Group BV, has been at the forefront of greenhouse horticulture research, constantly seeking solutions to enhance crop productivity through various cultivation techniques.
The goal of the project ― to uncover solutions optimizing crop productivity ― aligns seamlessly with Sollum’s dedication to lighting adaptability and sustainability. With more than 10 years’ experience in LED lighting trials, Delphy recognizes the potential of dynamic lighting strategies such as Sollum’s fully dynamic solution. Its capabilities in zoning, spectral adjustments, and automatic dimming enable custom modifications tailored to individual research requirements.
The inaugural joint project will address the enhancement of irrigation strategies in conjunction with LED lighting in pepper cultivation. As traditional greenhouse irrigation strategies were primarily established on radiometric units stemming from sunlight and HPS lamps, the advent of dynamic LED lighting, characterized by micromoles and minimal radiant heat, has posed challenges for growers.
“Working with Sollum Technologies to explore the potential of lighted pepper cultivation is an interesting step. As we delve deeper into the realm of greenhouse LED lighting research, and especially the potential of growing pepper with LED lighting, the collaboration with Sollum provides new opportunities to develop our knowledge,” says Manager Lisanne Helmus-Schuddebeurs at Delphy Improvement Centre. “Their dynamic lighting solution offers an adaptability that can improve the efficiency of lighted pepper cultivation. This collaboration will focus on understanding the interplay between dynamic lighting and irrigation strategies, aiming to provide clear and actionable insights for growers. As we’ve always strived to optimize crop productivity, this project promises to shed light on pivotal aspects of modern-day horticulture.”
“Among the first questions we get from growers transitioning to dynamic LED lighting is how they should manage irrigation, especially as they play with the spectrum, dimming, etc. We’re excited to work with Delphy Improvement Centre on clarifying this point for greenhouse growers in the coming months, says Chief Horticultural Specialist Sam Soltaninejad at Sollum.
As Delphy continues to build on its impressive five years of greenhouse LED lighting research in pepper, the research will also probe the effects of far-red light on pepper crop productivity and morphology. Highlighting the convergence of advanced technology and leading-edge agricultural research, this collaboration aims to offer unmatched insights into the symbiotic relationship between light and irrigation in pepper cultivation.
Emphasizing its continuous commitment to the greenhouse industry, Sollum Technologies recently launched the S.E.A.R.C.H. program in the U.S. This initiative underscores Sollum’s unwavering commitment to research, reinforcing its pledge to propel the agricultural sector with sustainable and revolutionary solution.
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