Sollum and Delphy partner on greenhouse LED research

Lighting speciaist Sollum Technologies has announced that it is joining the LED pepper trial at Delphy Improvement Centre, a leading research and training facility located in the Netherlands.

According to Sollum, Delphy Improvement Centre, part of Delphy Group, is ”constantly seeking solutions to enhance crop productivity through various cultivation techniques”.

The goal of the project, to uncover solutions optimising crop productivity, aligns with Sollum’s dedication to lighting adaptability and sustainability, the group said.

”With more than ten years’ experience in LED lighting trials, Delphy recognises the potential of dynamic lighting strategies such as Sollum’s fully dynamic solution,” it stated. ”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, characterised 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,” said Lisanne Helmus-Schuddebeurs from the Delphy Improvement Centre.

“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.

”Their dynamic lighting solution offers an adaptability that can improve the efficiency of lighted pepper cultivation,” Helmus-Schuddebeurs noted. ”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 optimise crop productivity, this project promises to shed light on pivotal aspects of modern-day horticulture.”

Sollum’s chief horticultural specialist Sam Soltaninejad said that Sollum was keen to work with Delphy’s Improvement Centre.

“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,” said Soltaninejad. ”We’re excited to work with Delphy Improvement Centre on clarifying this point for greenhouse growers in the coming months.”

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.