Belgian growers explore advanced screen technologies
Source: HD.com
As we provide the news for free, we are relying on revenues from our banners. © Phormium During a presentation and guided tour through the company's various departments, including extrusion, weaving, knitting, finishing and R&D, tomato growers learned how Phormium's screen cloths are developed and manufactured, and which specific properties contribute to strong crop performance.
Phormium's screen cloths are designed to minimise light loss, allowing crops to make maximum use of available sunlight. In tomato cultivation in particular, this is considered the most important factor for achieving high yields and healthy plant growth.
The study day also addressed how screen cloths contribute to thermal insulation and energy savings, a factor of growing importance given current energy market pressures. By retaining heat in the greenhouse for longer, growers can reduce energy consumption without compromising light quality or crop vigour.
Why this matters: For operators, the real question is whether the sensing, control, or data layer creates faster and better decisions. The facilities that win are the ones that turn visibility into tighter control and tighter control into better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does LED fixture selection matter in controlled environment agriculture?
Lighting decisions affect both crop performance and energy intensity. Fixture efficiency, spectral control, and placement all influence how much value a facility gets from every kilowatt-hour.
What should growers evaluate before adopting new LED systems?
Growers should look at fixture efficiency, controllability, crop-specific use case, integration with existing controls, and the operational payback period instead of treating lighting as a standalone hardware purchase.
