4. Preparing food for the gerberas

As soon as the water enters the nursery from the basin, a crucial phase begins: the water is first filtered, and then the enrichment of the water with nutrients begins.

Rainwater does not yet contain fertilizers. Drainage water, which is excess water that the plant has not absorbed, does contain them. The drainage water must still be cleared of any fungi and bacteria. At Kwekerij de Zuidplas, a baseline measurement is first carried out to determine the exact composition of the water. This involves examining, among other things, the acidity (pH) and salt content (EC).

Based on these measurements, nutrients essential for plant growth, such as minerals, calcium, and iron, are added. This takes place in a mixing system where water and nutrients are intensively mixed to create a stable mixture.

What makes this approach special is the continuous optimization. Every two weeks, water samples from the plant are analyzed in a laboratory. Based on these results, the nutrient schedule is adjusted. As a result, the plant always receives exactly what it needs, tailored to the growth phase and conditions.

Sensors play a crucial role in this. By continuously measuring and monitoring, waste is prevented and quality is guaranteed. The result is an efficient and data-driven system in which water and nutrients are utilized optimally.