For years, Dutch greenhouse growers have been extremely economical with water and nutrients. They also make sure as much of the water as possible stays in the greenhouse. In practice, this means growers water their plants in a highly targeted way, using drippers. But it also means they recycle 100 percent of the excess water, purifying it and replenishing it with the necessary nutrients and fertilisers for reuse on the plants. So, in principle, no water with nutrients is discharged outside the greenhouse.
To make sure the water does not accidentally leak through a broken hose, clogged dripper or any other leaks in and around the greenhouse, the trade association Glastuinbouw Nederland [Greenhouse Horticulture Netherlands] is piloting the use of water coaches. These water coaches help growers to work in a more water-wise way, with the aim of ensuring that the water throughout the area is clean, healthy and thus good quality. Leon Noordam of Red Harvest is one of the Growers United growers participating in this project. He fills us in on how the pilot programme is going for him so far.
How did you get involved?
“Growers United was approached this summer by Glastuinbouw Nederland. We were asked to take part in the pilot in order to improve the quality of the surface water here in our polder. We’d been doing quite well with water so far, but there’s always room for improvement, of course.”
How often is there contact with the water coach? What does he help you with?
“The first contact was by phone. Water coach Arthur van Marrewijk then asked me to complete a questionnaire. This water scan provides more insight into our water usage. Last week the water coach came for an in-person visit, to discuss the water scan and do a tour of the business. We are now awaiting his advice and the step-by-step plan.”
What are you hoping to achieve?
“Thanks to the pilot programme and the water coach’s visit, we are even more aware that the quality of water is essential to good business operations. Our aim is to achieve a good closed system, have clear information about water channels and do whatever is needed to improve. We will continue to monitor and measure this in the future, as well.”
When will you consider the pilot a success?
“This project will be a success for us when we are all working together to keep the water quality in the area in good condition. Because in addition to us, several other growers from the polder are also taking part. Everyone needs to do their bit in taking social responsibility.”
Have you already had any success? And what new insights have you gained?
“The most important thing is the awareness and responsibility that we all have towards nature and the environment. This pilot has certainly given us that awareness. There is a Europe-wide agreement that by 2027 there should be no nutrients or emissions from crop protection products present in surface water anywhere in Europe. We can only achieve these EU Water Framework Directive objectives by pursuing them collectively with all the businesses in this polder. And what will we be working on ourselves in the short term? In order to prevent leaks as much as possible, we have decided to renovate our cultivation gutters, for example. We will also continue to carry out our annual maintenance work so that we can keep control of our processes.”