Going with the flow: ebb-and-flood benches the latest development in hydroponic bulb cut flower production in the Netherlands

摘要

Hydroponic bulb cut flower production in the Netherlands is growing in popularity and innovation. Forcing bulbs -- predominantly tulips -- on water is nothing new. Initial attempts were carried out in the late 1970s in Denmark and Sweden. The methodsoon fell out of favour, however, because of a number of hurdles, including slimy bulb conditions resulting from the bulbs being kept too long in water during their cold treatment. The idea was resurrected in the Nether lands in 1988. It was at this time the Dutch government announced new environmental goals in its Multi-year Crop Protection Plan. This called for a reduction in crop protection agents by 45 per cent by 1995, and 60 per cent by 2000. It was felt closed irrigation systems would be the best solution in meeting and exceeding those goals. Using rooting media in a closed system wasn't effective because of disease problems, particularly pythium, and with disposal of the media after use. Attention was soon focused on water, with positive resul