94 kg/m2 of tomatoes at Village Farms Texas USA
Village Farms in Marfa, Texas, has reported a record-high tomato yield of 94 kg/m2 in their first year of production. This world record for a semi-closed greenhouse without supplementary lighting was made possible partly thanks to HortiMaX technology.
HortiMaX was asked to provide a complete electrical engineering and water management solution for the 5400m2-research greenhouse, called ‘GATES’, in 2006. Various HortiMaX products were installed, including a MultiMa climate computer, FertiMiX irrigation system, VitaLite UV sterilization unit, 2 ProDain systems, fogging equipment, and a range of additional sensor units, such as the SensorTom and Infrared plant temperature sensors.
Village Farms decided to have a MultiMa installed in their advanced semi-closed glasshouse because of its highly flexible design. The system allows quick adjustments to be made, so the optimum climate conditions can be maintained at all times.
During the company’s first year of operation, it became clear that the ProDrain system provides great insight into plant growth, and therefore tomato production. ProDrain collects data on irrigation, drain, plant transpiration, and other important parameters relating to the condition of the crop. This continuous monitoring system will help Village Farms to improve crop performance even more.
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