How To Grow 69 Millions Of Cucumbers In Greenhouse And Harvest - Modern Agriculture Technology

Summary

In this video, we take a tour of advanced cucumber farming in the Netherlands, showcasing cutting-edge techniques like vertical farming and soilless cultivation. The video walks through the entire process, from seedling growth and transplanting into large greenhouses to the use of automated systems for harvesting and sorting. With innovations like biological fiber mats, LED lights, and robotic arms, the Netherlands produces millions of cucumbers annually. The video also highlights the global cucumber industry, with China as the largest producer. Watch to learn about the future of farming in a sustainable, high-tech environment!

Takeaways

• 😀 The Netherlands is a leading producer of cucumbers, with 1.2 million tons produced in 2021.
• 😀 Greenhouse farming in the Netherlands uses modern techniques like vertical farming and soilless cultivation.
• 😀 High-tech machines and equipment assist in every stage of cucumber farming, from harvesting to packaging.
• 😀 Cucumber seedlings are grown without soil, with the greenhouses often preparing their own seedlings.
• 😀 After two weeks, seedlings are transplanted to a larger planting area, which may require a bicycle to navigate.
• 😀 Greenhouses in the Netherlands can grow up to three cucumber crops a year, with around half a million plants.
• 😀 Cucumber plants grow on biological fiber mats, and water containing nutrients is pumped directly to their roots.
• 😀 Ropes are used to train cucumber plants to grow upwards, and a tightening process is applied to support plant growth.
• 😀 LED lights are used in greenhouses to optimize growth, particularly during the night, helping achieve up to 4 harvests annually.
• 😀 Harvesting is mostly done by hand, with robotic arms used for sorting, but human quality control is still required.
• 😀 After each season, greenhouses are cleaned, and new plants are quickly planted for the next cycle of production.

Q & A

What modern farming methods are used in the Netherlands for cucumber production?

The Netherlands uses modern methods such as vertical farming and soilless cultivation, which help in producing high quantities of cucumbers efficiently.

How many cucumbers were produced in the Netherlands in 2021?

In 2021, the Netherlands produced 1.2 million tons of cucumbers.

What is the role of LED lights in cucumber farming?

LED lights are used to help the plants grow better at night, supporting their development and ensuring healthy crops.

How do cucumber plants grow in the greenhouse?

Cucumber plants grow upwards along a rope that is secured to a crop wire at the top of the greenhouse, with the plants being tightened as they grow to ensure proper vertical growth.

How many crops of cucumbers can be grown in a year in the Netherlands?

Up to three cucumber crops can be grown in a year in the Netherlands, with each crop involving around half a million plants.

What is the significance of biological fiber mats in cucumber farming?

Biological fiber mats, such as coconut fiber mats, are used as a growing medium for cucumbers, allowing efficient water and nutrient delivery to the plant roots.

How is the cucumber harvesting process carried out?

Cucumber harvesting is mostly done by hand, using a knife to cut the stem when cucumbers reach the ideal size and color, typically around 35 to 40 cm long.

What technology is used for sorting cucumbers after harvesting?

Robotic arms are used for sorting cucumbers, while human intervention is still needed for quality control.

What happens to the greenhouse after the cucumber season ends?

At the end of the season, all the plants from the previous season are removed, and the greenhouse roof is cleaned to ensure optimal sunlight for the new plants.

Which country is the largest producer of cucumbers globally?

China is the largest producer of cucumbers, accounting for 79% of the global production in 2020.