intensive berry production using greenhouses, substrates ... · intensive berry production using...
TRANSCRIPT
Intensive berry production using greenhouses, substrates and
hydroponics. Is this the way forward?
Nicky Mann 2014 Australian Nuffield Farming Scholar
3 Kids (cheap labour)– Zinzan, Tayne and Oregan 6000m² multi-span greenhouses:- hydroponic roses, raspberries and blueberries 2 retail shops plus tourism
Objectives • Overview the berry industry in Australia and abroad • Look at :-
• Protected Cropping Structures • Containers and Substrates • Hydroponic systems
• Compare the pros and cons of protected cropping vs traditional growing methods
• Analyse the different berry crops • Formulate a recommendation to growers in the Australian industry
considering intensive berry production in greenhouses with substrates and hydroponics
Global perspective of the berry industry
Source: USA Fresh Fruit Categories (Source: IRI/Freshlook Marketing, 52 Weeks 14/6/2015)
Trends in consumption and production in Australia and abroad
(Source: J. Eccles, CEO, RABA at PCA 2015 Conference) (Source: 2008 World Blueberry Acreage and Production Report by Cort Brazelton, February 2011)
Protected Cropping Structures for Intensive Berry Production
New Zealand Spain Victoria, Australia
Netherlands Philippines Mexico
Hydroponic Systems for Intensive Berry Production
Keelings Ireland California, USA
Cressy, Tasmania Massey Uni, New Zealand Port Macquarie
Woongarrah
Pros of protected cropping, hydroponics and substrates of berry crops vs. traditional methods
New Zealand
New Zealand
Netherlands
Cons of protected cropping, hydroponics and substrates of berry crops
Scorching in New Zealand
Raspberry harvester
Dust on leaves
Comparative Results with “Aurora” (Northern Highbush Blueberry Variety)
Year Conventional Yield (kg/ha)
Substrate Yield (kg/ha)
1 1650 7500
2 3300 15000
3 4950 22500
4 6600 30000
5 8250 37500
From Presentation by Peter van Dijk, Blueberry Consultant – The Netherlands March 2015
Greenhouse production of Strawberries
• High – tech glasshouse • Hanging gutters/suspended single table tops • Troughs filled and mounded with coco-peat
• Bumble bee* and honey bees for pollination • Costs = A$450 per m² • 15 year return on investment
• 15kg per m²
*Bumble bees not available in mainland Australia
Greenhouse production of blueberries
• Retractable roof and side vents for climate control and pollinators
• 40 ltr polyweave bags
• Coco-peat, Irish peat moss, perlite and
Mycorrhizae • A$100 per m²
• Yields:-
• 1kg per plant 1st year • 3kg per plant 2nd year, • 5kg per plant 3rd year • 10kg per plant thereafter
• Bending, pinching and pruning system
Our farm, NSW
Greenhouse production of rubusˠ
• Coco-peat blend with Trichoderma
• 10 ltr pots with good aeration at base • Costs - A$100 per m² • Double cropping of primo-canes in 1st year
• Yields of 2kg per plant • 20 tonnes first class fruit • 3 stem system in linear trellising
ˠ Rubus = Raspberries and Blackberries
Belgium
Key Findings:- • Timing • Minimizing risk • Consistency of supply and quality – early, late and without interruption • Efficient and effective use of labour • Water and nutrient saving • Farming land is limited and this method means berries can be grown
anywhere due to the use of substrate and protective structures
Lufa Farms, Montreal, Canada Driscoll’s Watsonville, USA
Unexpected Findings:- • Methyl bromide still used in USA • Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) • Control of genetics by a few powerful breeders and marketing companies • Honey bees as pollinators • How well raspberries travel from South Africa to United Kingdom • Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Storage
Thank-you for your attention!
For more information contact:-
Nicky Mann
Mobile: (0404) 921 209
E-mail: [email protected]