Case study
50% labor savings on biological control at Hartog Palmen
When palm nursery Hartog Palmen moved to a new location in 2022, owners Jeroen van Capel and Dirk van Rijn seized their opportunity. They modernized the entire 2.8-hectare nursery. With innovations such as a high-pressure misting system, energy-efficient DryGair dehumidifiers and plant temperature cameras. But these investments did not stop there. Jeroen explains, “We wanted to optimize our processes. When we saw that biological control could be more efficient, we started looking at the possibilities.”
The project in brief
What was the challenge?
Jeroen and Dirk faced two main challenges: first, biological crop protection. That was very labor intensive. This process had to be more efficient. As a specialist in large and heavy Kentia palms, it is crucial to optimize business processes without losing quality. The distribution of biological control agents in the crop could also be improved. “We want to go to completely organic in the future,” Jeroen says.
How did Hartog Palmen approach this?
When modernizing their new greenhouse location, Jeroen and Dirk became convinced of the UniMite, an automated system for biological control, after talking with specialist Michael Visser. “It was a calculation for us: how much does such a device cost and how much time do we save every week? It was a hefty investment, but we immediately saw the potential,” says Jeroen van Capel. Fellow growers also confirmed their choice. Installation was easy, with a few adjustments, such as the height of the pipes from which the device hangs. “We immediately noticed the benefits of the even distribution of biology,” Jeroen says.
What are the results?
Every day, Jeroen sees the value of the system in improved business processes and labor intensity. To him, the results are compelling:
- Efficient use of time: “The labor savings are enormous! I estimate as much as 50% compared to the old situation. Where we used to spend about six hours, we now treat 2.8 hectares automated in just three hours.”
- Better working conditions: “The system is incredibly user-friendly. You used to stand around scattering everything yourself which physically does demand something of you. Now you control everything remotely via a tablet. That's much more pleasant work for our people.”
- Optimal distribution: “The distribution of biology is just really good, no one within the company doubts that. It works perfectly”.
Results
50%
Labor savings compared to the old situation
Better
Working conditions
Optimal
distribution of biological control agents
Do you have a question?
Do not hesitate to ask your questions to our specialist Michael Visser using the form. We will respond to your question as soon as possible.
Let's Improve Together
We are a global specialist in horticulture, with over 135 years of experience. 'Let’s improve together' reflects our approach. We believe that we can enhance horticulture 'only together' with growers, suppliers, and other partners. Our international network forms the foundation of our work. In our various areas of expertise within protected horticulture, we act as a knowledge partner. With more than 135 years in the horticultural sector, we understand the industry like no one else. Armed with this knowledge and a dedicated team of specialists, we assist growers worldwide in their continuous improvement.
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Case study
50% labor savings on biological control at Hartog Palmen
When palm nursery Hartog Palmen moved to a new location in 2022, owners Jeroen van Capel and Dirk van Rijn seized their opportunity. They modernized the entire 2.8-hectare nursery. With innovations such as a high-pressure misting system, energy-efficient DryGair dehumidifiers and plant temperature cameras. But these investments did not stop there. Jeroen explains, “We wanted to optimize our processes. When we saw that biological control could be more efficient, we started looking at the possibilities.”
The project in brief
What was the challenge?
Jeroen and Dirk faced two main challenges: first, biological crop protection. That was very labor intensive. This process had to be more efficient. As a specialist in large and heavy Kentia palms, it is crucial to optimize business processes without losing quality. The distribution of biological control agents in the crop could also be improved. “We want to go to completely organic in the future,” Jeroen says.
How did Hartog Palmen approach this?
When modernizing their new greenhouse location, Jeroen and Dirk became convinced of the UniMite, an automated system for biological control, after talking with specialist Michael Visser. “It was a calculation for us: how much does such a device cost and how much time do we save every week? It was a hefty investment, but we immediately saw the potential,” says Jeroen van Capel. Fellow growers also confirmed their choice. Installation was easy, with a few adjustments, such as the height of the pipes from which the device hangs. “We immediately noticed the benefits of the even distribution of biology,” Jeroen says.
What are the results?
Every day, Jeroen sees the value of the system in improved business processes and labor intensity. To him, the results are compelling:
- Efficient use of time: “The labor savings are enormous! I estimate as much as 50% compared to the old situation. Where we used to spend about six hours, we now treat 2.8 hectares automated in just three hours.”
- Better working conditions: “The system is incredibly user-friendly. You used to stand around scattering everything yourself which physically does demand something of you. Now you control everything remotely via a tablet. That's much more pleasant work for our people.”
- Optimal distribution: “The distribution of biology is just really good, no one within the company doubts that. It works perfectly”.
Results
50%
Labor savings compared to the old situation
Better
Working conditions
Optimal
distribution of biological control agents
Do you have a question?
Do not hesitate to ask your questions to our specialist Michael Visser using the form. We will respond to your question as soon as possible.
Let's Improve Together
We are a global specialist in horticulture, with over 135 years of experience. 'Let’s improve together' reflects our approach. We believe that we can enhance horticulture 'only together' with growers, suppliers, and other partners. Our international network forms the foundation of our work. In our various areas of expertise within protected horticulture, we act as a knowledge partner. With more than 135 years in the horticultural sector, we understand the industry like no one else. Armed with this knowledge and a dedicated team of specialists, we assist growers worldwide in their continuous improvement.
Tags: