A technical installation that takes completely independent samples of watering and drain water: not once a week but eight (!) times a day. And it doesn't stop at taking a water sample, the sample is also analysed in real-time for nutrients present. With the results, you can manage fertilization much faster. That is the added value that the Celine measurement system brings.

Analysing water samples by external laboratories has been commonplace within horticulture for years. Weekly or biweekly, a grower takes a water sample only to receive the result after a few days. On this result the fertilization recipe can be adjusted, but as a grower you are always behind the times. With the Celine measurement system at the nursery, the nutrient balance is measured much more frequently. These measurements are immediately available within a digital platform where all measurements and insights can be found.

At plant nursery Gitzels in Wervershoof, the Netherlands, the first Celine measurement system has been put into operation. It is a real-time and inline installation where all functionalities of the measuring system are installed. The system cleans and calibrates itself, making the measurements as reliable as in the laboratory. Mike Gitzels is responsible for Innovation and Development at Plant Nursery Gitzels. "We see great potential for real-time measurements. At our plant nursery, adequately controlling our fertilization is very important. With the Celine measurement system, we build up data that benefits the growing of our crops."

"The technology in the Celine measurement system has been used in laboratories for years, but now we are bringing this technology directly to the water installation." Speaking is Wilco Dijkstra, CTO of start-up CE-Line in Heerenveen. "The Celine measurement system uses the technology capillary electrophoresis, with this both macro- and micronutrients can be measured. Because all nutrients, also known as ions, are different, the Celine technology can determine which nutrients are present and in what quantities. Thus, we measure ion specifically. The frequency of these measurements can be chosen by the user."

New insights into fertilization. The Celine measurement system is a valuable innovation for real-time control and digitization of fertilization in horticulture. Royal Brinkman and CE-Line BV, a start-up from Heerenveen, have joined forces to introduce the system in horticulture. Remco Zuijderwijk, product specialist Digital Tools Royal Brinkman: "The results of the Celine measurement system will provide new insights into fertilization. We will then investigate how the grower deals with these data. Think of more frequent adjustment of the fertilizer recipe and the effects on the cultivation when guiding on the data of the Celine measuring system. Together with CE-Line we want to take a big step towards digitalization in the field of fertilization," said Remco Zuijderwijk.

The innovation project together with CE-Line is a great example of Let's improve together, the method by which Royal Brinkman works with growers, research centres, start-ups and suppliers to improve horticulture. The innovation department now consists of five innovation specialists whose goal is to develop innovative solutions for a better and more sustainable horticulture sector. Are you interested in this project? Then contact Royal Brinkman or visit the CE-Line booth at the HortiContact in Gorinchem on February 14, 15 and 16, 2023. Remco Zuijderwijk, product specialist Digital Tools of Royal Brinkman, Simon Meijer CEO and Wilco Dijkstra CTO of CE-Line BV would be happy to discuss what this could mean for your business.