In Honselersdijk, the Netherlands, Van der Voort Potplanten is pioneering sustainable horticultural practices at its site where three greenhouses have been integrated into one. The company specializes in cultivating Spathiphyllum plants, offering them in various pot sizes from 6.5 to 23 cm. Cultivation specialist Anne van der Heijden highlights the company’s commitment to a mindful approach to inputs such as nitrogen, crop protection agents, and energy.
Sustainable Initiatives
Van der Voort Potplanten is actively engaged in multiple initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability. “We are exploring geothermal heat, implementing Next Generation Growing techniques, and focusing on energy conservation and reduced use of crop protection agents,” explains Van der Heijden. “Our ultimate goal is to transition to entirely organic cultivation, and we are making significant progress toward this objective.”
Reducing Nitrogen Usage
The company is particularly focused on reducing nitrogen usage. “Given the current developments, we have been critically assessing our nitrogen inputs,” says Van der Heijden. “We are gradually cutting back on nitrogen, leveraging the expertise of our fertilization specialist who has experience with other companies. Additionally, lower nitrogen levels in plants can help mitigate issues with thrips, which are attracted to higher nitrogen concentrations.”
Van der Heijden also advocates for recognizing these efforts in certification processes. “We are eager to switch to organic nitrogen derived from cow manure, which is a circular approach to nitrogen use. It would be beneficial to reward such practices with points toward MPS-ABC certification.”
Peat-free Cultivation
Like many in the industry, Van der Voort Potplanten is transitioning to peat-free cultivation. “We are in the final stages of trials,” notes Van der Heijden. “If our results are positive and tasks such as planting proceed smoothly, we could be entirely peat-free by the end of the year. We are taking a step-by-step approach, continually evaluating how much we can reduce our peat usage.”
Investment in Research
Continuous improvement is a core principle for Van der Heijden. “Our sector is making significant strides toward sustainability, but there is still much work to be done. We need to keep investing in research to discover how we can become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. It’s encouraging that our industry is leading in this area, but we must continue to innovate. This is what our company, MPS, and the entire sector are striving for.”
Van der Voort Potplanten’s efforts exemplify the industry’s push for sustainable practices, demonstrating that progress can be achieved through careful planning, innovative techniques, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
