Annex White book.pdf

A1.5.2.3. Mechanized forced cultivationMechanization of a part of the stages in a cultivation, such as planting,grubbing, disinfection and drying has already been described informer sections. However, there are other procedures that could bemechanized as well:A1.5.2.3.1 Tray fillingThis task could be well mechanized although manual labor wouldstill be necessary. A construction with a hopper over a transporting beltcould provide a solution.A1.5.2.3.2 Providing the underlayersA similar construction to the above could be used. The filled trayscould be transported on a belt underneath a dosing hopper.1.5.2.3.3 IrrigationA sprinkler system could be placed over the trays as part of thelighting system in the flowering zone.A1.5.2.3.4 Flower cuttingThe trays could be transported on a moving belt underneath a cuttingbar. This system would inevitably cause damages due to differentflower sizes.A1.5.2.3.5 Underlay and tray recyclingAfter procedure completion the trays as well as the underlay arecleaned for further use.A1.5.3A1.5.3.1Cultivation in macrotunnels and greenhouse tunnelsCovering materialForced cultivation could be carried out in macrotunnels or greenhousetunnels. Early flowering could be achieved by temperature,relative humidity and light control, through adapted arrangementsand covering materials.120