13 March 2026 – Lentiz MBO Westland students explore sustainable horticulture through WUR & LGNL at the third ECONUTRI Hackathon in the Netherlands

The third ECONUTRI Hackathon, organized by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and LTO Glaskracht Nederland (LGNL), offered not only a valuable testing environment for the Virtual Lysimeter Decision Support System (DSS), but also an important educational opportunity for students from Lentiz MBO Westland in Naaldwijk.

A class of 16–17-year-old students, who are being trained to become greenhouse growers, visited the hackathon premises at the World Horti Center and took part in the activities as part of their learning experience. For many of them, the subject was especially close to home, as several students come from families actively involved in greenhouse production in the Netherlands. This made the visit particularly meaningful, connecting their studies with the daily reality of horticultural practice.

During the visit, WUR and LGNL introduced the students to sustainable irrigation management in soil-bound horticulture. The students were guided through the educational activities linked to the hackathon and were given the opportunity to learn about the Virtual Lysimeter Decision Support System, a digital tool that supports irrigation decisions and helps reduce nutrient losses and pollution.

The school visit was designed as a hands-on learning experience. Students explored how irrigation and greenhouse climate data can be used to better understand water movement in the soil. They were also introduced to key concepts that affect irrigation planning, including evapotranspiration, soil moisture, drainage and pF values. In this way, they could see how digital tools can support more precise and environmentally responsible growing practices.

By welcoming the students to the hackathon environment, WUR and LGNL created a strong link between education, research and horticultural practice. The visit showed how innovation can support the next generation of growers and highlighted the importance of giving vocational students direct exposure to practical tools, real-life challenges and innovation in the greenhouse sector.