{"id":19610,"date":"2025-02-14T13:01:20","date_gmt":"2025-02-14T11:01:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/econutri-project.eu\/10-13-february-2025-stakeholder-conference-on-optimizing-fertigation-management-of-soil-grown-crops-in-greenhouse-vegetable-production\/"},"modified":"2025-10-02T12:27:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T09:27:14","slug":"10-13-february-2025-stakeholder-conference-on-optimizing-fertigation-management-of-soil-grown-crops-in-greenhouse-vegetable-production","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/econutri-project.eu\/de\/10-13-february-2025-stakeholder-conference-on-optimizing-fertigation-management-of-soil-grown-crops-in-greenhouse-vegetable-production\/","title":{"rendered":"10-13 February 2025 – Stakeholder Conference on Optimizing Fertigation Management of soil-grown crops in Greenhouse Vegetable Production, Almeria, Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"

From February 10 to 13, 2025, leading experts, researchers, and stakeholders gathered in Almer\u00eda, Spain, for the Stakeholder Conference on Optimizing Fertigation Management of Soil-Grown Crops in Greenhouse Vegetable Production. The event was organized by the University of Almer\u00eda (UAL) in collaboration with COEXPHAL, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), and China Agricultural University (CAU).<\/p>\n

This high-impact conference brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders from China and Europe, including scientists, policymakers, agricultural professionals, and industry leaders, with the shared objective of advancing fertigation techniques in soil-grown greenhouse crops. A special addition in the participant\u2019s list was a TV crew from \u201cAgriculture Show,\u201d LiGe New Media (Shandong, China), covering the event for Chinese media.<\/p>\n

The four-day conference featured expert presentations, field visits to cutting-edge research farms and commercial greenhouses, and in-depth discussions on best practices and technological innovations in fertigation management. Details of the conference are provided below.<\/p>\n

Day 1: Research Farm & Greenhouse Visits (February 10, 2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The conference began with on-site visits to leading greenhouse research facilities at the UAL (University of Almer\u00eda). Participants experiences:
\n– Research greenhouses \u2013 5 ha of greenhouses used for practical studies in greenhouse vegetable production
\n– A large centralized fertigation facility serving numerous greenhouses.
\n– Smaller, precision fertigation systems designed for tailored nutrient management.
\n– Digitalized Information System tracking climate conditions, soil moisture, irrigation and nutrient applications in individual greenhouses. The system also provides real-time alerts when values exceed critical thresholds.
\n– VegSyst-DSS evaluation-nutrient monitoring techniques for optimizing tomato cultivation.
\n– Observed various sensors used for monitoring soil moisture and crop nutrient status.
\n– A visit to a highly automated greenhouse (at Research Station of the provincial government), showcasing the latest innovations in greenhouse management.<\/p>\n

Day 2: Joint Stakeholder Conference & Expert Presentations (February 11, 2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The central event of the conference, the Joint Stakeholder Conference, focused on strategies to optimize fertigation in soil-grown crops. It featured key presentations by leading experts from academia, industry, and policymaking.<\/p>\n

Speakers & Insights<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Rod Thompson (UAL) & Chen Qing (CAU) \u2013 Opening Remarks<\/strong>
\nOutlined the aims of the workshop and the importance of scientific collaboration between Europe and China.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Jan van der Blom (COEXPHAL), Juan Jos\u00e9 Mag\u00e1n (Cajamar), and Rod Thompson (UAL) \u2013 Introduction to Almer\u00eda\u2019s Greenhouse Industry<\/strong>
\nProvided insights into Almer\u00eda\u2019s agricultural model, cooperative structures, and greenhouse fertigation innovations.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Esteban Baeza (COEXPHAL, ex-WUR) \u2013 Comparing Almer\u00eda and Dutch Greenhouse Systems<\/strong>
\nHighlighted key differences and best practices in fertigation strategies from two global leaders in greenhouse production.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Yan Cao (First Secretary, Chinese Embassy, Madrid) \u2013 Building China-Spain Scientific Cooperation<\/strong>
\nEmphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in sustainable agricultural practices.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Rod Thompson (UAL) \u2013 Fertigation in Almer\u00eda Greenhouses: Background, History & Issues<\/strong>
\nProvided an overview of the development of fertigation techniques and key challenges.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Juan Jos\u00e9 Mag\u00e1n (Cajamar) \u2013 Fertigation Systems and Management in Almer\u00eda Greenhouses<\/strong>
\nExplored historical evolution, technological advancements, and efficiency improvements in fertigation techniques.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Wim Voogt (WUR) \u2013 Fertigation Systems and Management in Dutch Greenhouses<\/strong>
\nProvided insights into best fertigation practices in Dutch greenhouses.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 M.D. Fernandez (Cajamar) \u2013 Irrigation Management in Almer\u00eda Greenhouses<\/strong>
\nDiscussed efficient water use strategies in Almer\u00eda\u2019s greenhouse industry.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Wim Voogt (WUR) \u2013 Irrigation Management in Dutch Greenhouses<\/strong>
\nShared insights into Dutch irrigation techniques and their impact on yield and sustainability.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Jinlong Dong (Institute of Soil Science, CAS, China) \u2013 Co-existence of Intensification and Diversification in China’s Protected Horticulture Systems<\/strong>
\nExamined the dual approach of modernizing China\u2019s greenhouse industry while maintaining diversity.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Yufeng Liu (Shenyang Agricultural University, China) \u2013 Exploration & Practice of Soil Health Management Strategies for Greenhouse Vegetables in China<\/strong>
\nFocused on soil health improvement strategies in intensive greenhouse systems.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Rod Thompson (UAL) & Marisa Gallardo (UAL) \u2013 Methods to Optimize Fertigation Management in Almer\u00eda Greenhouses<\/strong>
\nShowcased precision fertigation techniques tailored for Almer\u00eda\u2019s climate and crops.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Wim Voogt (WUR) \u2013 Methods to Optimize Fertigation Management in Dutch Greenhouses<\/strong>
\nDiscussed advanced fertigation strategies in Dutch greenhouses.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Bin Liang (Qingdao Agricultural University, China) & Baogang Xu (Weifang Huijinhai Company) \u2013 Intelligent Precision Management of Water and Fertilizer for Protected Vegetables<\/strong>
\nIntroduced cutting-edge technologies for precision fertigation<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Rod Thompson (UAL) & Chen Qing (CAU) \u2013 Discussion on Improving Fertigation and Irrigation Management<\/strong>
\nOpen discussion on integrating innovative practices for enhanced efficiency.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa4 Chen Qing (CAU) \u2013 Conclusions & Next Steps<\/strong>
\nSummarized key takeaways and set future collaboration goals.<\/p>\n

The event included a networking lunch and coffee breaks, allowing participants to discuss potential collaborations and knowledge exchange.<\/p>\n

Day 3: Research & Industry Visits (February 12, 2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Participants visited:<\/p>\n

– The Research Station of the Cajamar Website (Spanish)<\/a> & ICT Agri-Food Node<\/a>
\n– COEXPHAL Innovation Centre & LABCOLOR Laboratories COEXPHAL Website (Spanish)<\/a> & COEXPHAL Overview<\/a>
\n– Clisol Commercial Greenhouses Clisol Website<\/a><\/p>\n

These visits provided valuable insights into cutting-edge fertigation, irrigation, climate control, and greenhouse design technologies, along with cooperative farming models that are shaping the future of greenhouse vegetable production.<\/p>\n

Day 4: Organic & Commercial Greenhouse Visits (February 13, 2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The final day featured hands-on demonstrations of two highly regarded greenhouse operations in Almer\u00eda:<\/p>\n

– Commercial Greenhouse of Jos\u00e9 Petrulis (in collaboration with the INTECNATUR consulting company)
\n– Organic Greenhouse of Esther Molina (leading organic farmer in Almeria)<\/p>\n

These visits provided valuable insights into advanced soil management, organic fertigation, and biological pest control, highlighting the importance of precision monitoring in modern greenhouse farming.<\/p>\n

Conclusion: A step forward in Sustainable Fertigation<\/strong><\/p>\n

The joint stakeholder conference brought together experts from Europe and China, fostering innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions for sustainable greenhouse farming.<\/p>\n

Over four days, participants engaged in expert discussions, hands-on field visits, and knowledge exchange, exploring cutting-edge fertigation strategies, precision monitoring, and digital tools to optimize nutrient and water use efficiency.<\/p>\n

The conference reinforced the importance of integrating science, technology, and real-world farming needs, paving the way for future collaborations and advancements in sustainable greenhouse production.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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