A 3,000 m² production pool that produces as many leeks annually as 1.5 to 2 hectares in the open field? What still seemed recently to be science fiction has become reality. It was on the Boudry family farm, in Ypres, that this spring was launched the first big outdoor culture of hydroponic leeks. Inagro, reo, hydromasters and indurra, supported by Vlaio and co -financed by the European Union, thus take a step towards a more effective culture of leek, while taking into account the climatic and environmental challenges with which the sector is confronted.
The hydro leek does not grow in the soil, but on supports floating in a production pool where food water circulates permanently. “In this culture system, we control water and nutrition until the smallest detail, optimizing growth conditions and thus obtaining uniform and healthy leeks in a shorter growth period,” explains Tim de Cuypere, researcher at Inagro. “This allows us to effectively achieve several culture cycles per year. In addition, the high density of plants guarantees optimal production. »»
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In addition, the closed water system prevents the leaching of fertilizers and reduces the use of phytosanitary products. Indeed, weeds have no chance and the diseases transmitted by the soil are excluded.
From trial to production in the field
The first trials were implemented in 2015, after ten years of intensive research. After successful tests in smaller basins, the concept of culture was installed this spring for the first time as an experimental system on a larger scale on the Boudry farm. “In the open ground, we cultivate about 24 hectares of leeks each year. Thanks to the collaboration with Inagro, we learned to produce hydraulic leeks in a small pool in 2022. The advantages were quick to come forward, ”explains Bart Boudry. “The growth is fast, the product is very firm and the workforce is more limited. For us, the prospects are certainly interesting. »»
The large -scale basin has been designed for the sake of energy efficiency, sustainability and deployment of high -tech solutions. The first plants entered the water at the beginning of July. During future seasons, the system will serve as a reference for optimization, demonstration and knowledge sharing.
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Sustainable, profitable and ready for export
The culture support was developed by hydromasters, at the request of Reo and in collaboration with Inagro and Indurra. In 2022-2023, Indurra, with the support of Vlaio, also built the first prototype of a harvest robot, which will be operational during the year in the hangar located next to the basin. This robot will harvest and automatically treat leeks, which will make the scope to the field.
“The tests have shown that culture is profitable, even if we take into account investment costs,” explains Rik Decadt, head of sustainable development projects at Reo. “The positive results of organoleptic and storage tests give us confidence in the quality of the final product. Leeks are also completely free from earth particles, which offers additional export possibilities to markets such as Canada and Japan. »»
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It is important to note that this new culture system does not replace the conventional culture of leek, but complete it. “Production in the open field and on supports can perfectly coexist,” concludes Filip Vanaken, Managing Director of Reo. “Reo is fully engaged in both systems and supports producers in their choices. »»
The future of (hydro) leeks in Flanders
Today, some 3,650 hectares of leeks are cultivated in Flanders, 85 % of which are in West Flanders. On this area of West Flanders, 2,200 hectares are intended for the fresh market and 900 hectares in industry (source: REO). The sector creates hundreds of jobs and constitutes an economic pillar for the province.
Bart Naeyaert, deputy of West Flanders for agriculture and horticulture, sees in the hydroponic leek a strategic accelerator: “For decades, producers of West Flanders have been putting higher quality leek market. With Hydro-Poireau, we show that know-how and innovation go hand in hand. This sector has always been very innovative, with the first crops, washing facilities, planting machines … which have all seen the light of day in West Flanders. Today, we are investing in a sustainable culture system, improving working conditions and now added value in our own region. It is no longer an experience, but an evolutionary innovation. »»
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Project partners and deputy Bart Naeyaert
Demonstration on August 26
Producers who plan to embark on the cultivation of the hydroponic leek will be able to discover the new culture system and the associated technologies on Tuesday August 26 at 1:30 p.m., at the Boudry. With Inagro, Reo and Hydromasters, they organize an afternoon of demonstration at the Ypres farm. Registration is compulsory.
Culture guide
In order to best support producers, Inagro has developed a complete cultural manual focused on practice. It brings together the results of four years of research – carried out as part of the Vlaio ‘Hydroleek’ project – and offers concrete tools to all those who wish to start cultivating leeks in the basin. From the choice of system and fertilization to planting density, including the protection of crops and the planning of harvesting, all aspects of culture are discussed. The guide will be distributed during the afternoon of demonstration of August 26 and can then be consulted on the Inagro website.
© Inagro
For more information:
Inagro vzw
[email protected]
www.inagro.be
