In Raalte, machines are produced to create innovative plugs like Growcoon and Nygaia. This expertise is valuable as Maan Group intensifies its focus on horticultural automation, leading to the establishment of Maan Horti Automation this year. Edwin Kruiper, the director of this horticulture-focused company, provides an update on the latest developments ahead of GreenTech Amsterdam. Two new machines have been developed to further automate the use of Growcoon, and advancements in the plugs themselves are also ongoing.
Neatly laced plugs
Maan Horti Automation plans to showcase the latest Growcoon Dispenser at the trade show. The machine will be demonstrated live for the first time at a shared booth with their partner and substrate supplier, Klasmann-Deilmann.
The new Growcoon Dispenser Advanced Series consists of two machines designed to place plugs in trays with greater capacity and efficiency than ever before. Edwin explains, "The capacity we now offer is truly groundbreaking. We've increased our speed, surpassing what's currently available on the market. This improvement is essential, as growers require high capacities to further automate and optimize their operations."
The latest fully automatic variant can process over 55,000 Growcoons per hour, depending on the tray type, configuration, and specific conditions at the grower's site. A Dutch grower and a North American grower have already tested the new machine.
During our visit in May, the machine's hoods were not yet installed, allowing us a glimpse of its interior workings. The setup vaguely resembles a fairground ride, but instead of people spinning around, Growcoons are swiftly and neatly placed into tray holes. The machine features mechanically controlled grippers that securely hold each Growcoon before placing them precisely into the tray compartments. This process happens at an impressive rate of tens of thousands per hour.
Growcoons are available in various sizes. The correct height-width ratio ensures that a plug always lands upright. By using grippers in the Growcoon Dispenser Advanced Series to place the plug in the tray, this now happens even more accurately, even with less common sizes of Growcoons.
Modular machines
Automation has already been implemented for the Growcoon. Soon, the full range will include four machines, each facilitating further automation. There is a Basic line and an Advanced line. The Basic line dispenser uses a chute, while the Advanced line includes both a partially manual and a fully automatic variant. The fully automatic Advanced Growcoon Dispenser utilizes a pick-and-place principle and has been undergoing on-site testing since January to integrate seamlessly into existing automation processes.
In Raalte, the decision was made to develop modular machines, allowing growers to progressively automate their operations. For instance, they can transition from a manual dispenser to a more advanced automated version. Edwin explains that by using similar sets of grippers, growers can scale up without needing additional investment in new grippers.
Biodegradable plug
The Growcoon is a versatile plug featuring an open net structure that promotes optimal root growth and fits well in trays. It is entirely PFAS-free and is designed to break down after its functional period, decomposing into carbon and water (C and H₂O). This decomposition process is TÜV-certified.
How quickly the Growcoon breaks down depends on its composition. Currently, there are two recipes available, with two more set to be introduced this summer, according to Martine Huisman, Marketing Communication Specialist. "These additions offer options for a Growcoon that decomposes faster or, if desired, more slowly. There's also a recipe in development for an even slower breakdown. This range of breakdown speeds ensures that growers can choose a Growcoon that decomposes according to their specific needs."
With these developments, Maan is gearing up for future demands, Martine emphasizes. "Sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial, and labor presents growing challenges." For both the Growcoon and Nygaia—the plug and automation concept introduced at GreenTech last year—growers often choose the plug available from Klasmann-Deilmann, Edwin adds. "Afterward, they typically explore ways to optimize and automate the use of that plug."
Maan Horti Automation sees significant opportunities for further automation in horticulture. Edwin envisions a future where trays filled with Growcoons emerge from machines completely loaded without an operator's intervention. Currently, an operator is still necessary, but with the new machines, Maan Horti Automation is prepared to meet the growing demand from an increasing number of growers. They aim for the highest standards: maximum capacity, high performance, optimal control, and greater ease of use. Edwin states, "We've made a significant leap forward in speed and efficiency."
For more information:
Maan Horti Automation
[email protected]
www.growcoon.com