The current challenge for the nursery is to recoup the investment. “We chose a higher light level that’s dimmable, with the option to increase intensity when electricity is cheaper. However, our existing climate computer couldn’t handle this functionality, so we also had to invest in a new climate computer. Now, as we enter the new lighting season, we have all the tools in place to make this a success. But this season is when we truly need to learn how to operate them effectively.”

Van Geel has high expectations. “I expect our energy savings won’t stop at 40%; it could deliver even more. However, everything will depend on how we manage the lighting.” The company receives support from MyLedgnd, Ledgnd’s software portal, which provides users with practical and accessible insights into greenhouse data, offering a clear picture of various climate factors and their impact on crops. Using data gathered and analyzed by MyLedgnd, cultivation strategies can be optimized accordingly.

“We’re still in the early stages with MyLedgnd, but we hope that the insights from the portal will help us understand how to best utilize the tools in the greenhouse,” Van Geel explains. “First, we ensured the flexibility to make swift adjustments with the climate computer and LED lighting; then we acquired sensors to monitor, through MyLedgnd, how efficiently the plants use the light. Now, it’s a matter of coordinating everything for maximum benefit. I’m confident, but the learning process is just beginning. Ledgnd also advises us on interpreting the data, which is invaluable.”

Bram Berkhout is one of the Van Geel Group members focusing on data. He previously spent two and a half years as a cultivation advisor in arable farming, working on projects involving data and precision agriculture. “In arable farming, you can make plenty of grand plans during the winter, but once spring arrives and things get busy, those plans often get abandoned. That’s not the case in greenhouse horticulture—here, they take data seriously. That’s why I decided to make the transition a few months ago.” Since then, Berkhout has also been using MyLedgnd. “Every day, I check the graphs in the climate computer. If I notice any unusual activity, I look at MyLedgnd’s photosynthesis meter. You can see specific times during the day when efficiency drops significantly, which is obviously undesirable. Then, I investigate the cause. Is it temperature, humidity, or perhaps light? In orchid cultivation, it’s crucial to strike the right balance—not too much light, but enough. Once I identify the cause, I discuss solutions with the cultivation team.”

Berkhout received guidance from a Ledgnd team member on navigating MyLedgnd. “He explained how to read the graphs, what to watch for, and how the photosynthesis sensors function. We spent about an hour and a half together to go over everything.” Berkhout appreciates the system, which he finds user-friendly. “In essence, MyLedgnd primarily helps us understand the cultivation process. The system integrates sensor data with all relevant parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and light. I can then pinpoint areas for improvement and adjust the climate accordingly.”

Martijn van Geel hopes that these investments and efforts will eventually result in more efficient greenhouse operations. “And efficiency can mean one of two things: achieving the same growth with less energy or greater growth with the same energy consumption. But figuring out which adjustments to make and when to make them is complex in orchid cultivation, and it’s something we’re still exploring.” However, Van Geel notes that the data is already yielding fascinating insights. “We recently discovered that if we give the plant a bit too much light at the end of the day, it can’t effectively utilize it at that moment. In fact, it even causes stress, affecting the plant for days afterward. You only notice these things when you start working with data.”