2023 CoolStack® COMPACT DYNAMIC 5RB+HW+FR

BPK and Their Transition to MechaTronix 3-Channel LED

BPK, a leading company specializing in the cultivation of young vegetable plants for professional horticulture, has been a cornerstone of the Belgian horticulture sector for over 50 years. With a focus on quality and customization, BPK operates fully according to their clients' wishes. Their state-of-the-art greenhouses, dedicated team of cultivation specialists, and meticulous attention to detail form the foundation for the perfect vegetable plant.

Innovation in the Greenhouses

Since 2004, BPK has continuously invested in the modernization of their greenhouses, resulting in a highly advanced infrastructure. In their ongoing pursuit of innovation, they decided in 2023, as one of the first nurseries, to establish an LED department with controllable channels.

This installation offers numerous advantages:

• Energy efficiency is much higher compared to traditional HPS SON-T lamps
• Possibility to switch in the light spectrum. Workable white light and far-red can be activated.
• Light level is higher and dimmable
• Better light distribution and uniformity due to a wider beam angle
• Specific recipes for different crops/varieties
• Modular LED modules for future upgrades
• Longer lifespan
• Investment in the future
• But most importantly, stronger plants with more growth vigor and root development for the customer

3-Channel Provides the Versatility They Seak

After thorough research and consultations with colleagues and research centers, BPK chose the 3-channel individually controllable lights from MechaTronix. This decision was based on the versatility of the lights, which perfectly matches the diverse needs of their crops.

BPK cultivates a wide range of crops in their new LED department, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and eggplants. The amount of light required by the plants naturally depends on the age of the plant, the measured external radiation, or the type of crop.

Each crop has specific Light Needs

With Tomato plants the Far-red light is deliberately not used to limit stretching and to achieve optimal equality and dominance of the shoots. With a 70% higher light intensity compared to the current lighting system, it is also possible to cultivate a highly generative plant during the darkest period of the year!
Young pepper plants require less light, making the dimmable aspect important.

For cucumbers the Far-red light is extremely important. Without far-red, internodes remain too short during the darkest period. For these plants, switchable far-red is a must to create the ideal plant structure!

The installation allows BPK to respond to these needs to produce the best plant tailored to the specific needs of the customer.

Ready for the Future

White light is used to make working in the greenhouses more pleasant and to better observe the crops. Additionally, BPK is considering using switchable blue light in the future to potentially improve rooting and create more compact plants, which requires further research. An additional advantage is that blue light is a less energy-efficient light source, making switching even more interesting. With the current modular LED modules, they can quickly adapt when the time comes.

BPK has seen significant improvements in their cultivation with the MechaTronix 3-channel lights. The plants have more substance, are sturdier, have more advanced cluster development, and have more plant weight. The energy efficiency is much higher compared to traditional HPS SON-T lamps, resulting in lower energy costs despite the higher initial investment.

Positive feedback and stories from customers show confidence in the future of LED and BPK. BPK continues to focus on innovation and is ready for upcoming developments. They are convinced that the MechaTronix 3-channel controllable lights are the right step with the right possibilities at the right time.

BPK's transition to LED lighting marks a significant step in their continuous pursuit of sustainability and quality, further strengthening their position as the preferred partner for professional horticulturists.