Poland - ISK Skierniewice: scientific view of cultivation
The city of Skierniewice is located in central Poland, just southwest of Warsaw, the capital. For just under a year now, the local Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture (ISK), which conducts research into fruit growing and ornamental, has been equipped with a modern research centre under glass. Along with the dealer, Netafim Irygacja, Priva supplied a turnkey solution.
The new 2,500 square metre steel-framed greenhouse replaces the more than fifty-yearold greenhouses in which research had become almost impossible. ISK now has over fifty climate zones at its disposal, in which all possible climatic conditions can be simulated and their effect on various crops measured. Priva Area Manager Timo Tarkiainen was closely involved in the project at Skierniewice. ‘We all emphasise the importance of commercial cultivation, but it’s also necessary to invest in scientific research into crop improvement. Fortunately, ISK has realised this.’
Completely Priva
For years now, Priva has been collaborating in the Polish market with Netafim Irygacja, who coincidentally is also have their headquarters in Skierniewice. On the dealer’s recommendation, the client opted for a complete Priva solution in all fifty climate zones. Tarkiainen explains: ‘We implemented a turnkey project here. The client supplied the specifications, Priva supplied the necessary systems, including the Intégro process computer, Priva NutriJets and the Priva HygroFan system, and Netafim handled the greenhouse, all technical installations and delivery.
Modern existing technology
A notable requirement on the part of ISK was that only conventional technologies were to be installed. ‘One of the project’s objectives is to optimise existing technologies, such as growing lights and systems for misting and air circulation, for various crops,’ says Tarkiainen. ‘The technology is the same as in commercial greenhouse horticulture, but on a much smaller scale. Where you’re talking about hectares there, here you’re talking about square metres. That’s because the focus is not on production, but on being able to create accurate and different climate conditions for research.’
It seems that, thanks to the ISK’s example, a movement is now getting underway among Poland’s scientific community – a similar solution was recently sold to Krakow’s agricultural university.
