Case Study: How Do Dutch Greenhouses Utilize Soil Sensors to Achieve the World’s Most Efficient Production

In the dense greenhouse parks of the Netherlands, a silent agricultural revolution is being driven by precise soil sensors buried in the roots of crops. These seemingly tiny devices are precisely the core technologies that have enabled Dutch greenhouses to achieve the world’s highest production record with only one-tenth of the water used in traditional agriculture.

Unlike simple probes that only measure soil moisture, the greenhouses in the Netherlands are equipped with multi-parameter environmental monitoring systems. These advanced sensors can continuously and in real time monitor soil moisture, soil temperature, nutrient concentrations (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and soil electrical conductivity in the root system area, providing unprecedented data insights for precise water and fertilizer management.

“Data is the new nourishment,” explained Jan de Boer, the manager of a top tomato-growing company in Westland. “The data collected by the sensors is wirelessly transmitted to the central irrigation system.” When the system detects that the soil moisture is below the set threshold or that a specific nutrient is exhausted, it will immediately activate precise drip irrigation and apply a fully customized nutrient solution.

This data-based precise control brings multiple benefits:
Resource maximization: It eliminates the waste of any drop of water or fertilizer, achieving true water conservation and efficient fertilization.

Root health: A stable soil temperature and humidity environment avoids root stress and promotes the healthy growth of crops.

Yield and quality improvement: Precise nutrient supply ensures that crops grow under optimal conditions, significantly enhancing the quality and consistency of fruits.

In addition, these historical data are used to build crop growth models, continuously optimize planting strategies, and form a positive cycle.

This case demonstrates that by converting soil sensor data into intelligent decisions, Dutch greenhouses not only define the gold standard for efficient production but also provide a replicable technical blueprint for achieving global sustainable agriculture.

For more soil sensor information, please contact Honde Technology Co., LTD.

WhatsApp: +86-15210548582

Email: info@hondetech.com

Company website: www.hondetechco.com