Getting a Successful Soilless Blueberry Operation in Optimal Growing Environment

“The OptiGrow greenhouse gives us more control over our berry crop, even in our challenging climate, while helping us to achieve fantastic yields season after season.”

Lankgele, South Africa

The Challenge

In South Africa, where hot and windy climates pose challenges, it is often difficult to cultivate high-quality blueberries. Recognizing this, a local vegetable producer collaborated with Netafim to establish a soilless blueberry production facility for the first time. Their joint efforts led to the creation of a 4-hectare polyhouse, designed with advanced precision irrigation and fertigation systems. This innovative facility promises to deliver premium quality yields of around 28 ton/ha, despite the challenging external conditions. 

Project details

Country: South Africa  

Crop: Blueberry 

Type: Polyhouse 

Size: 4ha 

Project summary

Netafim was approached by a South African vegetable producer looking to establish a soilless blueberry production facility for the first time. Blueberries are by nature a highly demanding crop and the greenhouse was planned for an area with a hot and windy climate. Drawing on its deep expertise with blueberry cultivation, Netafim designed and implemented a customized growing environment with advanced precision irrigation and fertigation systems, that delivered premium quality yields of around 28 ton/ha - despite the challenging external conditions.  As part of its commitment to ensuring long-term success, Netafim took responsibility for all aspects of the project, from conceptual design to implementation of the bespoke structure and aftersales support.

Results achieved

33% Increased Yields

Blueberries are cultivated locally and the innovative facility has resulted in a 33% increase in yields. The advanced precision irrigation and fertigation systems ensure high-quality blueberries are produced season after season.

40 %Significant Saving

The project has led to a 40% saving in water and fertilizers, contributing to sustainable farming practices and efficient resource management.

Improved Quality

The facility has achieved a 15% increase in berry size and weight, resulting in approximately 28 tons per hectare of premium quality blueberries. These blueberries can be delivered fresh to local markets, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality produce.

 

“The OptiGrow greenhouse gives us more control over our berry crop, even in our challenging climate, while helping us to achieve fantastic yields season after season.”

Lankgele, South Africa

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SEE HOW NETAFIM PROJECTS CAN HELP YOU

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Services

Setting up a successful blueberry operation requires a total end-to-end approach that begins with rigorous feasibility studies, conceptual design of the greenhouse structure and implementation of the right technology mix - all based on extensive crop knowledge that is aligned with the business goals.

  • Design of a custom-made polyhouse structure
  • Irrigation system design 
  • Project execution 
  • Agronomical planning and support 
  • Aftersales technical support 

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