How iCrop contributes to sustainable cauliflower and broccoli cultivation at Jonkman Horticulture
At Mts. Jonkman in Andijk, where 60 hectares of cauliflower and broccoli are grown annually, owner Geert-Jan Jonkman is constantly looking for ways to make his operations more sustainable. His cultivation of mini cauliflower, among others, destined for Albert Heijn, presents him with unique challenges: a short growing period and a high quality requirement. To achieve this, he uses the smart solutions of AppsforAgri.
The challenge of sustainability
New crop protection laws and regulations require a different approach. The calendar-driven spraying model no longer suffices. “It is not only about compliance, but also about finding sustainable solutions that contribute to the future of agriculture,” says Jonkman.
The value of iCrop as a total solution
Although Geert-Jan is not currently using the iCrop platform, he clearly sees the potential of this technology for his business. The iCrop platform is designed to support advisors in their collaboration with growers. It integrates data from various sources, including the FieldMate weather station and SmartFarm technology, and provides a central place to record observations, cultivation plans and communications.
Using FieldMate, Geert-Jan already collects detailed data on local weather conditions, disease pressure and soil moisture. The SmartFarm technology can analyze this data and turn it into insights that are easily shared with advisors via the iCrop platform. In the future, this provides opportunities to tailor advice even better to the specific needs of his farm.
Smart decisions supported by technology
The combination of FieldMate and SmartFarm is already giving Jonkman valuable insights. “The data make it possible to determine the right spraying moment and work in a more targeted way,” he explains. “This not only allows us to save on crop protection products, but also contributes to a more sustainable crop.”
One of the modules Jonkman appreciates is the soil moisture module. “This allows us to irrigate in a much more targeted way. Instead of watering every plot equally, we now look at what is needed per planting. This has not only saved us water, but also given us more flexibility.”
Looking forward to the future
Jonkman sees the iCrop platform as a valuable addition for the future of his business operations. “It offers my advisor the possibility to support me even more specifically with advice based on all the collected data. That gives me more control and certainty, while at the same time I work on more sustainable cultivation.”
He believes data and technology are essential to meet current and future challenges in the agricultural sector. “We need to learn to think and work differently. Innovative tools like iCrop not only provide insight, but help us to be better prepared for what is to come.”
With the clever combination of FieldMate, SmartFarm and the potential of iCrop, Jonkman Horticulture is proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.
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