- English
The integration of a Luminosa Gothic-shape gutterconnected greenhouse with the Air Trays system has proven to be a game-changer for tree nurseries focused on scale, consistency, and cost control. By combining a high-light greenhouse design with an efficient tray-and-root-zone system, nurseries can standardize production while significantly improving overall operational efficiency.
From a labour standpoint, the switch to the Air Trays system can reduce manual handling and spacing tasks by more than half, yielding typical labour savings of 56%. The uniform tray format, improved drainage, and better mechanization access simplify seeding, irrigation, and crop handling, allowing teams to manage more seedlings with fewer labour hours and less physical strain. This is especially valuable in regions where skilled seasonal labour is increasingly difficult to secure.
On the cost side, nurseries report around 30% reduction in production expenses thanks to more efficient use of substrates and inputs, better space utilization under the gutter-connected greenhouse, and reduced waste from non-packable trees. At the same time, the combination of controlled greenhouse climate and Air Trays’ root architecture drives a 10–20% increase in yield. Stronger root systems, better air-pruning, and more uniform growth translate into higher field survival rates.
The Luminosa greenhouse itself contributes significantly to these gains, with light penetration, impressive air volume, and very efficient passive mid-roof ventilation that stabilizes temperature and humidity at the crop level. Its improved Gothic geometry, high-quality oval-tube steel structure, and robust gutters deliver a bright, uniform environment in a highly resistant, long-lasting frame, even under snow and wind loads.
When all these factors are combined, full-site conversions to this integrated system typically reach payback in about 3.6 years on labour and cost savings alone, dropping toward 1.9 years when conservative yield increases are included.
Authors
Michael Taylor, The Blackmore Company
Corenthin (Felix) Chassouant, Harnois Greenhouses
