Grupa Kapitałowa Grupa Azoty
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The walk-in phytotron chamber built next to the Research and Development Centre of Grupa Azoty S.A. in Tarnów will enable the company to conduct research under controlled conditions of temperature, light, carbon dioxide concentration, and humidity. The project will help to investigate the effects of various amounts of tested fertilizer formulations on plants regardless of the season of the year or external conditions. The phytotron cost approximately PLN 1.5m. A research greenhouse will also be built next to the Research and Development Centre to enhance the company’s research capabilities in exploring plant growth and soil processes.
The phytotron is equipped with control software supporting the watering, heating and lighting control systems to optimise its operation. The project is a response to the research needs of the RDC in growing plants in a controlled environment.
Pot experiments, or experiments performed in a controlled environment such as a phytotron, are used to research plant physiology, agricultural chemistry, plant breeding, ecology, and other areas. In essence, they help to explore how plants in an early developmental stage respond to the factors under analysis or to determine the effect of a factor on important physical and chemical properties of soil. Previously, Grupa Azoty contracted third parties to perform this type of research. The new phytotron opened at the RDC will make research work easier and will help Grupa Azoty experts to efficiently establish the most likely plant response levels to a factor under analysis. Other advantages of phytotron research include controlled soil moisture, which is a strong determinant of research findings, and almost uniform environmental conditions provided for all tested combinations.
‘Grupa Azoty is the fertilizer market leader in Poland, having marketed its fertilizer products meeting the growing customer expectations for the past 95 years. We know very well how important fertilizer optimisation is for end users. It should translate into improved crop yields and high-quality biomass. I am confident the new phytotron will significantly enhance our ability to market new fertilizer formulations that are optimal in terms of both environmental safety and efficiency. To note, the phytotron is another R&D project fitting into the Agro component of our strategic Green Azoty programme,’ said Tomasz Hinc, President of the Management Board of Grupa Azoty S.A.
Grupa Azoty’s phytotron has been equipped with energy-efficient LEDs with light intensity and exposure time that can be adjusted depending on current research needs. Humidity and simulated wind strength can also be adjusted. All these parameters are computer-controlled, enabling staff to precisely plan a specific vegetation period.