Feije de Zwart

Feije de Zwart is working in the field of greenhouse horticulture for more than 30 years.
He started his work with an PhD from 1989 to 1996 on simulating the greenhouse climate to energy saving perspectives of various techniques in horticulture. This model was built from standard physical relations to describe the physical processes in the greenhouse envelope and includes a complete practical-like greenhouse climate controller. In the period from 1996 till today, this simulation model has been continuously evovolved in its use for ongoing research projects and constantly updated with the newest climate control equipment (especially cooling devices) and the latest insights in greenhouse climate control.
In the past years, this model is gradually transformed to an on-line applicable system for all kind of educational and design purposes.
In the past decade, his expertise on energy aspects of horticulture has been extended with solar energy and other sorts of sustainable energy. This expertise covers both the theoretical, as the practical aspects of standard solar panels and concentrated solar power.

The last decade, H.F. de Zwart is also involved in a number of international consultancy and demonstration projects (China, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Korea, Saudi-Arabia). The purpose of these projects is to teach local greenhouse managers and researchers on the ins and outs of modern greenhouses and the latest horticultural insights. These projects do not only address climate and energy-issues, but also water and nutrition and crop handling.

In the past years, also the role of horticultural production in the wider perspective of sustainable food supply for urban communities was added to the field of expertise.

The work of H.F. de Zwart is carried out in the framework of consultancy projects and research programs, from which a number are managed by himself. The management qualifications involve the contacts with stakeholders, financers and co-workers.