Environment and Agroecosystems

Climate Conditions in the Netherlands 

Picture 1: Duckweed growing in the typical Dutch environment

All of us already know it, in the Netherlands, it rains all year long! No wonder the average yearly precipitation is 700-800 mm (XPAT.NL, 2019) But what else can one say about the Dutch weather?

The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate with cool summers and moderate winters (WeatherOnline, 2019). The averages temperatures during wintertime go from 3 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius. Snow is rare. On the other hand, during summer the averages temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degree Celsius. (Climate to Travel, n.d.)

In other words, I would describe the Dutch weather typically being is cool, cloudy and humid most of the time. 

Environmental Conditions Affecting Crop Yields

Duckweed is a crop which needs a moderate temperature, sufficient sunlight and water as a medium containing the correct amount of nutrients.

If duckweed is grown in containers, direct sunlight can increase the evaporation rate, leading to an increase in salts. Duckweed is an intolerant crop to high salt content. Direct sunlight can also increase heat in the containers resulting in bleaching and later on killing the plants. (Landolt & Kandeler, 1987)

The crop tolerates hot midday air temperatures as long as the water does not get warm too fast. On the contrary, when the temperatures become cooler the plant becomes dormant and starts to form turions.  (See picture 2)

Lastly, duckweed is extremely affected by drought since it needs a lot of space and water in order to reproduce. The crop reproduces almost exponentially and the lack of water results in stress for the plant.

Picture 2: Turion formation

Graph 1: mixed farming system

Is duckweed grown as a monoculture?

Duckweed, if not grown naturally is always grown as a monoculture since it is a very invasive crop. In the Netherlands, there are farms that focus on growing duckweed in big tanks for mass production.

According to the FAO, duckweed could potentially be used in an integrated farming system as a solution for feed and fuel in developing countries. The diagram on the right is a good example of how duckweed could possibly grow in a system with diversity of animals and other plants. (FAO, n.d)