Norwegian cucumber grower Kristian Solberg is now growing cucumbers with N2 Applied's fossil-free fertiliser.
Kristian has taken an important step towards more sustainable greenhouse production by successfully growing cucumbers using locally produced, fossil-free fertiliser. The initiative forms part of Solbergs Gartneri's wider strategy to reduce energy consumption per cucumber produced while lowering dependence on fossil fuels and imported agricultural inputs.
The fertiliser, a liquid calcium nitrate solution, is produced using N2 Applied's technology at our Technology Centre in Svene, Norway. Using renewable electricity, air, and water, we apply our advanced plasma technology to create a mineral fertiliser alternative that avoids the conventional production methods typically reliant on natural gas.
An additional operational benefit for the grower – besides the fossil-free aspect – is the absence of ammonium in plasma-based liquid calcium nitrate. This enables the greenhouse to only use ammonium nitrate as its sole ammonium source, allowing more targeted application. "Now we have more control over whether we want to add ammonium or not," Kristian said.
At Solbergs Gartneri, the fossil-free liquid fertiliser has fully replaced traditional water-soluble calcium nitrate products during commercial cultivation. The cucumbers grown with this innovative solution are already being sold in Norwegian supermarkets, confirming both product quality and market acceptance.
The project demonstrates how decentralised fertiliser production based on locally available resources and clean electricity can strengthen agricultural resilience. By reducing dependency on international supply chains and fossil-based inputs, growers can improve sustainability while maintaining stable production.
N2 Applied sees this milestone as an important foundation for scaling up distributed mineral fertiliser production in Norway and internationally. The company believes the technology can support more sustainable farming systems while contributing to improved food security in the years ahead.
Read more about it in this online article published by Hortidaily, the international platform for horticulture professionals.