28 february 2023
In February, Brigit den Bakker started her internship for graduation at RHP. Who is she and what exactly does this student do at the knowledge center for substrates? 6 questions for Brigit den Bakker.
“I am in my fourth and final year at the Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft. There I study Horticulture and Agribusiness with a specialisation in culture technology and breeding. In the meantime, I have started my internship for graduation at RHP.”
“At RHP I am working on a study on the availability of calcium (Ca) in new growing media (based on renewable raw materials). RHP wants to gain more insight into this, in order to be able to calculate whether liming is still needed in new growing media and how the calcium can be administered in a different form.”
“I look forward to the coming period!”
“In substrates based on peat, the pH and nutrition in the base is realised by liming and fertilisation, which ensures a correct balance. The lime is a source of calcium and provides the buffer during the culture. In new growing media, raw materials are used that do not require liming. Due to the loss of liming, an important source of calcium is lost. The pH buffer of the substrate also disappears. As a result, the substrate is unstable more quickly.”
“My impression after the first few weeks is good. There is a cozy ambiance at RHP and help is offered when necessary. I look forward to the coming period! At the end of my internship, ask me again how I have experienced it.”
“I am doing an internship at RHP for 16 weeks. From February 6th till the end of May I work 36 hours spread over 5 days a week at RHP in 's-Gravenzande, The Netherlands. After that, there are 4 weeks in which I have to reflect my period at school, write an article and defend my research. Then I have my diploma before the summer!”
“I’m not exactly sure yet what to do after my graduation, but I would like to work somewhere. After graduating, I have first planned a two week vacation.”
