Breaking boundaries using precision climate control

Certhon’s JSK system is a unique, high-precision cooling solution designed to optimize crop health and yields in mobile gutter or table systems. By targeting one of the most overlooked limitations in greenhouse cultivation, the leaf boundary layer, JSK delivers measurable improvements in photosynthesis, transpiration, and nutrient uptake, especially in high-value crops like leafy greens, herbs, microgreens and potted plants.

In controlled environments, air movement across the canopy is minimal. This low wind speed thickens the boundary layer, a stagnant film of air around each leaf which inhibits CO2 uptake and restricts evaporation through the stomata. The result: heat stress, crop quality issues, and reduced photosynthesis.

Figure 1. The effect of increased wind speed on leaf boundary resistance and CO2 uptake of plants (Dupont et al. 2025)

Recent research by Dupont et al. (2025) underscores the importance of boundary layer dynamics. Their model shows that even a modest increase in wind speed of 0.2 m/s can enhance photosynthesis by 10 – 20% and lower leaf temperature by up to 6 °C under moderate radiation (200 W/m2). These gains are especially valuable during warm periods, when lettuce and other greenhouse crops experience higher photorespiration rates due to high leaf temperatures while dosed CO2 is lost through ventilation.

Figure 2. Impact of wind speed on leaf temperature and cooldown dynamics in lettuce plants. Colour heatmap of leaf temperature (C) under 0.15 m s-1 and 0.80 m s-1, under 200 W m-2 radiation and a surrounding air temperature of 21.1 C (Dupont et al. 2025)

The JSK directly addresses these issues. It recirculates cooled air at controlled velocities up to 2 m/s over the crop, breaking the leaf boundary layer and improving both CO2 exchange and evaporative cooling. This not only stimulates photosynthesis, but also enhances water transport through the xylem, supporting the uptake of immobile nutrients like calcium, which is critical for preventing disorders such as tip burn.

Unlike conventional systems that blow air from beneath tables or high above the crop, the JSK delivers a targeted, uniform airflow where it is needed most: just above the crop canopy. With decentralized control, growers can fine-tune airflow, temperature, and humidity per section and crop stage, making it especially effective in high-density systems like gutters or mobile tables, where airflow is easily obstructed. During peak canopy development, this precision can mean the difference between a uniform, high-quality crop and one compromised by quality issues.

In short, the JSK is not just a cooling system. It is an integrated climate solution that directly impacts crop physiology, while improving yield and quality across all growth stages. By combining precision engineering with agronomic research, the JSK sets a new standard for controlled environment agriculture, delivering the uniformity, adaptability, and efficiency that modern greenhouses demand.

Reference:
Dupont, K., van den Berg, T., Zhang, J., Moene, A. F., & Vialet-Chabrand, S. R. M. (2025). Beyond the boundary: A new road to improve photosynthesis by wind. Journal of Experimental Botany. Advance online publication. https://academic.oup.com/jxb/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jxb/eraf325/8201716