1) What made you decide to initially invest in vacuum cooling?


Jacky stated that due to rising retail sales he saw an opportunity to expand the service area to which he provided sod, which was at times limited by sod spoilage. Darin sought to better serve his big box stores and garden center customers to help them reduce waste. Both growers mentioned that an added benefit is more flexible harvesting. Depending on conditions, sod can be harvested days before rain. When the weather is very hot, sod can be cut the day prior as opposed to starting harvest at 1:00 am.


Te primary motivation in both cases came from a desire to improve the quality of their product to the end user. 2) Where did you source your unit from?


Both of these units are from a manufacturer in Europe, Weber Vacuum Group. Darin at H&E purchased his unit from another grower. Weber Vacuum Group will custom design these systems based on the needs of each customer.


In addition to the equipment, electric service will likely need to be upgraded by your electric company since these pumps require more power than what is usually supplied to farms.


Coolers and vacuum equipment at Rollrasen Van de Sluis. Photo courtesy of Rollrasen Van de Sluis 3) How much does cooling the sod extend its shelf life?


Both growers stated that at a minimum, sod will last an additional 24 hours. On hot summer days when customers are instructed to “install within 24 hours” they can safely do so in 48 hours. Jacky mentioned that even after this the sod will start to yellow, but will not heat up nearly as fast as non-cooled sod.


Darin performed an experiment in July, with Kentucky Bluegrass harvested at 85°F/30°C. Tat sod was still sellable four days later. Typically, sod would need to be sold within 24 hours in these conditions without cooling.


Kentucky bluegrass big rolls being cooled at H&E Sod Nursery. Photo courtesy of H&E Sod Nursery


TPI Turf News January/February 2025


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