Control of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in micro-plant factory (McPF) to enhanced spinach microgreens growth

Abstract

Harnessing the power of Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) control, this novel research illuminates a pathway to enhanced plant growth and yield within Micro-Plant Factory (McPF) and Urban Mini-Plant Factory (UMPF) environments. The research focused on the growth parameters of spinach microgreens, with the experimental data originating from each system's upper, central, and lower shelves. Results indicated significantly enhanced plant height and dry weight on the central shelves, attributed to optimal VPD control. Growth analysis also revealed higher relative growth rates (RGR) under tightly managed VPD conditions on the central shelves, even amidst varying environmental parameters. Most notably, effective VPD control translated these growth metrics into increased yields. For instance, a 71 % and 66 % increase in final plant dry weight over the lower and upper shelves was noted. These advances were mirrored in the plant height, which also saw 57 % and 103 % growth. Overall, the findings underscore the critical role of VPD control in plant growth and yield enhancement within structured environments like McPF and UMPF, offering significant insights for future research in manipulating VPD for optimal plant growth and productivity.