Vertical Cultivation Research Articles

Agrotechnological peculiarities of crop combination in Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris cultivation in vertical hydroponics

The dispensing of vertical cultivation technology in greenhouses in Russia has been held back due to deficiency of a specific assortment of vegetable plants. The studies with the possible species of cultivated crops for vertical hydroponics were carried out in Omsk State Agrarian University. The growth of Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris is attractive for getting “baby green”. The study of the technological peculiarities of Beta vulgaris production and the compilation of a scientifically grounded crop rotation in a container-type greenhouse with vertical cultivation of crops is the goal of research work. For growing green crops in vertical container-type greenhouses, including Beta vulgaris cutting, the sowing of seeds can be in the seedling department, bypassing the germination chamber. Beta vulgaris seedling period is 7 days, then within 3–4 months the “Baby greens” leafs are cut, the required parameters are reached by the plants in three weeks, namely leaves are cut about 4–6 times from each container, after that a turnover is performed. The proposed rational system of using the area promote increasing the amount of cut green from 0.25 to 2.0–2.86 kg from the production section. Agrotechnological measures for the use of crop rotation in the cultivation of Beta vulgaris in vertical hydroponics allow starting an autonomous mobile complex with maximum efficiency.

Performance evaluation of pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis) in different soilless cultivation methods

An experiment was undertaken at Defence Research Laboratory, Tezpur, Assam during the winter season of 2020 to evaluate the performance of pak choi in the vertical system and nutrient film technique (hydroponics) against conventional method of soil cultivation. The soilless nursery of pak choi cv. Choko was raised under standard conditions at the station itself and planted under different cultivation methods. Growth attributes such as the number of leaves and leaf blade length registered a dramatic increase under the NFT system over the soil cultivation method as control. Yield in terms of fresh weight grams per plant under nutrient film technique in combination with hydroton was recorded highest followed by soil cultivation and soilless vertical cultivation being the least. Although the pak choi under soilless vertical cultivation yielded the lowest, it could be recommended as a suitable method for the production of baby pak choi, whereas, the NFT which was found approximately 14 to 16 days early in harvest maturity could be recommended for the areas where soil cultivation is either not possible or not feasible owing to different soil and environmental issues.

A comparison of Vertical and Conventional Cultivation, Planting Distances and Growing Medium in the Growth and Yield of Three Varieties of Strawberry

This study is conducted in the unheated greenhouse of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape-College of Agriculture – Tikrit University during the two seasons 2019-2020. It aims at comparing between vertical and terrestrial cultivation and cultivation distances in growth and yield of three cultivars of strawberry. The study includes three factors. The first factor is the method of cultivation which includes two methods of cultivation, terrestrial cultivation and vertical cultivation in pipes. The second factor is planting distances which include three distances, 15, 20 and 25 cm between one plant and another, The third factor related to varieties and includes three, namely Camarosa, Ventana and Sweet Charlie, The experiment is implemented by randomized complete block design according to the split-split Plot Design system, with three replications, each replicate containing 9 experimental units with a length of 2 meters, the cultivation method was set in the main plots and the planting distances in the sub-plots, while the cultivars took the sub-sub-plots. The results have shown the superiority of the terrestrial cultivation treatment over the vertical cultivation in each of the number of leaves, the content of the leaves from chlorophyll, the average number of fruits, the weight of the fruit and the yield of the greenhouse, which reached to 13.74 leaves of plant-1, 49.25 SPAD, 15.71 fruit plant-1, 15.28 gm, and 238.5 gm plant-1, respectively. The Sweet Charlie variety outperformed in the average number of leaves, leaf content of chlorophyll, fruit weight and greenhouse yield, with 15.97 leaves plant-1, 50.47 SPAD, 15.39 gm and 231.5 gm plant-1, respectively. The distance 25 cm between one plant and another outperformed in the above-mentioned characteristics, which reached to 13.97 leaves plant-1, 49.98 SPAD, 15.25 fruits plant-1 and 212.3 gm plant-1, respectively.

Analysis on Transporting Methods of Cultivation Unit for Vertical Cultivation in Plant Factory

Automatic transport can improve the operational efficiency in plant factory production and reduce the use of labor. However, a determination of a plant factory automation operation mode should comprehensively consider the economic strength of the enterprise, operation objects and operation mode, production scale, technical strength, labor costs, and other factors. In this study, a logistics transport system comprising a set of cultivation units was developed for plant factories, using a mode based on shelf-end delivery without power inside the shelf. Moreover, an analysis was conducted on four modes of common transportation methods for the cultivation units for vertical cultivation in plant factories. The results showed that, when comparing the progressive transport type and warehousing/reciprocating transport type for cultivation units, the transport productivity of the former is higher than that of the latter, and the difference in the two transport productivities is proportional to the capacity for cultivation units in each layer. When the capacities for cultivation units in each layer are 20 and 40, the transport productivity of the former is 115–200% and 130–250% higher than that of the latter, respectively. Moreover, the logistics transport system developed herein reaches an input (output) transport productivity of 330 (270) cultivation units h−1.

Pemanfaatan Ruang Akuakultur Potensial melalui Diseminasi Teknologi Budidaya Metode Vertikal untuk Meningkatkan Kapasitas Pembudidaya dan Produksi Rumput Laut di Pesisir Desa Ujung Baji Kabupaten Takalar

Gracillaria changii is a high-value seaweed cultivated by the community on the seashore of Ujung Baji Village in Takalar Regency. This cultivation has become the local community's primary source of income, yet production and productivity are still inadequate. To address the issue, this technology dissemination aims to give cultivators with information and abilities in using the vertical method of cultivation to boost production and productivity aquaculture of G. changii . This dissemination used the Community Development (CD) method, which involved the community in every action, including planning, designing and assembling technology, implementation, and assessment. This dissemination was successful in increasing the Hati Mulia Cultivator Group's knowledge and capabilities in vertical seaweed cultivation. When compared to horizontal cultivation, this vertical cultivation technology can increase G. changii production and productivity by at least two to three times

Light‐limited photosynthesis under energy‐saving film decreases eggplant yield

AbstractGlasshouse films with adjustable light transmittance and energy‐efficient designs have the potential to reduce (up to 80%) the high energy cost for greenhouse horticulture operations. Whether these films compromise the quantity and quality of light transmission for photosynthesis and crop yield remains unclear. A “Smart Glass” film ULR‐80 (SG) was applied to a high‐tech greenhouse horticulture facility, and two experimental trials were conducted by growing eggplant (Solanum melongena) using commercial vertical cultivation and management practices. SG blocked 85% of ultraviolet (UV), 58% of far‐red, and 26% of red light, leading to an overall reduction of 19% in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 380–699 nm) and a 25% reduction in total season fruit yield. There was a 53% (season mean) reduction in net short‐wave radiation (radiometer range, 385–2,105 nm upward; 295–2,685 nm downward) that generated a net reduction of 8% in heat load and reduced water and nutrient consumption by 18%, leading to improved energy and resource use efficiency. Eggplant adjusted to the altered SG light environment via decreased maximum light‐saturated photosynthetic rates (Amax) and lower xanthophyll de‐epoxidation state. The shift in light characteristics under SG led to reduced photosynthesis, which may have reduced source (leaf) to sink (fruit) carbon distribution, increased fruit abortion and decreased fruit yield, but did not affect nutritional quality. We conclude that SG increases energy and resource use efficiency, without affecting fruit quality, but the reduction in photosynthesis and eggplant yield is high. The solution is to re‐engineer the SG to increase penetration of UV and PAR, while maintaining blockage of glasshouse heat gain.

GIS-based soil erosion modelling under various steep-slope vineyard practices

Soil erosion can cause a progressive degradation of hillslopes, especially in steep-slope agricultural landscapes. In this study, the formation of spatial erosion patterns was evaluated in three typical steep-slope vineyard cultivation practices in northern Italy: dry-stone wall terraces, earth bank terraces and vertical cultivation (Italian: rittochino). UAV surveys in three vineyards provided high-resolution data on topography and land use serving as input for two GIS-based erosion models: the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and SIMulated Water Erosion model (SIMWE). Annual RUSLE simulations showed how the two terracing practices (i.e. dry-stone walls and earth banks) effectively safeguarded large areas from soil loss, whereas the non-terraced vertical cultivation produced widely distributed soil loss with increasing severity according to slope length and steepness. In intense single-event conditions simulated by SIMWE, all three practices showed the formation of critical preferential surface flow patterns, corresponding to several field-observed erosion patterns (piping of stone walls, landslides on earth banks, and rill erosion in the non-terraced vineyard), while also in this case showing the highest erosion rates for the non-terraced vertical cultivation. Simulated flow concentration was strongly determined by the spatial organisation of the hillslope, roads and vines, and several strategies were discussed for erosion mitigation (including drainage systems or enhanced soil cover). Furthermore, the results indicated that SIMWE is an optimal approach for the recognition of soil erosion processes occurring during intense rainfall conditions. This study provides an example of high-resolution erosion risk evaluation, which should play a crucial role in the design and management of steep-slope vineyards.

Production of strawberry remontant in the conditions of the Krasnodar Territory

This article presents innovative methods of growing agricultural products, namely, elite remontant strawberries of the Elizabeth II variety in the conditions of greenhouse vertical cultivation using vermicompost organic fertilizer. The practical significance of the study consists in the development of measures, the implementation of which will solve the problems of agriculture resource-saving production, taking into account and adapted to the environmental relations. As part of the study, the authors proposed intensive cultivation of strawberry crops for the full calendar year, which increases the agricultural production efficiency. The authors proposed the economic and legal aspects of the intensification of agriculture in land use small areas. The analysis of the profitability of the enterprise using the methods described in the study.

Pengaruh Berbagai Macam dan Cara Pemupukan pada Pertumbuhan Tanaman Stroberi (Fragaria Sp.) pada Pipa Vertikal

Strawberries are one of the fruit commodities that have high economic value and relatively stable fruit prices. However, the annual production of strawberry plants in Indonesia has decreased due to land conversion. To overcome the problem of limited land, cultivation vertically can be a solution. Strawberry plants can be cultivated vertically because they meet the criteria of verticulture plants. However, vertical cultivation with vertical pipes on strawberry plants is feared to have problems with uneven distribution of nutrients on the pipes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of fertilizer types and fertilization methods on the growth and yield of strawberry plants on verticulture systems. And find the fertilization method that is most suitable for verticulture cultivation of strawberries. The research was conducted from March to June 2018 on the 6th floor rooftop of the UB Central Building, Malang with a height of around 440-667 MASL, and the average temperature at Rooftop 32 0 C. This study used a randomized block design (RBD) with 7 treatments and 4 replications. The treatment consists of G1 = AB Mix per pipe, G2 = AB Mix per plant, G3 = NPK per pipe, G4 = NPK per plant, G5 = Dekastar per pipe, G6 = Dekastar per plant, G7 = Gandasil B per plant. The use of AB mix fertilizers both per pipe and per plant is the right fertilization in verticulture cultivation because it can improve the vegetative and generative parameters of strawberry plants.

Intensification of Seaweed Cultivation <i>Euchema cottonii</i> with Verticulture Method in the Water of Kelagian Island, Lampung Bay

E.cottonii production is not still optimal and there are opportunities to increase production by developing methods that to utilize the depth level as a growing medium. Method of verticulture cultivation with pocket nets, more innovative and have high production level. This study aimed to solve the problems in seaweed cultivation by optimizing the land. Design of vertical cultivation model E.cottonii in Kelagian Island using bamboo raft and made up by 15 points on each of the 10 depth levels (BRL); 0, 70, 140, 210, 280, 350, 420, 490, 560 and 630 cm from the surface. Environmental parameters and seaweed are measured weekly. This study measures daily, weekly, absolute growth and total production. Data were analyzed by cruciate-wallis test. The results showed that the physico-chemical parameters of the waters were suitable for the cultivation of E.cottonii , except for the nitrate contents and current which were below the optimum value. The largest average weekly growth showed on the BRL 1 with 118.08 g and the smallest on BRL 10 with 107.41 g. The absolute greatest growth rate showed on the BRL 1 weighs 145.33 g and the lowest on BRL 10 with 130.67 g. The highest daily growth on BRL 1 with 1.59% / day and the lowest at BRL 10 with 1.33% / day. The total of E.cottonii production cultivated showed BRL 1 - BRL 10 of 20744 g (20.744 kg), the highest total production at BRL 1 with 2180 g and the lowest BRL 10 by 1960 g. The kruskall-wallis analysis were showed about 21.837 (H count ) and 23,685 (H table ), where it’s not influence of depth level (BRL) for seaweed grown.

A New Technique for Roof-Top Soil-Less Cultivation of Vegetable Sprouts

The author designed a new device for growing vegetable sprouts and ornamental plants by combining greenhouse design and soil-less cultivation technology together with houses construction, aiming at saving arable land and energy by rapidly producing sprouts or flowers through vertical cultivation by installing the new device on the roof-top of houses in rural areas. Taking into consideration of design ideas, technological process, and the selection of raw materials, along with their practical value and future prospects, the author construct a double-layered, vertically cultivated vaulting greenhouse. As a result, the use of soil-less cultivation techniques on the roofs of houses in the Chinese countryside shows promise as a potential solution to deal with the shortage of arable land. This new cultivation technique may be more effective in promoting agricultural productivity and sustainable development of the economy and society since it can take full advantage of available resources in order to achieve a more economical and intensive use of land. There are three major benefits with roof-top agriculture: First, by using greenhouses located on the tops of roofs, a grower can maximize his utilization of sunlight. Second, roof-top agriculture doesn’t require any additional arable land. Third, the vegetables can be planted all year-round. The life circle of crops was shortened and productivity was promoted. The application of the technology will significantly increase economic efficiency and practical value of the idle roof-tops of houses in rural and suburban areas.

SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION USING HIGH DENSITY VERTICAL GROWING (VERTICROP¿)

Europe’s first vertical farm is currently being piloted with VertiCrop at Paignton Zoo in Devon. It is experimenting High Density Vertical Growing as a sustainable solution to feeding increasing urban populations in twenty-first century towns and cities. The technology comes at a time when alternative land uses, such as biofuel and fiber production, are competing with traditional food production for the available soil and water resource. While increasing pressure is being placed on the managers of land to adapt and contribute to the mitigation of climate change through less intensive resource management. VertiCrop (VC) is an integrated hydroponic approach that addresses the central issue of optimising resource use to grow crops near to where they are consumed, using the most advanced technology to ensure efficient crop production. Advanced irrigation equipment and a soilless culture removes the need for good agricultural land, while utilizing vertical space further reduces the area of land required to grow any crop. The pilot project grows 11,200 plants in a greenhouse of 100 m2, using a conveyor driven stacked growing system various micro greens, lettuce and salad mixes have been planted sequentially to provide a regular supply of fresh green leaves; with the primary focus of economic profitability, improved nutritional value and environmental enrichment to improve animal feeding regimes at the zoo. The potential of VC opens up the way for schools, hospitals and housing estates in cities and towns to grow their own vegetables, to reduce their carbon footprint and associated food miles. In the future, it will be possible to extend the research direction to include vertical cultivation of food, biofuels and medicinal crops, such as high market value pharmaceutical products.

PERENNIAL PRODUCTION OF GREEN HYDROPONICS FORAGE

The need for the production of animal food for ruminants and poultry in an efficient way with less investment, higher yield, during the whole year and inside reduced environments, has taken us to practice different techniques like the production of green hydroponics forage (GHF). From the germination of the different seeds, being able to achieve some advantages in relation to the space, operability, health, and nutrition and cost reduction on animal feeding. Following the scheme of vertical cultivation, it is proposed through this work the resolution of the problems found during the GHF production, as they are: dependence of the seed, fluctuating prices of the seeds in the market and the cost of the workers due to the repetitive and constant daily shores, diminishing with this practice the animal feeding cost. The proposed work enables even more the reduction in the cost for animal feeding and facilitates us to perform annual or biannual sows to obtain harvests every fifteen days from the higher part of the forage and every month from the roots, taking advantage from both for animal feeding. Also, in this way we can avoid the daily handling of the plants during the production and optimise even more the space and use of water. The technique of the perennial forage using a light substrate, good seeds, programmed irrigation, specific cuts and balanced nutrition, allow the consumer to keep preserving the plant for long periods of time in an economical and adaptive way, avoiding the food variation for the animal and optimizing the permanence of the plant as a means to convert CO 2 from the environment into carbohydrates that are useful for animal feeding. The used methodology is similar to the one used in the GHF production, with some differences in the substrate utilization and the irrigation with nutrients by aspersion. The comparative parameters, to be able to analyze the yield and the represented benefit are based upon, in some way, the parameters obtained for the GHF production, with the difference that the frequency on the irrigation and the cuts is every fifteen days. Just like the results obtained from the traditional cultivation of alfalfa, with the difference in the productive durability of the harvest.