The Comparative Performance of Nutrient-Film Technique and Deep-Water Culture Method of Hydroponics for GREENBOX Technology

With the rising pressures on food security, GREENBOX technology was developed as an avenue for fresh leafy vegetable crop production in urban settings. units were designed to be thermally insulated and climate controlled, with artificial lighting source that utilized soilless cultivation techniques. Previous studies conducted used Nutrient Film Technique (NFT); however, various hydroponic methods exist, such Deep-Water Culture (DWC) method being most used. The APS Laboratory Sustainable Food at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) compared growth performance between DWC NFT systems using technology. following study monitored environmental conditions productivity biomass data of Rex Butterhead Lettuce crops systems. We assembled two commercially available materials standard nutrient solution fertigation. grown a 4 × 6 configuration. grow Lactuca sativa “Rex Butterhead” over 30 days full bloom from prepared plugs 14 days. collected including Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD, μmol/m2∙s), Daily Light Integral (DLI, mol/ m2∙d), temperature (˚C), relative humidity (%), Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD, kPa). lettuce data, which included wet weight (g), dry leaf area (cm2), chlorophyll concentration (μmol/m2). derived Specific Leaf Area (SLA, cm2/g) (kg/m2), previously data. descriptive statistics present A paired t-test performed understand differences parameters NFT-grown crops. Both could harvest bloom. Observed demonstrated did not differ significantly hydroponics Therefore, we believe both may similar future iterations design prove suitable