This system is optimized for head lettuce and herb production. As these varieties grow slower and might require relatively large space at the end of growing cycle, it could be worth of considering slightly lower level of automation to achieve efficient CapEx level.
The automated growing system is designed for growing head lettuces and herbs that are sold with their root ball (living lettuce) in a pot or as cut head lettuce. The system utilizes a highly efficient plant tray-table and 63–100 mm wide growing gutters which allow for the use of multiple types of growing media. The most common system set up has one single transplanting step during the entire growing cycle.
The production of lettuces and herbs starts with the seedling production. Plant trays are
filled with growing substrate such as peat or rockwool. Typically, our systems use paper
or plastic pots inside the tray to ensure safe and efficient transplanting.
Next, seeds are sowed to the pots. The sowing process is PLC controlled and various
types of seeds can be used. Trays of pots are irrigated and stacked onto a pallet to be
transferred to the germination room.
Germination in right temperature and humidity gives seeds perfect start. Plants spend 2-7 days in germination depending on variety.
After the trays have been placed on the nursery tables, they are irrigated from overhead with moving irrigation booms. These booms are regulated by our control system. During their days on the nursery tables, plants grow strong roots and are ready to be transplanted to the hydroponic NFT system.
The gutters with the plants move automatically through the greenhouse toward the harvesting end. During that process, the distance between the gutters is adjusted according to the space requirements of the plants in each growing phase, giving the plants as much space as necessary, but as little as possible, ensuring maximal usage of the greenhouse growing area. The plant density achieved with the adjusting gutters unmatched and a key component in efficient growing.
During the growing process, the plants have moved through the greenhouse toward the harvesting area. Harvesting takes place at the end of each line and is usually done manually. Harvested lettuce heads and herbs can be packed directly at the harvesting station or can be transferred via conveyor to a centralized packing station.
Once the lettuce is harvested, the empty gutter is fed into an automatic washing machine. Automated harvesting waste management solutions are available. The clean gutter is then placed on the gutter wagon and returned to the transplanting area, where it will be ready for a new growing cycle.
Plants are irrigated and fertigated automatically by our control system. In the irrigation system the water is dosed to the gutters from drip emitters. Excess water flows from the gutters to the return water tanks, which can efficiently be placed under the growing lines. By using this smart irrigation system, we make certain plants get the correct amount of both water and nutrients. Water which is not consumed by plants is cleaned, returned to water tanks and then reused for irrigation. A powerful and robust filtration system ensures highest water quality for your leafy greens. Using a hydroponic NFT system and re-circulating the unused irrigation water reduces water consumption by up to 95% compared to open-field farming
