Optimization of Photoperiod and Quality Assessment of Basil Plants Grown in a Small-Scale Indoor Cultivation System for Reduction of Energy Demand

Abstract

Vertical farming is a novel type of food production in indoor environments with artificial lighting and controlled cultivation conditions. In this context, sustainability in small-scale indoor cultivation systems is crucial. Sustainability can be achieved by optimizing all the cultivation factors involved in the production process. The effects of different photoperiod conditions under different timing during plant development—from sowing to germination and maturity—have been studied in a small-scale indoor cultivation area. The main objective of this research was to investigate the possibilities of an optimized photoperiod for basil plants to reduce the energy demand cost of the cultivation unit. Three different photoperiod treatments (P8D16L, P10D14L, and P11D13L) were applied to basil plants with stable light intensity. Furthermore, the photoperiod was shortened to test the reaction of the biomass from the plants in a reduced energy demand system. The dry biomass produced was measured along with the energy consumed in each treatment. The basil quality was assessed by measuring different physiological indices, such as chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), total chlorophyll (Chl tot), the fraction of photosynthetically active irradiance absorbed by the leaf, and leaf temperature. The results of the study showed that a shorter photoperiod did not negatively affect the quantity and quality of the basil plants. Continuously, the evaluation of the energy demand variation under the different photoperiod treatments can provide a significant positive impact on the energetic, ecological, and economic aspects of small-scale food production.

Effect of Light Intensity on the Growth and Antioxidant Activity of Sweet Basil and Lettuce

“…The daily light integral (DLI) is the most important for plants, and previous studies have shown that the optimal DLI for basil is about 12.9 mol m −2 d −1 ; this would be 224 µmol m −2 s −1 at 16 h photoperiod [26]. However, there have been reports in which the photoperiod did not significantly affect the growth and physiological properties of basil, but it is recognized that it is necessary to analyze the effects of the light intensity and photoperiod [27]. In addition, Kiferle et al [28] emphasize that basils need a low concentration of nitrogen for optimal plant growth.…”

Indoor Vertical Farming in the Urban Nexus Context: Business Growth and Resource Savings

“…A Japanese study describes how waste heat from fossil fuel power plants is imported to nearby PFALs, thereby reducing CO 2 emissions by 1204 tons per year [22]. Some PFALs avoid electricity peaks during the daytime by switching on lights only at night to utilize surplus electricity [20,23]. The area around industrial factories and mining operations is particularly worrisome with pollution rising significantly to 36.3% [24].…”

The Transformative Environmental Effects Large-Scale Indoor Farming May Have On Air, Water, and Soil

“…As a result, indoor farms typically price product toward the high end and along the lines of pricing for organics, 2 which limits market penetration. The 2 major factors contributing to the high costs of indoor and vertical farm operations are energy 10,23,24 and labor, which account for nearly 3 quarters of the total. 2,24 Despite these challenges, venture capital continues to pour money into indoor farming and agtech in the hopes of driving cost down and maintaining growth.…”

“…Research on indoor farming and vertical farming has been ongoing for several years and represents multiple topics and streams. A map produced by VOSviewer 26 of the research landscape of ideas based on the co-occurrence of keywords (eg, "vertical farming"; "indoor farming") appearing in Scopus is Research on indoor farming includes farm production capabilities, 12 profitability and economics, 18,27 pest and disease management, 28 building information modeling, 29 energy management, 23,30 sustainability, urban planning and food security, 3,9,14-16 plant science, 13 and smart farming. 11 An excellent source of knowledge on indoor farming and plant factories can be found in Kozai et al 8,9 Topics include the impact of indoor farms on urban areas, global case studies, energy and resource use, operating efficiencies, plant science, systems design, growing methods and materials, indoor production processes, measurement, automation, sustainability of indoor farms, and next-generation designs.…”