Search Results (50)

Although the economic importance of optimizing lighting systems and energy use in indoor farming is well known, there is a notable lack of studies focusing on economic trade-off analysis between agrivoltaic and grid-powered solutions integrated into light map analysis and revenue sensitivity assessments. To address this gap, this study investigates an indoor true vertical lettuce agrotunnel. Regional, seasonal, and market type sensitivity analyses were carried out on the prices and experimental yields to calculate the revenue from lettuce production. Technoeconomic analysis indicated that agrivoltaics outperformed the grid-only power supply by net present cost and levelized cost of electricity reductions of 13.2% and 44.2%, respectively. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and daily light integral (DLI) were compared for the cases of 41–61 cm distances between the lights and the walls. With the 20 cm distance variations, 16.6–17.8% changes in the average PPFD were achievable without increasing energy consumption. In addition, annual revenue from lettuce green mix packs ranged from $61,735 to $86,164 USD for singles and from $83,603 to $116,685 USD for multiple plants per pot strategies, depending on the variety packs. Luxury and mid-range price categories kept the return on investment above 10% at all capital cost levels. The agrotunnel achieved the maximum specific yield of >70 kg/m²/year. Full article

The incorporation of the Internet of Things (IoT) in indoor agricultural systems has become an essential tool for monitoring and analyzing environmental variables, contributing to more efficient decision-making. This article presents the design and implementation of an IoT-based digital agriculture system applied to a Plant Factory (PF) for hydroponic vegetable cultivation using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). The objective of this study was to develop a system capable of effectively monitoring and controlling the environmental variables that directly influence the microclimate of a closed agricultural environment. The proposed system integrates a four-layer IoT architecture based on a MODBUS RS-485 communication bus, which allows for continuous data acquisition and the operation of multiple sensors and controlled devices. Additionally, user-oriented tools such as a human–machine interface (HMI), a web application, a mobile application and an automatic alert module were incorporated, enhancing accessibility and remote supervision. Experimental results showed stable control performance of ambient temperature (TA), relative humidity (RH), photoperiod, and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), along with continuous monitoring of CO₂ concentration. A 30-day validation experiment using Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) under controlled conditions was conducted. The results showed progressive plant development, with leaf area increasing from 15.17 cm² to 690.39 cm², plant height from 7 cm to 31 cm, fresh weight from 23 g to 171 g, and the number of leaves from 9 to 20. These results support the functional validity of the proposed system as a reliable platform for environmental monitoring and control in controlled-environment agriculture. Full article

This study evaluates the impact of recirculating aquaponic cultivation on the biochemical, mineral, and antioxidant profiles of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) integrated with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which serves as a source of nutrients through metabolic waste transformation within the system. Water quality parameters and microbiological testing confirmed efficient nitrification and system safety, with no Escherichia coli detected. Results showed that aquaponic cultivation yields a high nutritional value of Swiss chard, yielding high crude protein (31.4% DW) and mineral-rich biomass (ash 22.8% DW). Substantial concentrations of essential elements were recorded, including Ca, Mg, Fe (253.7 mg/kg DW), Zn, and Cu, suggesting high ionic bioavailability in the recirculating system. Physiological stability was reflected by a chlorophyll a content of 4.74 mg/g DW. Furthermore, the plants exhibited a robust phytochemical profile, with total phenolics (4.13 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (5.18 mg QE/g DW) driving strong antioxidant activity (93.1% ABTS inhibition). These findings demonstrate that integrated aquaponic systems function as effective nutrient bioreactors, supporting high plant functional quality while supporting sustainable food production. The results validate aquaponics as a viable, climate-smart strategy for high-quality leafy vegetable cultivation within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article

The transition from High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) to energy-efficient Light-Emitting Diode (LED) supplemental lighting alters the plant thermal environment in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). This study evaluated how three practical supplemental lighting regimes, HPS, LED, and LED supplemented with infrared radiation (LED + IR), influence the physiology, growth, and phytochemical profile of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.). We assessed biomass production, photosynthetic performance, oxidative stress markers (TBARS), and the concentration of primary and secondary metabolites. The LED treatment was superior for biomass production, yielding significant fresh mass while maintaining the lowest leaf nitrate content. Conversely, the addition of IR significantly increased leaf temperature, which suppressed growth but acted as a potent “bio-stress” agent, significantly increasing the total phenolic index. This biofortification, however, significantly decreased photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), increased lipid peroxidation (TBARS), and led to the highest accumulation of undesirable nitrates. Our findings reveal a clear growth-defense trade-off, demonstrating that while LED lighting is optimal for maximizing yield and food safety, the targeted application of IR radiation is an effective strategy for enhancing the nutraceutical value of leafy greens, requiring careful management to mitigate negative impacts on growth and quality. Full article

As an alternative to confronting the actual challenges in the conventional agriculture, Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and hydroponics arise as sustainable alternatives, allowing for an efficient use of resources during green-leaf crop production. Considering a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic wall-system and two different ranges of light spectra provided via LED technology, this study evaluated their impact on the yield and efficiency during the cultivation of Swiss Chard crops (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) based on an analysis of morphological and nutritional characteristics. The experiment was developed in a growth room chamber, which was monitored and controlled under an IoT scheme, mainly focusing on the lighting treatments; treatments T1 and T2 were defined with the LED Barina 42W and LED MURFURN 70W, correspondingly. The results show no significant differences between both treatments in most morphological cases; however, the foliar area was significantly larger in treatment T1 than in treatment T2. Additionally, the nutritional quality of treatment T1 showed higher concentrations of carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, Ca, and K. Conclusively, the light spectrum composition provided by the lighting system influences the chard physiology, favoring the nutrient concentration under red–blue spectrum combinations. Full article

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Swiss chard powder (SCP) as a natural nitrite source on the volatile compounds and other qualitative properties of heat-treated sucuk (HTS). Three formulations were created for the production of HTS: control (no nitrite addition), synthetic nitrite (SN, 150 mg/kg NaNO₂ addition), and natural nitrite from Swiss chard powder (SCPN) (SCP equivalent to 150 mg/kg NaNO₂). The HTS production was carried out under controlled conditions. Physicochemical and microbiological properties of the HTS were investigated during the production stages. The final product was analyzed for volatile compounds, residual nitrite, and sensory properties. A higher mean pH value was found in the SCPN group in comparison with other groups (p < 0.05). In all production stages, the lowest a_w values were observed in the presence of SCPN (p < 0.05). The highest mean L* value was determined in the group with SN (p < 0.05). Groups containing SN or SCPN exhibited higher a* values compared to the control during fermentation, heat treatment, and drying. The SN group had the lowest TBARS value during all these stages (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the amount of residual nitrite between the SCPN and SN groups (p > 0.05). In terms of sensory parameters, nitrite groups (SCPN and SN) had higher values than the control group (p < 0.05). Lactic acid bacteria exhibited good growth during fermentation in all groups. Although SCP positively affected many volatile compounds, this effect was not strong enough to alter the sensory properties of the product. Correlation analysis of volatile compounds revealed that the control group was significantly different from the groups using SN or SCPN. Additionally, similar characteristics in volatile compounds and sensory attributes were observed in the SN and SCPN groups. As a result, characteristics of the final products were not usually adversely affected by the use of SCP in HTS production. Full article

Stocking density is a key driver of performance in aquaponics, affecting both fish welfare and crop yield. This study evaluated the impact of three initial stocking densities (3.1, 4.1, and 6.2 kg/m³) on survival, growth, feeding behavior, carcass and filet quality of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), as well as on the yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) cultivated in vertical coupled aquaponic units. A total of 184 fish (109 ± 28 g) were reared for 176 days in nine independent recirculating systems. Fish reared at the lowest density achieved the highest final live weight and specific growth rate, with a better feed conversion ratio, whereas performance declined at higher densities despite similar survival rates. Feeding behavior was generally consistent across groups, although feed intake rate was reduced at the highest density. Carcass and filet quality traits were unaffected by stocking density. Vegetable yield was enhanced by higher fish biomass, with significant increases in lettuce production and a positive trend for basil. These findings indicate that intermediate stocking densities may represent the most sustainable compromise, ensuring fish welfare and acceptable growth while supporting efficient plant production in largemouth bass–based aquaponics. Full article

Resource efficiency is essential in today’s approach to horticulture. The global problems of water scarcity, soil pollution, biodiversity loss, and rapid growth of the global population require increased food production with fewer resources. Resource efficiency is an indicator that allows defining how much biomass an agri-food system can produce per unit of the resource used. Closed hydroponic systems, such as vertical hydroponic towers (VHTs), exhibit high resource efficiency. In these systems, the water use efficiency (WUE) and the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) can be calculated in terms of the water loss through transpiration and the ion concentration in the nutrient solution. The research aimed to determine the WUE and NUE for chard crops in VHT under greenhouse conditions and to evaluate its feasibility as an urban and peri-urban system for leafy vegetable production. Trials were carried out with chard in the fall 2024 in a tunnel-type greenhouse at the facilities of the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi. The VHTs were built with a 20 L square lower deposit on which a cylindrical pipeline of 11.5 cm in diameter and 1.6 m in height was vertically placed. Each pipe had 45 growing containers distributed on 15 levels of three containers spaced vertically 9 cm and a density of 25 plants·m⁻². The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments (75, 100, and 125% of Steiner’s nutrient solution) and three replications. The transpiration (Tr) of the crop (recording weight loss in the deposit) and the shoot fresh weight (SFW) of the plants were measured daily using a scale. An ANOVA and Tukey’s test for mean differentiation were performed with p < 0.05. Significant differences were found between treatments for SFW, WUE and NUE obtaining the best results at 75% of Steiner’s nutrient solution. Results show that WUE increased between 3 and 6 times, and NUE between 3 and 12 times compared to chard grown in soil. These results were equal and even higher than horizontal hydroponic systems or vertical farms. Vertical hydroponic closed towers installed in greenhouses are an optimal horticultural production system with high resources use efficiency. The implementation of VHT is feasible in areas where there is water scarcity or have a high population density. Full article

In the coming decades, the agricultural system will predictably rely on organic material to produce crops and maintain food security. Currently, the use of inorganic fertilizers to grow crops and vegetables, such as Swiss chard, spinach, and lettuce, is on the rise and has been proven to be detrimental to the soil in the long run. Hence, there is a growing need to use organic waste material, such as spent coffee grounds (SCGs), to grow crops. Spent coffee grounds are made of depleted coffee beans that contain important soluble compounds. This study aimed to determine the influence of different levels (0.32 g, 0.63 g, 0.92 g, and 1.20 g) of spent coffee grounds on the metabolomic profile of Swiss chard. The 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results showed that Swiss chard grown with different levels of SCGs contains a total of 10 metabolites, which included growth-promoting metabolites (trehalose; betaine), defense mechanism metabolites (alanine; cartinine), energy-reserve metabolites (sucrose; 1,6 Anhydro-β-D-glucose), root metabolites (thymine), stress-related metabolites (2-deoxyadenosine), caffeine metabolites (1,3 Dimethylurate), and body-odor metabolites (trimethylamine). Interestingly, caprate, with the abovementioned metabolites, was detected in Swiss chard grown without the application of SCGs. The findings of the current study suggest that SCGs are an ideal organic material for growing Swiss chard for its healthy metabolites. Full article

To support the growing global population, sustainable farming methods like vertical farming must complement traditional agriculture. This study evaluated the effects of various nitrogen fertilizer application rates (N_low (1055.3 ppm), N_rec (1640.9 ppm), N_high (2811.3 ppm), and N_0 (469.9 ppm)) on organic kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala ‘Lacinato’) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. Vulgaris ‘Ruby/Rhubarb Red’), grown in a vertical growing system installed in a high tunnel during the spring and fall season of 2023 at the organic farm of Tennessee State University. Growth parameters studied included fresh weight, Brix, chlorophyll, plant height, and leaf count. Most parameters did not exhibit statistically significant differences (alpha = 0.05). However, consistent numerical trends and deviations were observed. Although not statistically significant, kale achieved the highest mean fresh weight in N_rec (688.08 g), and Swiss chard in N_high by spring (649.62 g). Among the few parameters, significant differences were observed for Swiss chard plant height (48.07 cm) and leaf count (47.25), with N_high during fall. Findings suggest that while definitive conclusions were limited, recommended nitrogen rates (N_rec) may enhance crop performance and contribute sustainable yields in resource constrained vertical farming systems. Further controlled studies are warranted to validate trends and refine nutrient strategies in vertical growing system. Full article

Amid rapid urbanization and persistent food insecurity in Latin America, urban gardens have emerged as sustainable alternatives to conventional agriculture. This study evaluates the technical and economic efficiency of producing four vegetables (lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach, and tomato) in urban and conventional systems in Puebla, Mexico. Using a stochastic frontier model, the analysis integrates key environmental costs, specifically, water-use efficiency and nutrient balance valuation, to assess the sustainability trade-offs. The results show that urban gardens achieve comparable efficiency to conventional systems while reducing water use by up to 66% and optimizing nutrient cycling. These findings support urban agroecological models as viable strategies for local food production and provide actionable insights for municipal policies aimed at enhancing urban food resilience and environmental performance. Full article

Vegetables, as an important source of vitamins and minerals, are highly recommended in a healthy diet. At the same time, vegetables can contain elevated amounts of nitrates and nitrites, which are the possible nitrosating agents responsible for the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. In young children, they can cause methemoglobinemia. Determining the level of nitrates and nitrites, as well as the possible reduction in their concentrations during culinary processing, is especially important for the diet of young children, who are introduced to leafy vegetables during the first year. For some types of vegetables that are often found in the diet, maximum permissible concentrations have not yet been established. Our goal was to estimate the reduction factors of nitrates and nitrites and suggest the best ways to properly prepare foods. For this purpose, samples of Swiss chard, spinach, and white cabbage were collected from the market to determine the nitrate and nitrite content. Vegetable samples were subjected to culinary preparations: soaking, cooking, and a combination of soaking and cooking. Quantitative and qualitative determination of nitrates and nitrites in vegetables was carried out on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a diode array detector (DAD). The obtained results showed that the highest nitrate concentrations were in Swiss chard samples, followed by spinach, and the lowest in white cabbage samples. The impact of culinary preparation was highest on spinach samples. Considering the average nitrate concentrations achieved after cooking or soaking and cooking, there was no risk of exceeding the ADI limit. However, the ADI values would be exceeded at the maximum nitrate concentrations. Full article

In this study, leaves and roots from three beetroot cultivars (cv. Albina Vereduna (white roots), cv. Burpee’s Golden (golden roots), and cv. Pablo F1 (red roots)), as well as Swiss chard leaves (also known as “rhubarb chard”, or Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens) were evaluated in terms of their chemical profile and bioactive properties. Roots were characterized by high carbohydrate content, which also contributed to greater energy values. In contrast, fibers were the predominant macronutrient in leaves, followed by carbohydrates. In both leaves and roots, the most abundant organic acids were quinic and oxalic, while the major free sugar was sucrose. The profile of fatty acid varied between the studied plant parts, with saturated fatty acids prevailing in root samples, while leaves exhibited higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Regarding phenolic composition, a total of 19 compounds were tentatively identified in leaves (including derivatives of vitexin, isorhamnetin, quercetin, and ferulic, sinapic, and p-coumaric acids), while the roots exhibited a less diverse composition, with a total of eight compounds identified (e.g., derivatives of ferulic, sinapic, p-coumaric and caffeic acids). A total of eight betalains were also identified, out of which seven were classified as betacyanins and one as betaxanthin. The leaves of Swiss chard presented compounds from both classes, while the roots and leaves of cv. Pablo F1 were characterized only by the presence of betacyanins, and those of cv. Burpee’s Golden only by betaxanthin. All samples exhibited relevant activity against Y. enterocolitica, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus, although leaf samples demonstrated better antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, beetroot leaves outperformed their corresponding roots in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity, suggesting their high potential as nutrient-rich and functional ingredients in a diverse and well-balanced diet. Full article

This study investigates the volatile compounds that contribute to the unique flavor and aroma profiles of cured meat products using alternative ingredients, specifically focusing on commercially available, conventional, and organically produced pre-converted celery (Apium graveolens) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima) juices and powders. Volatile compounds were isolated and analyzed using an optimized method involving steam distillation with liquid–liquid phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The key volatile compound identified in celery was 3-butylisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, and in Swiss chard, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol. In both conventional and organic celery juice, senkyunolide, sedanolide, and limonene were the primary volatiles, listed in descending order of concentration. This pioneering work on volatile and aromatic compounds in alternative curing ingredients provides foundational knowledge for sensory and volatile compound studies in alternative meat curing. It also offers valuable insights for organic plant and meat producers, processors, and consumers. Practically, this research highlights volatile chemicals that could interact with other meat constituents or residues in finished products, informing and enlightening future studies on the sensory and aromatic properties of alternative cured meats. Overall, this study contributes to the development of alternative cured meats, supporting the research and innovation of organic meats. Full article

Non-thermal plasma technology (NTP) has found widespread applications across several fields, including agriculture. Researchers have explored the use of NTP to improve plant growth and increase agricultural product quality using plasma-activated water (PAW). This technology has shown potential benefits in boosting seed germination, promoting plant growth, as an effective defense against plant pathogens, and increasing systemic plant resistance. An experiment was set up over three different cultivation cycles to investigate the benefits of PAW administration on nursery production. Plasma-activated water was generated using two NTP intensities (PAW-HI = 600 mV; PAW-LI = 450 mV; CTR = tap water control) and manually applied to plants under greenhouse conditions. The species considered in the current study were tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. Longifolia). The following morphological traits were measured at the end of each cycle and for each species: plant height (PH, cm), collar diameter (CD, mm), biomass (g), nutritional status (SPAD index), dry matter (DM, %), and chemical composition. The sturdiness index (SI) was determined by the PH-to-CD ratio. Results indicated a species-specific response to both PAW treatments compared to CTR. The plant height significantly increased in tomato (+11.9%) and cabbage (+5%) under PAW-HI treatment. In contrast, PAW-HI treatment negatively affected the PH in lettuce and basil (−18% and −9%, respectively). Swiss chard showed no significant response to either PAW-LI or PAW-HI treatments. Regarding DM, no significant differences were observed between the PAW treatments and CTR. However, an increase in total N content was detected in plant tissues across all species, except for basil, where no change was observed. The results suggest that PAW treatment has the potential to enhance vegetable nursery production, with species-specific responses observed in crops. Full article