In February, we visited the first NGS (New Growing System) crop set up by the University of Turin at the DiSAFA experimental centre. We have recently gone back to check the progress.
Silvana Nicola, professor of horticulture at DiSAFA (in the photo above), said she is satisfied of the various growing conditions tested for the production of cress, basil, lettuce, parsley and mint. The species were planted with a pattern of 10 cm except for lettuce, where the pattern was 20 cm. Harvesting was carried out after 21 days for cress, 48 for basil, 55 for lettuce and between 37 and 50 for the different types of mint.
Basil cultivated with the NGS system.
"We are trying to standardise the production system to limit the variables (light, temperature, water) to the single productions. We are in fact working on a protocol that could become a tool for operators who wish to use this system."
Lettuce cultivated with the NGS system.
The research group coordinated by prof. Nicola also tested mint, with good results. In addition to peppermint, another two varieties of the spicata group were added. "Production was good, up to 800 grams per square metres in little over a month. We are now harvesting for the second time and then we will prepare the plants for a third one."
Mint cultivated with the NGS system.
The data is now being processes, so we will publish the first figures as soon as they become available!
Contacts:
Silvana Nicola
DiSAFA, Università degli Studi di Torino
Largo Paolo Braccini 2
10095 Grugliasco (TO)
Email:, silvana.nicola@unito.it