Growing fresh vegetables, shoots and aromatic herbs anywhere, without needing soil, and with an advanced software monitoring all agronomic conditions, is now possible. Two years ago, protected environment specialist Idromeccanica Lucchini showed what was possible in terms of Vertical Farming at Expo 2015. Further initiatives developed from that experience.
ENEA Vertical Farm made by Lucchini during Expo Milano 2015.
We talked about it with Massimo Lucchini, managing director of the company. "Our experience at Expo represented a true watershed. At the time, we were asked to develop a prototype in cooperation with ENEA. Since then, we've invested a lot to create new solutions in this field."
One of these is BoxXLand, the container vertical farm, i.e. a modular system for the cultivation of vegetables in all environments and climates combining larger yields in shorter times and without using chemical pesticides. A high-tech system is installed within normal containers for closed-cycle vertical soil-less production in a controlled environment with LED lighting. The structure is compact and sturdy, making it easy to transport and stack.
"An ideal solution for a wide range of clients, from short-chain producers to restaurants, supermarkets, agricultural villages, non-profit cooperatives, associations, hospitals, communities and remote locations."
"With this solution, scientific research modifies food production methods optimising the use of soil, water and energy. The agro-industrial system will have zero impact on the environment: no soil, local produce and no crop protection products while guaranteeing larger healthy productions with less waste and higher quality and sustainability."
The entire lighting, irrigation, air conditioning and heating system is monitored by a dedicated software.
Fresh salad at home with tomato+
"While we were developing these solutions, we learned about a young start-up that was introducing an appliance to grow vegetables at home or in H&R: tomato+."
"We became part of the project as development and commercialisation partners. Tomato+ is as evolved as you can get: a sort of fridge where you can grow different crops on 4 different shelves. For each, the most suitable micro-climate, lighting and nutrition conditions are provided by an autonomous software that can be programmed/set remotely. I have a house abroad and I want salad or basil to be fresh and ready to eat upon my arrival? I can activate the growing process remotely with my smartphone and it's done!"
Seeds are all of Italian origin and placed in specific (patented) pads that are biodegradable as they are made with corn starch. Seeds remain "dormant" until the germination process is activated by the software.
Above and below: pads with seeds and pads with germinated seeds.
No GMOs, no chemical additives, no pesticides: caps are vacuum-packed in a controlled environment and maintain their freshness and germinability for 12 months. Once a month, just add water and a pre-dosed nutrient solution containing the same macro and micro-elements naturally contained in soil: calcium, iron, potassium and zinc.
Play for a video on tomato+:
There are numerous varieties available and the software includes around thirty different growing programmes specific for each single crop and/or vegetable group. Updates will be released as the system expands.
There are numerous varieties available and the software includes around thirty different growing programmes specific for each single crop and/or vegetable group. Updates will be released as the system expands.
Some of the crops available
Massimo Lucchini explains: "We are currently launching the system, but potential orders are so high that we are getting equipped to manufacture a suitable number of units a day. The interest shown so far both in Italy and abroad is making us think that this will be a global phenomenon."
"Tomato+ is entirely made in Italy and must become a standard appliance in restaurants and hotels. We had always worked in the advanced greenhouse sector and lacked a solution perfect for home environments. Unlike all other sector specialists, Idromeccanica Lucchini can count on a complete range of vertical farming solutions - from those destined to industrial use to those for H&R and home environments. We firmly believe in the development of this segment, and we are not the only ones."
Lucchini vertical farming solutions will be on display at Macfrut 2017, as the fair decided to reserve some space to this new frontier.
Come find us in different locations:
- Lucchini stand - HALL B7 - STAND 120
- With the BoxXLand container HALL B7 - "MACFRUT INNOVATION AWARD" Area
- Tomato+ will be on display inside our company stand in the MACFRUT INNOVATION AWARD area
- A greenhouse with hydroponic crops will be on display in HALL B7, "MACFRUT IN CAMPO" area
Contacts:
Idromeccanica Lucchini S.p.a.
Via Cavriana 4B
46040 Guidizzolo (MN)
Tel.: (+39) 0376 818433
Fax: (+39) 0376 819498
Email: info@lucchiniidromeccanica.it
Web: www.lucchiniidromeccanica.it