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Plans for 200 hectare greenhouse for rapeseed farm, soilless

Italy: Aeroponic growing system beloved by greenhouse growers

An important part of growing a good crop is picking the right growing media. Aside from traditional soil, common rockwool, peat or coir, researchers are steps ahead looking to new innovative growing solutions that are sustainable, lower in cost, give better yields and are better for crop health in general. All of this research and different approaches generates a lot of discussion and buzz. It was completely unexpected when, at Fruit Logistica this buzz got another shake when Italian company Aeroponica presented their soilless growing system, which had already proved itself in practice. "In Italy, we already used this system over 60,000 square meters and it is working very efficient over the last years, now it is time to show it to the rest of the world."




Speaking with Aeroponica's directror Gaetano Verdoliva, we get to know that his system is well known in the company's home country. "Our system is very user friendly and secures a good yield for the user and good crop quality against low input," he said. "I think that is why we have already realized a large amount of projects all over Italy. We think that it is due to the low entry level of the system itself. Compared to other soil-less growing systems, Aeroponica distinguishes itself by the way up to twelve nutrients are mixed automatically by our software. The computer makes the correct formula and the system also analyses the output and the input water. It also analyses the EC, PH, and measures the quality of the water after it is treated by a UV-installation to disinfect the water from bacteria and other diseases.





The roots of the crops are irrigated by hydrojet spraying nozzles that spray a very fine amount of irrigation water onto the roots. The amount, duration, period and interval between the doses can be adjusted automatically by the computer to the plants needs or the growing strategy.



The Aeroponica system currently is being used by Italian growers in Sicily, Sardinia,Tuscany, Lombardy and Bari. "These growers are growing all kind of crops", said Gaetano. "They grow tomatoes, herbs, soft-fruit, lettuce and even flowers. Basically anything is possible and depending on the crop, the cost of the system can be earned back within 4 to 5 years," he said.



Aeroponica is definitely thinking out of the box when looking to new opportunities for their system. "Currently we are involved in a big project that is financed by the Region of Sardegna," Gaetano said. "The plan is to grow canola (rapeseed) inside a 200 hectare greenhouse operation with our system. Right now we are doing some trials to grow the rapeseed and we plan to harvest the first crop in March. Because we are growing the crop on a 3 layer system, the expected yield per hectare is much higher per hectare. We can grow the crop faster than in the open field and harvest three times in a year."



For more information:
Aeroponica Industriale s.r.l.
Gaetano Verdoliva
Tel: +39-3404641028
Skype: verdolivagaetano
http://www.laeroponica.com
[email protected]



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