Propagation module for seedlings and microgreens

Description

LX001 Vertical farm

Understanding the hydroponic cultivation process in the vertical farm

We divide the cultivation process for plants into 4-5 phases based on the time required for propagation and vegetative modules.

• Sowing
• Germination
• Seedling / Microgreen
• Baby Leaf
• Mature plant

Each growth phase requires different environmental conditions and water quality to achieve optimal results. These conditions are often best met by using separate modules, sanitary facilities and rooms, taking into account the size of the operation and the amount of work involved.

Module types

• Propagation module (for seeds to microgreens / seedlings)
• Vegetative module (seedling to full maturity of the plants)

The “Propagation” and “Vegetative” modules work together to promote the best growth of leafy greens. We divide the growth stages into different modules to differentiate the light spectrum, the distance between the bed and the light and the plant density as well as the different nutrient quantities, light duration and environmental conditions.

Propagation Module

Multi-layer modular seedling cultivation and growth system, multi-layer seed and microgreen technology, large area capacity for plant cultivation With professional seedling spectrum, high uniformity of optical rack design. Precise irrigation technology for scientific nutrient supply.
Seedbed in mobile modular design, flexible shuttle operator station, save time and effort to achieve efficient operation.

Advantages

• Stay in control of your crops – higher yields, quality and profits
• Optimal use of greenhouses and growing rooms – more cultivation in less space
• Energy efficient – save money every month
• Reduce water consumption by up to 90 percent
• Produce just about any plant all year round
• Healthier plants – maximum oxygen supply to the root zone, ideal moisture levels
• Year-round growth
• Significantly reduced risk of pests and diseases without pesticides
• Durable construction that can withstand any growing environment

Key features

• Light spectrum to maximize the growth and quality of seedlings and microgreens
• Capacity of hundreds of plants / microgreens per cultivation bed level
• Flat flow mode of 30L per add-on bed
• Expected 14-15 hour light cycle, can be increased (growth spurt)

Contains

• 16 light strips (4-8 per layer), 13.5 watts per LED light strip
• Light spectrum for rapid and mature growth
• 30 cm distance between light and bed
• 16 plant trays for sowing and microgreens
• Holder for Baby Leafs
• 4 levels, expandable up to 7 levels
• 2.2 m high

Ratio of modules for a perfect vertical farm

The relationship between the propagation modules (blue in the picture) for seeds and seedlings or microgreens and the vegetative modules (green in the picture) is as shown in the following examples:

• Example 1
  • 1 germination module + 8 seedling modules (propagation modules) for 60 vegetative modules
• Example 2
  • 1 germination module + 4 seedling modules (propagation modules) for 30 vegetative modules

This ratio depends on the number of layers in each module, the plant density, the duration of each phase and the expected loss rate. We recommend grouping the modules in each phase in separate zones to increase operational efficiency and reduce cross-contamination.

Example of a small LX001 vertical farm with standard proportions: see diagram picture with blue & green modules.

LED grow light options

Light strips

Retrofit any vegetative module to maximize anthocyanin production in red varieties with a proven peak at 450 nm. Simply replace the alternating VE lights with blue lights via quick connectors. This allows for flexible customization of an entire module or a single grow bed.

Water flow in modules

The LX001 is designed for a constant water circulation of 3.78 liters (1 gal) per minute per module. External piping delivers water to the top of each module, which flows through the gray spacers from grow bed to grow bed. The external piping directs water from the outlet of the module to the reservoir below the module, from where it is returned to the top of the module or to a nutrient dosing tank.

• Propagation module with deep flow mode (30L / 8 gal.)
• Vegetative module with shallow flow (15L / 4 gal.)

Sanitary facilities & nutrient management

Connecting external pipes to the Vertical Farm LX001 is simple, but can be complicated depending on the farm’s objectives and equipment. The design of the piping is linked to the nutrient management system. Nutrient management is one of the first processes to be automated in hydroponic cultivation. The LX001 integrates easily with many commercially available nutrient management systems. Factors that we take into account when planning the sanitation systems:

• Will you have a separate tank room?
• How many modules can be placed in a row
• Which crops will you grow?
• Number of cultivation zones?
• Number of separate tanks to prevent contamination?
• Harvest and cleaning plan?
• Which nutrients will you use?
  (we can advise you)
• How will you bring fresh water to the modules/containers?
• Where is the water source located?
• What is the capacity of the system for inflowing and outflowing water?
• Are there floor drains?
• What is the quality of the spring water?
  PPM, pH value, alkalinity, chlorine?
• Will you clean and recycle the used nutrient solution?
• Is water treatment prior to disposal mandatory in your municipality?

Examples of harvest cycles

Microgreens (seedlings) and baby leaves for the food service industry

Microgreens are immature plants that are harvested shortly after the germination stage. Microgreens are very popular with growers as they are produced quickly and are often ready to harvest after just 7 to 21 days. A plant is ready to harvest at a height of 2-5 cm. Microgreens are popular with top chefs and gourmets because of their strong flavor and high nutrient content. Microgreens are produced in the germination (sowing) and propagation module. Examples of the harvest maturity of microgreens: Ready to harvest within 7 days: radish, sunflowers, pea sprouts, corn sprouts, buckwheat Ready to harvest within 10 days: rocket, cabbage, choi, kale, mustard cabbage Ready to harvest within 18-21 days: amaranth, basil, carrots, celery, chard, coriander, cress, basil, dill, spring onions, shiso

Baby leaves

Baby Leafs are immature plants that are harvested when the leaves are between 2 and 5 inches tall, when they are at their most tender. Baby Leaves are most commonly grown and packaged for ready-to-eat blends. Pre-prepared blends are the most commonly desired product. Baby Leaves can be grown in Litrax in raft or tray production.

Labor Processes of a complete LX001 Vertical Farm

Sowing

1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the substrate for sowing.
2. Plant 1 seed per plug.
3. Insert the seed trays with drainage holes into the system.
4. Set the pump timer so that the water circulates for 15 minutes every 2-4 hours.

Steps to germination

1. Insert the caps into the seedling raft and cover every second planting site.
2. Remove the plug from the seed tray.
3. Insert the plug into the planting site and make sure that the substrate is firmly in place and that the roots fit through the opening.

Vegetative steps

1. Place the raft caps in the vegetative raft covering every other planting site.
2. Remove the plug from the seedling raft and immerse it in a clean cup of water to collect the roots.
3. Place the plug in the open planting site so that all the roots fit through the opening.
4. Insert the raft into the planting bed from top to bottom.

Steps to harvesting

1. Remove the rafts from the module by working from bottom to top.
2. Place the raft on a clean work surface.
3. Use a clean knife or scissors to cut off the base of each plant above the substrate.
4. Place the products in a clean harvesting container.

Additional information