Enhancing hydroponic growing systems through smart application of LEDs and plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPMs), to increase nutrient use efficiency and energy requirements.
Who’s Involved
Farm Urban
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University of Liverpool
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Liverpool John Moores University
The Project
We are addressing the challenges of energy demands in vertical farming by improving resource use efficiency in plants. This is primarily through the smart application of LEDs, to increase the efficiency of photosynthesis and the introduction of plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) to increase nutrient use efficiency. PGPMs also act as biocontrol agents for phytopathogen and algae inhibition.
The impacts
Optimised LED light recipes leading to higher yielding crops as well as improved resource use efficiency
Introduction of PGPMs into grow systems for biocontrol and plant growth promotion
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"The research that we are undertaking with Farm Urban allows for us to apply our expertise in crop biology to improve the efficiency and quality of locally grown, nutritious food."
Dr Richard Webster, Plant Physiologist