Sustainability is no longer the buzzword of the future, but of the present. Every field related to production must reckon with this new “commandment,” both in terms of environmental preservation and for a new productivity that increasingly combines profit with resource economy.
In the field of agriculture, particularly horticulture and floriculture, sustainability is at the center of every consideration. For this reason, Idromeccanica Lucchini has long been implementing experiments, studies, and projects aimed in this direction.
Vertical Farming as the First Response
In floriculture and horticulture, vertical farming represents the natural technological evolution to combine productivity and sustainability. It is a type of soilless greenhouse cultivation that allows for significant savings. Energy, soil, water, pesticides, and fertilizers are minimized and dosed and controlled to ensure maximum production both qualitatively and quantitatively. Inside the greenhouse, it is possible to create the perfect climate for plants, scientifically dose water and nutrients, and block all external agents that can affect product development.
Sensors and Data Analysis
To achieve the best practices capable of maximizing production while reducing waste, it was necessary to develop hardware and software technology to identify crop needs and prevent any necessity. Idromeccanica Lucchini responds to customer inquiries through state-of-the-art sensors that work on production processes. The sensors record plant well-being and every environmental variation or parameter. Through data analysis, it is possible to develop predictive models that recommend the best type of system and crop for each cultivation, optimal water and fertilizer consumption, type of ventilation (passive or active), the amount of light needed, and any other parameter necessary for plant well-being. Through the study of models, specific protocols are developed that minimize resource waste and are also useful for staff training. The sensors can also be self-powered by plug-and-play solar panels to further reduce energy consumption. Data monitoring takes place in the cloud so that it can be shared remotely as well. Idromeccanica Lucchini works on every product package in the greenhouse portfolio and performs specific tests for procedure optimization. For each type of greenhouse or production, ideal climatic conditions are studied to obtain the best yield/time ratio.
But what “weapons” can we have for savings? And how can we achieve an effective circular economy?
These are the questions we will answer in the next editorial, which are also the challenges we face daily as a company and as individuals.
