In the realm of vertical indoor farming (VIF), a groundbreaking study led by Sabine Wittmann, from the Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf, Institute of Horticulture, Applied Science Centre for Smart Indoor Farming, has shed new light on the efficiency of strawberry cultivation. The results, published in the Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality, reveal significant insights into how different strawberry cultivars and light treatments can optimize resource use, with profound implications for the energy sector.
Wittmann’s research focused on three distinct strawberry cultivars: one ever-bearing and two June-bearing varieties. The ever-bearing cultivar, in particular, stood out due to its high surface use efficiency (SUE), water use efficiency (WUE), and energy use efficiency (EUE). “The ever-bearing cultivar demonstrated significantly higher efficiencies,” Wittmann explained, “with a SUE of 15.2 kg fresh weight m-2 a-1, WUE of 291 g fresh weight l-1, and EUE of 10.6 g fresh weight kWh-1.” This efficiency is attributed to its high harvest index and low proportion of non-marketable fruit, making it a compelling choice for VIF.
The study also explored the impact of additional UVA radiation on the cultivars. Surprisingly, the addition of 2% UVA light did not significantly alter the ever-bearing cultivar’s performance. This finding suggests that while UVA light might not be a game-changer for strawberry cultivation, the ever-bearing cultivar’s inherent characteristics are robust enough to thrive under standard white LED light.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. VIF systems are known for their high energy demands, with the study reporting a total energy demand of 4.4-6.4 kWh m-2 d-1. However, the ever-bearing cultivar’s efficiency in resource use could lead to significant energy savings. As Wittmann noted, “Multiple harvests and a low proportion of non-marketable fruits led to a higher cumulative yield and increased efficiency, making it a promising choice for strawberry cultivation in VIF.”
This research not only highlights the potential of ever-bearing strawberry cultivars in VIF but also underscores the need for continued innovation in lighting technologies and cultivar selection. As the demand for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices grows, such studies will be crucial in shaping the future of indoor farming. By optimizing resource use, farmers and energy providers can work together to create more sustainable and profitable agricultural systems.
The findings, published in the Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality, offer a roadmap for future developments in the field. As the world seeks to balance food security with environmental sustainability, the insights from Wittmann’s research could pave the way for more efficient and profitable strawberry cultivation in vertical indoor farms.