Journal of Community Mobilization and Sustainable Development
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 19
  • Issue: 4

Design and development of multilayer, nutrient film hydroponic vertical farming system for green leafy vegetables

  • Author:
  • Adarsha Gopalakrishna Bhat1,*, Murtaza Hasan2, D.K. Singh3, R.N. Sahoo4, Md Yeasin5, Vinayak Paradkar6, Sweety Mukherjee7, S. Vinod Kumar8
  • Total Page Count: 8
  • Published Online: Jan 14, 2025
  • Page Number: 1243 to 1250

1Ph.D. Research Scholar, Division of Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012

2Principal Scientist, Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012

3Principal Scientist, Division of Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012

4Principal Scientist, Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012

5Scientist, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi-110012

6Assistant Professor, Department of Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Krishi Vidnyan Sankul, Kashti, Malegaon-423105, Maharashtra

7Ph.D. Research Scholar, Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012

8Research Associate, Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012

*Corresponding author email id: adarshbhat150497@gmail.com

Online published on 14 January, 2025.

Abstract

With global population growth and limitations in traditional agriculture, innovative solutions like vertical hydroponic farming are essential to sustainably meet food demand. Despite the potential of vertical farming, few studies have specifically optimized multi-layer, nutrient film technique (NFT) systems for leafy vegetable production in urban areas. This study addresses this gap by developing a multi-layer A-frame NFT hydroponic system tailored for basil (Ocimum basilicum) cultivation in urban settings. Constructed from galvanized iron and food-grade PVC, the structure supports 153 plants within a compact 3.9 m2 area with five vertical layers, achieving a plant density 5.46 times higher than conventional methods. Trials produced a basil yield of 2.89 kg/m2 and a water use efficiency of 56.4 kg/m3, showcasing both high productivity and resource efficiency. This system enables urban farmers to grow fresh greens locally, reducing transportation cost and carbon emissions, and advancing sustainable agriculture.

Keywords

Basil yield, Hydroponics, Nutrient film technique, Urban agriculture, Vertical farming