The Assessment of Growth Performance of <i>Brassica rapa var. chinensis</i> ‘Li Ren Choi’, <i>Spinacia oleracea</i> ‘Auroch’, Eruca sativa ‘Astro’, and <i>Brassica rapa var. japonica</i> Using GREENBOX Technology

Obtaining nutritious food is becoming increasingly difficult due to the growing urban population and degradation of soil, water, air from mechanized industrialized agricultural techniques. More than half global resides in areas, with not enough surrounding land meet requirements. Food traveling long distances, an average 1020 miles, has resulted increased miles for item United States America, representing wasted resources. The novel GREENBOX technology was invented response increasing pressures on security. Previous studies conducted assessed technical feasibility utilizing Lettuce Lactuca sativa ‘Rex Butterhead’. We at APS Laboratory Sustainable Florida Gulf Coast University different leafy green vegetable crops. consists thermally insulated climate-controlled enclosures, artificial lighting source, a soilless cultivation method (hydroponics), environmental control modules. assembled two units assess conditions growth performance Brassica rapa var. chinensis ‘Li Ren Choi’, Spinach Spinacia oleracea ‘Auroch’, Arugula Eruca ‘Astro’, Mizuna japonica. Plugs were cultivated then transplanted randomized manner nutrient film technique (NFT) channels, subsequently grown 30 days full bloom ready harvest. Fertigation carried out using standard concentration solution. Crops arranged twelve blocks four species each. collected data including daily light integral (DLI, mol/m2∙d), temperature (˚C), relative humidity (%), vapor pressure deficit (VPD, kPa). Collected biomass included wet weight (g), dry leaf area (cm2), chlorophyll (mg/cm2). derived Specific Leaf Area (SLA, cm2/g). Descriptive statistics utilized understand differences parameters between crops grown. also compared our existing peer-reviewed literature found it superior, if comparable commonly industrial output. determined that all grew bloom, demonstrating may be used grow variety