University of Arizona case study

Background

UAg Vertical Farm is managed by Dr. Murat Kacira at the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC).  The UAgFarm facility was established to conduct pioneering research in engineering and science. Its primary aim is to overcome barriers and advance indoor cultivation technology. To achieve this, the facility utilizes state-of-the-art tools, including artificial lighting, sensors for aerial and crop root zone environments, computer vision cameras for plant health, an environmental control system, and meters to monitor resource consumption. Consequently, it’s objectives include performing problem solving oriented innovative research, providing hands-on learning experiences for students and educating growers and the public about the intricacies of indoor growing systems.

At UAg, Heliospectra grow lights are installed in the three-tier indoor vertical farming system in one of the chambers also features automated climate control, fertigation control and lighting controls. The lighting spectrum chosen (IZAR spectrum with PAR + FR) is suitable for indoor cultivation. It was developed from many years of research led by Heliospectra, tailored to meet specific needs of the experiments conducted as part of collaboration between Heliospectra and University of Arizona.

Dr. Murat Kacira
at the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC)

 A multi-spectral camera (MicaSense) system was used to track plant development and extract key growth features of plants. Additionally, each tier features an independent air distribution system. This system, custom-designed by the University of Arizona’s CEAC, enhances aerial environmental uniformity and prevents tipburn in the plants.

Dr. Murat Kacira explains that their research developed air distribution system design alternatives that can deliver optimal growing conditions. These alternatives improve aerial environment uniformity and effectively prevent lettuce tipburn.

“Our CFD simulations and experimental studies confirmed that vertical airflow is more effective than horizontal airflow. It reduces aerodynamic resistance, improves airflow and transpiration, and thus prevents tipburn in lettuce”, says Dr. Murat Kacira.

Grow light to depend on

A reliable lighting system is key for maintaining healthy plant growth. This, in turn, allows researchers to focus on studying the effects of airflow and other environmental parameters on plant development in an indoor farm. The Heliospectra light bars have successfully delivered the light intensity and uniformity needed for the research with lettuce and basil crop, meeting the expectations of the projects performed at the vertical farm facility.

Ongoing research

The current aim of the research conducted at the UAg Vertical Farm is to co-optimize environmental variables. This effort focuses on enhancing resource use efficiency and modeling and quantifying crop water use in real-time in the vertical farming system.

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