The Hydrovertic System
The Hydrovertic system can be adapted to all rooms, and can be scaled up gradually - which makes it ideal for greenhouse owners who want to try hydroponics or vertical farming, AND for others who want to produce greens for their own consumption, canteens or restaurants.
Hydroponics
The Hydrovertic system is a hydroponic system, which means that plants are grown in water instead of soil. Specifically, the Hydrovertic system is based on the nutrient film technique (NFT), where nutrient-rich water runs over the plant's roots, is collected, cleaned and sent over the roots again. In this way, every drop of water is used and no harmful substances are released into the environment.
There are many types of techniques within hydroponics, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages. NFT is a very robust technique that enables stable and vertical production without sterilization chambers.
Vertically
The Hydrovertic system is vertical, which means that there is growth in m3 instead of m2, by having several layers on top of each other. The system is specially designed to be able to grow as much as possible and fill as little as possible. Therefore, the system is operated from the short sides, which also enables gradual scaling, as the systems can be extended on the long side.
Vertical without hydroponics?
As something new, Hydrovertic also offers systems that use soil. With soil comes pest control, but in return the plants Ø can be felt.
Software
Hydrovertic has developed our own software that includes:
- Monitoring tool
- Tracking of parameters essential for growth: PH, water EC, air temperature, humidity, CO2 level
- Automatic/scheduled/manual fertilizer distribution
- Storage of the parameters for analysis and optimization
Why hydroponics?
- To solve the challenges of traditional agriculture!
Less chemicals
Globally, up to 20-40% of crops are lost to pests and diseases.
Read more about the problem here.
For the same reason, traditional agriculture often uses chemicals to protect or breed infected vegetables.
The vast majority of diseases and pests are related to the use of land. When growing in water, there are therefore significantly fewer threats and thus there is no need for pesticides and other chemicals.
Less transport
Every year, more than 15 million kg are imported. vegetables to Denmark, which is associated with an even higher Co2 load.
Read more about the inportance of eating local here.
With hydroponic cultivation, you can grow vegetables all year round and thus always get local vegetables.
Less water
Agriculture is responsible for 70% of our global water consumption.
Read more about the problem here.
Hydroponics uses 92% less water than traditional farming. Although the technology cannot yet be used on all types of crops, it is a difference that can be felt.
Read more about the differences here.
Less pollution
Agriculture discharges large amounts of fertilizer into lakes, streams and gardens.
When the fertilizer dissolves in the water, it becomes food for algae, which form large blooms called eutrophication, which has a wide range of consequences for our ecosystems.
Read more about the problem here.
With hydroponics, cultivation is done in closed systems, where all nutrients supplied are absorbed. Hydroponics thus reduces the outlet by 100%.
More nature
61% of Denmark's area is agricultural, resulting in deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Read more about the problems here and here.
Hydroponics is 11 times more efficient than traditional agriculture and therefore uses less space per crop.
Read more about the differences here here.
In addition, vertical hydroponic cultivation can reduce the area with the number of "shelfs" in which it is grown.
The UN's global goals
Our work on sustainable production supports the UN's Global Goals
- 12.5: With the help of vertical agriculture, we can reduce the overproduction of greens and thus reduce food waste
- 14.1: By growing vegetables in closed systems, water pollution with nutrients from production is eliminated
Q&A
Should vertical farming replace traditional farming?
No. Vertical farming, hydroponics and vertical farming must coexist.
Can everyone grow vegetables vertically?
No. Vertical is best for shorter crops that only need to be harvested once.
Can your system be operated by non-gardeners?
Yes, our system is designed to be intuitive to use and the automation adapts to the user's level.
