Advancing vertical farming: Partnership creates saline plants using saltwater sources

21 Sep 2023 --- Belgium-based Urban Crop Solutions (UCS) and Germany’s Aixponic have developed a new technology in sustainable agriculture that cultivates saltwater plants through indoor farming technology. The collaboration addresses water scarcity issues faced by the F&B industry by minimizing freshwater usage through saltwater irrigation. It also emphasizes the broader potential of indoor vertical farming which has potential to go beyond growing leafy greens and hone in on crops with nutraceutical benefits.

The collaboration merges an indoor fish farming facility with a vertical farm, tailored to meet the specific requirements of critical environments, facilitating optimal conditions for plant cultivation.

“The indoor farming concept of UCS helps us to be completely independent from external influencing factors. Thus, Aixponic can theoretically produce food in all regions, regardless of possible harsh environmental conditions,” Peter Becker, Aixponic founder, tells Food Ingredients First.

UCS’ crop production technology along with Aixponic’s aquaponic techniques have helped the prior expand its presence in the industry. 

Jean-Pierre Coene, CEO of UCS, says: “This collaboration marks a powerful step toward a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand to provide our world with high-quality food. Our technology’s transformative force underscores its pivotal role in the present and future of food production.”

Breaking new ground in saltwater
The saltwater plants are cultivated in a pristine controlled environment and are free from contaminants.

The technology uses fish water as a base and further processes this for its nutrient solution(Image credit: Urban Crop Solutions).Nutritionally, they are a powerhouse, providing essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, alongside being a rich source of vital iodine. The latest technology will reportedly provide consumers with optimal nutrition, even in harsh environments.

Through their collaboration in cultivating saltwater agricultural products, the innovators aim to decrease the reliance on freshwater resources. 

The company says this initiative is in direct response to the pressing global challenges posed by water scarcity.

The adoption of vertical farming technology not only maximizes space utilization, leading to significant yields per square meter, but it also reinforces the commitment to sustainable practices. 

Moreover, the initiative targets environmental betterment by focusing on lower transportation emissions and relying more on renewable sources of energy.

Technology behind transformation
The aquaponic technology at the core of this innovation integrates animal and plant cultivation techniques. The conventional approach involves using fish excretions dissolved in water as the nutrient foundation for plants. 

Becker flags that unlike classic aquaponic systems, their innovation is “a bit more complex.” 

“We use the fish water as a base and further process this for our nutrient solution. The analyses and underlying automation are not trivial, especially since we are dealing with saltwater and halophytes.”

Understanding the nature of halophytes, the salt-tolerant plants growing in high saline soil or water, are a significant challenge for the company, Becker states.

“On the one hand, we use UCS indoor farming plant technology. On the other, we use measurement and analysis technologies to gain deeper insights into biology and water chemistry.”

“This allows us to draw conclusions and gradually optimize our internal environmental conditions and processes. The indoor farming concept of UCS helps us to be completely independent from external influencing factors. Thus, Aixponic can theoretically produce food in all regions, regardless of possible harsh environmental conditions," he adds.

Beyond leafy greens
In recent years, scientists around the world have been exploring vertical farming as a future path for food production. Lettuce, basil as well as other leafy greens are some that can be commonly seen in vertical farms nowadays. 

The initiative is in direct response to the pressing global challenges posed by water scarcity.On expanding beyond traditional crops, Becker elaborates: “The great thing about indoor farming is that we can set any environmental conditions. In saltwater, we are focusing on Salicornia.” 

Salicornia is an ingredient that is gradually gaining popularity in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. It can be consumed fresh, fermented, cooked, dehydrated, or pickled, and it offers health and nutraceutical benefits through its bioactive compounds. Additionally, the seeds of this crop can also be possible to serve as sources of biofuel and edible oil.

Becker also tells us that they are experimenting with other halophytes and freshwater plants that exhibit some tolerance to saltwater.

“We are currently gaining important experience in the operation of the indoor farming plant as well as in the cultivation of the plants and their distribution. Saltwater vegetables are a niche product and our clear goal is to introduce these great plants to more customers and increase their popularity,” he concludes.

By Sichong Wang