INNOVATION OBJECTIVE: To build a knowledge base to achieve an industrial breakthrough in multilayer cultivation, in plant factories and greenhouses.
CONTEXT: The cultivation of vegetables is evolving rapidly. A current evolution is the step towards multilayer cultivation (vertical farming). This new cultivation method requires knowledge about the dynamic interaction between plant and climate where the effects on yield and quality are crucial: how can light, temperature, relative humidity and CO₂ and their spatial gradients are used to grow high quality vegetables on a limited surface. The optimal use of space in the urban environment or in existing greenhouses for production, coupled with quality features become an interesting business model. Still questions remain how a dynamic climate during the growth and development of the crop results in optimal productivity and quality. This is challenging given the close link between plant and climate. This project proposal can be made here provide groundbreaking solutions.