Closed-loop hydroponic cultivation, with high water and fertilizer use efficiency, for the production of vegetables

The research activity covered by this contract will focus on the development and validation of closed-loop hydroponic cultivation protocols for vegetable production, characterized by high water and fertilizer use efficiency. The activities will include: i) the use of sensors and decision-making models to optimize the management of the nutrient solution and the microclimate; ii) the analysis of agronomic and nutritional factors that influence nickel accumulation in the edible parts of the plants; and iii) the evaluation of agronomic and biological strategies aimed at reducing—or even entirely eliminating—the use of synthetic plant protection products. The experimentation, conducted across various crop cycles and growing environments, will allow for the assessment of produce quality and the efficiency with which agronomic inputs are utilized.