The growing unit provides multiple benefits with the data and statistics of those benefits are documented below. These include land use savings, increased area of growing space, the quantity of crops and nutrients yielded from each unit. The goal is the produce nutrient dense, ‘functional foods’ (sometimes referred to as super foods).
EFFICIENT USE OF LAND
By using vertical farming methods we can increase the productivity of the space that is occupied by 16 times. A standard unit takes up 3 sqm of land and creates 48 sqm (+) by growing upwards whilst still respecting height limitations on the human body’s reach. A method highly suited for urban agriculture and fertile land scarce resources.
One growing unit contains 20 or more growing trays that can be configured with our innovative growing rig to grow various types of microgreens. The rigging system is designed to be light weight, low bulk and micro adjustable to ensure the light and water goes to where it has the greatest impact. The trays are a standardized size suitable for the ergonomics of one person.
With the vertical growing area and number of trays the unit can produce hundreds of portions of microgreens per growing cycle. We focus on microgreens since they are nutrient dense with fast growing cycles and efficient use of space and resources. A portion (30g) contains high levels of nutrients that vary in composition depending on the types chosen. (more on that below!)
NUTRIENTS IN EACH PORTION OF MICROGREENS
Research into the nutritional impact of a broad range of microgreens is still in its early stage. However evolving research indicates high levels of nutrients in very small quantities of plant mass, especially when compared to their more mature states of growth. In addition, this allows us to extract large percentages of nutrients with limited inputs of land, water, light and time resources.
Below is a sample of some microgreens that have been studied by the University of Maryland (links at bottom of page) and their associated health benefits and vitamins (RDI = recommended daily intake).
Broccoli Microgreens:
One portion (30g):
Vitamin C = 15mg (25% RDI)
Vitamin E = 7mg (50% RDI)
Additional benefits:
Also high in vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, protein and antioxidants that help prevent lung and colon cancers, bone health and improve digestion.
Pea Shoot Microgreens:
One portion (30g):
Vitamin C = 15mg (25% RDI)
Vitamin E = 10.5mg (60% RDI)
Additional benefits:
Also high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, protein, folate, fiber and antioxidants. Helps boost immune system, eye health, control blood sugar and anti-cancer effect.
Radish Microgreens:
One portion (30g):
Vitamin C = 21mg (35% RDI)
Vitamin E = 6mg (40% RDI)
Additional benefits:
Also high in Vitamin A, Vitamin K, beta-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, violaxanthin. Helps promote eye health, reduce risk of heart-related diseases, prevent some cancers.
Sunflower Microgreens:
One portion (30g):
Vitamin C = 7mg (11% RDI)
Vitamin E = 15mg (100% RDI)
Additional benefits:
Also high in protein, calcium, 8 essential amino acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin B complex, folic acid. Helps lower blood cholesterol, teeth and bone health, regulate hormones and heart health.
data source: https://microveggy.com/types-of-microgreens/
YIELDS IN WEIGHT
Within one growing unit there is 48 sqm meters of available growing space (20 trays). As a result this has the potential to yield the following quantities of the four types of microgreens listed above.
The above crops take between 7 and 14 days to grow from seed to ready to eat.
| TYPE | YIELD PER TRAY (600x400mm) | YIELD PER GROWING UNIT | NUMBER OF PORTIONS (30g) PER UNIT |
| BROCCOLI | 720 g | 14 kg | 480 |
| PEAS | 900 g | 18 kg | 600 |
| RADISH | 600 g | 12 kg | 400 |
| SUNFLOWER | 900 g | 18 kg | 600 |
STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY
The flexibility of the growing rig system allows for the crop types to be mixed. As a result, where a more varied production of crops may be required in the case of a smaller market segment of consumers this can be achieved. As seen from the nutrient content a mixed diet of varied microgreens will satisfy a broad range of nutritional needs. In the case of whole sale or distribution to a single large consumer the growing of all the same type of crop in one unit remains a possibility and changes to the mix can be easily implemented between growing cycles.
On going research:
The various benefits of microgreens are continuing to be researched, in the chart you can see a study of the various microgreen’s vitamin and mineral composition.
for more information visit:
- https://microveggy.com/types-of-microgreens/
- https://homemicrogreens.com/microgreens-seed-calculator/
- https://gardengearshop.com/microgreens-yield-per-tray/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267354000_Microgreens_Assessment_of_Nutrient_Concentrations
- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2018/FO/C8FO01182F#!divAbstract
- https://microgreensworld.com/broccoli-microgreens-nutrition/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/
