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Cultivating microgreens in central-southern Chile in unheated greenhouses offers a viable and productive alternative to growers. In 2023, two experiments were conducted in autumn and spring. These experiments involved the production of microgreens of eleven vegetable species. The tray system with the substrate was employed. Subsequently, agronomic, nutritional, and sensory perception variables were assessed. Despite notable fluctuations in external temperatures between these seasons, a diverse array of microgreens can be successfully cultivated, meeting local consumer preferences. Research indicates that microgreens grown under these conditions exhibit high nutritional quality, serving as a rich source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds beneficial to human health. This nutritional value remains consistent across autumn and spring, establishing microgreens as a reliable and valuable food option. The observed acceptance and purchasing intentions among the surveyed population suggest a promising market opportunity for introducing these products regionally. Consumers appreciate microgreens’ quality and nutritional advantages, underscoring their potential.

Urban agriculture has emerged as a crucial strategy to address food security and sustainability challenges, particularly in densely populated areas. This study focused on enhancing leafy greens’ production, specifically lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and arugula or rocket (Eruca sativa L.), using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems and automation in container-based vertical farming. The study utilized a 20-foot shipping container retrofitted to create a thermally insulated and automated growth environment equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting and precise climate control systems. The results demonstrated significant improvements in crop yields, with the NFT systems achieving productivity up to 11 times higher than traditional methods in protected horticulture. These systems enabled continuous cultivation cycles, responding to the high market demand for fresh local produce. Moreover, the integration of low-cost sensors and automation technologies, each costing under USD 300, ensured that the environmental conditions were consistently optimal, highlighting this approach’s economic feasibility and scalability. This low-cost framework aligns with industry standards for affordable technology, making it accessible for small- to medium-sized urban agriculture enterprises. This study underscores the potential of vertical farming as a sustainable solution for urban food production. It provides a model that can be replicated and scaled to meet the growing demand for healthy, locally grown vegetables.

This review article conducts an in-depth analysis of the role of next-generation technologies in soilless vegetable production, highlighting their groundbreaking potential to revolutionize yield, efficiency, and sustainability. These technologies, such as AI-driven monitoring systems and precision farming methods, offer unparalleled accuracy in monitoring critical variables such as nutrient concentrations and pH levels. However, the paper also addresses the multifaceted challenges that hinder the widespread adoption of these technologies. The high initial investment costs pose a significant barrier, particularly for small- and medium-scale farmers, thereby risking the creation of a technological divide in the industry. Additionally, the technical complexity of these systems demands specialized expertise, potentially exacerbating knowledge gaps among farmers. Other considerations are scrutinized, including data privacy concerns and potential job displacement due to automation. Regulatory challenges, such as international trade regulations and policy frameworks, are discussed, as they may need revision to accommodate these new technologies. The paper concludes by emphasizing that while these sustainable technologies offer transformative benefits, their potential for broad adoption is constrained by a complex interplay of financial, technical, regulatory, and social factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivating microgreens in central-southern Chile in unheated greenhouses offers a viable and productive alternative to growers. In 2023, two experiments were conducted in autumn and spring. These experiments involved the production of microgreens of eleven vegetable species. The tray system with the substrate was employed. Subsequently, agronomic, nutritional, and sensory perception variables were assessed. Despite notable fluctuations in external temperatures between these seasons, a diverse array of microgreens can be successfully cultivated, meeting local consumer preferences. Research indicates that microgreens grown under these conditions exhibit high nutritional quality, serving as a rich source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds beneficial to human health. This nutritional value remains consistent across autumn and spring, establishing microgreens as a reliable and valuable food option. The observed acceptance and purchasing intentions among the surveyed population suggest a promising market opportunity for introducing these products regionally. Consumers appreciate microgreens' quality and nutritional advantages, underscoring their potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban agriculture has emerged as a crucial strategy to address food security and sustainability challenges, particularly in densely populated areas. This study focused on enhancing leafy greens' production, specifically lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and arugula or rocket (Eruca sativa L.), using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems and automation in container-based vertical farming. The study utilized a 20-foot shipping container retrofitted to create a thermally insulated and automated growth environment equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting and precise climate control systems. The results demonstrated significant improvements in crop yields, with the NFT systems achieving productivity up to 11 times higher than traditional methods in protected horticulture. These systems enabled continuous cultivation cycles, responding to the high market demand for fresh local produce. Moreover, the integration of low-cost sensors and automation technologies, each costing under USD 300, ensured that the environmental conditions were consistently optimal, highlighting this approach's economic feasibility and scalability. This low-cost framework aligns with industry standards for affordable technology, making it accessible for small- to medium-sized urban agriculture enterprises. This study underscores the potential of vertical farming as a sustainable solution for urban food production. It provides a model that can be replicated and scaled to meet the growing demand for healthy, locally grown vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]