Vegetables at Height: Research and Efficient Management of Vertical Hydroponic Systems in San Luis Potosí, Mexico
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59741/agraria.v23i3.777Keywords:
Fertigation, nutrient solution, recirculation, water-use efficiency, plant nutrition, technology transferAbstract
Hydroponic vertical farming can intensify vegetable production through vertical-space use and controlled water and nutrient management. The Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, through the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, implemented HORTIVERT-UASLP, the University Platform for Vertical Horticulture, to strengthen applied research, student training, science communication, and technology transfer. The platform occupies a 128 m² greenhouse and integrates four GrowPipes® units and 15 TIRUSS® towers, with a nominal capacity of 1,875 growing sites. Kale, lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach, strawberry, and basil have been established, and studies have addressed nutrient-solution management, plant position, and water- and nutrient-use efficiency. In lettuce, 45% nutrient-solution renewal favored harvested weight and head formation; in Swiss chard, nutrient-solution concentration influenced resource-use efficiency. Collaboration with the University of Almería enables comparisons between Mediterranean and semi-arid conditions. HORTIVERT-UASLP integrates research, training, and technology transfer in vertical horticulture.
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