How does AEROponics works? Advantages of AEROponics compared to HYDROponics or Open Field farming? How will modern farming contribute to global food security and address agricultural challenges and how will we see its evolution in the coming years?
Fructidor.com (the leading international guide for fruit & vegetable buyers) asked to Bruno Cheval, the CleanGreens Solutions CEO some of these questions. Let's see!
"CleanGreens Solutions is a pioneering Swiss company specializing in AEROponics within greenhouses. Their distinctive farming system reflects a dedication to addressing challenges in food production, including water scarcity, land depletion, pesticide use, and resource overconsumption. Designed to grow a diverse array of crops, such as leafy greens and aromatic herbs, year-round and in any climate, CleanGreens has been at the forefront of AEROponics in greenhouses since 2013.", Fructidor says.
#1: "Could you provide a concise overview of CleanGreens Solutions and its mission in the field of AEROponics?"
Bruno Cheval: "CleanGreens Solutions addresses critical challenges in food production by offering a unique AEROponic farming system. Since 2013, we have been pioneering AEROponics in greenhouses, providing a sustainable solution for growing various crops year-round. Our mission is to establish AEROponics as a standard in every greenhouse, promoting resilient and profitable agriculture."
#2: "What inspired the development of AEROponics, and how does it differ from traditional farming methods?"
Bruno Cheval: "While there are familiar methods like vertical farming or HYDROponics, our focus is on AEROponics. Our GREENOVA system is soilless, with roots suspended in the air. Imagine a 7000m2 greenhouse in the desert producing crops year-round, saving 96% of water compared to traditional methods. AEROponics, with its separate root system, reduces phytosanitary risks and offers consistent, high-quality plants."
#3: "How does AEROponics work, and what advantages does it offer over traditional soil-based farming and hydroponics?"
Bruno Cheval: "AEROponics involves growing plants with roots in the air, nourishing them by spraying water and nutrients. Our GREENOVA system has unique features, including movable modules and a rolling robot spraying roots from below. This setup reduces phytosanitary risks, saves water, and ensures homogeneity and quality plants through high oxygenation."
#4: "What led CleanGreens Solutions to focus specifically on developing aeroponics technology?"
Bruno Cheval: "CleanGreens Solutions is driven by a commitment to solving real challenges in agriculture. We work closely with agronomic experts and growers to ensure our technology meets their needs. Our focus on AEROponics in greenhouses is a result of over 7 years of continuous development and improvement, guided by transparency and collaboration with our team of engineers and automation experts."
#5: "Could you explain the AEROponics process in more detail?"
Bruno Cheval: "Our AEROponics process involves seeding, nursery, module management, plantation, plant growth, and harvesting. With automated systems, modules can be moved, and a rolling robot ensures roots are consistently sprayed. The process ensures efficient circulation, reduces contamination risks, and promotes the overall health of plants."
#6: "How does CleanGreens Solutions ensure precise water and nutrient delivery to plants?"
Bruno Cheval: "Our system provides everything plants need for controlled growth. The roots hang in darkness, ensuring healthy oxygen intake. Water and nutrients are precisely sprayed by a rolling robot, meeting the specific requirements of each plant in a controlled environment."
#7: "How does CleanGreens Solutions achieve zero pesticides, and what are the implications for food safety?"
Bruno Cheval: "AEROponics eliminates the need for pesticides by growing in a controlled environment without soil. The harvested product is ready to eat, and while we don't carry an organic label due to soil cultivation requirements (basically because we grow soilless), our system ensures zero pesticide use, contributing to food safety."
#8: "How do you see AEROponics shaping the future of agriculture, and what role does CleanGreens Solutions aim to play in this transformation?"
Bruno Cheval: "AEROponics, particularly our system, is positioned as a superior solution. We aim to differentiate ourselves from other practices, ensuring everyone understands the efficiency and benefits of AEROponics. While supporting colleagues in the industry, we believe AEROponics, especially with our revolutionary approach, will contribute significantly to the future of agriculture."
#9: "Are there specific crops that benefit most from the aeroponics approach?"
Bruno Cheval: "Our AEROponic system is versatile, supporting the growth of over 100 leafy green plants and 100 aromatic herbs. Lettuces, especially Romaine lettuces, basil, spinach, and baby leaf plants thrive with our technology. Ongoing research and development allow us to explore new variants and remain open to different species."
#10: "What challenges has CleanGreens Solutions encountered in implementing AEROponics on a larger scale, and how have you addressed them?"
Bruno Cheval: "Our system is designed for large-scale installations, as demonstrated by a 7000m2 greenhouse in Kuwait. Scalability challenges have been addressed by showcasing our installations to interested parties. As we continue to develop innovative technology, scalability remains a focus to have a significant impact on global food production."
Interesting, right? Want to keep reading?
Read the full article here, you will love it!
Thanks again to Fructidor for the interview
And stay tuned for more AEROponics information!