A recent independent study published by the University of Turin concludes that NGS performs better than similar hydroponic systems.
According to an independent study carried out by the University of Turin, the technology offered by NGS, one of the most important manufacturers of hydroponics equipment in Europe, is an innovative, versatile SCS (Soil-less Cultivation System) with remarkable commercial and production advantages and suitable for growing plants as it promotes root aeration and prevents the obstruction of Hydroponic Nutrient Solution (HNS) flow. A Lab-Scale Pilot Plant (hereinafter, LSPP) based on NGS technology was set up in a greenhouse under mild continental climate conditions to obtain a standardized, homogeneous, and representative experimental system. The LSPP was designed, set up and implemented to exploit the potentiality of the NGS technology to reach technical and system improvements.
The LSPP allows the rollout of multiple treatments and replicates to perform reliable statistical design and data analyses. In light of this, results show that the use of NGS avoids negative impacts on surrounding ecosystems and the contamination of groundwater used by humans. An additional benefit is its great potential for automation (thus saving labor costs relating to planting and harvesting) and the opportunity to manage optimal plant density during crop cycles. Additional benefits of NGS’s system identified by this study are improved input control and crop maturation, applicability to multiple species and greater oxygenation when compared to other SCS.
