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International Development Advisors |
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Building training and research standards for innovation and sustainable outcomes |
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The Planetary Rotogro System |
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Copyright Nakhlatec 2020® 01 April 2020 |
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Main features and operational advantages for urban farming applications
Not a solid enclosed structure since it is covered with Peritherm sheeting — reflectant greenhouse shading material which allows direct servicing access from all sides of the rig apparatus;
Operates inside insulated buildings anywhere integrated into a hydroponic/aquaponic network: no need for natural daylight, only LEDs and ambient building temperatures (15 - 25°C);
Intensive nature of plant raising (30K plant units/metre/year) saves floor space (ca 13:1) avoiding extremes in climate - heavy snowfall, hailstones and high winds. One 6-metre rig with a six roller configuration can support a canopy of 158 square metres;
Highly flexible roller design can facilitate alternating production of microgreens, salads, herbs and bedding plants as and when required with minimal rig, roller and lighting adjustments required between crop;
Production independent of seasonal perturbations affecting taste and produce marketability;
Benefits to any future business model: high efficiency energy input to fresh food output; floor rental costs reduced; re-useable foam plant support system minimises carbon footprint. Availability of residual heat from industrial factory processes makes PRUs highly attractive commercial proposition since with availability of external heating resources, return on capital investment can be as short as 18 months;
Demountable rollers allow scoping and integration of semi-automated upstream and downstream operations (ie. for planting and crop harvesting);
Rapid turnaround and short cycle features provide excellent back-up when plants are urgently needed to fill quotas generated by activities outside of main production, eg. education/community projects/exhibitions etc;
Unique foam plant support belt system allows delicate materials, e.g. young seedlings and microplants from tissue culture, to be hardened and weaned rapidly.
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