Evaluation of the potential for producing fodder barley grass via a vertical farming system in terms of yield, quality, environmental, and economic aspects
Project no. 23817 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2022
Summary
<p>In this study, the effects of different temperature conditions (18±1 °C, 23±1 °C, 28±1 °C) and different irrigation amounts (400, 500, 600, 700, 800 mL/m² day) on yield, feed quality, water-use efficiency, energy efficiency, carbon and water footprints, and economic performance were investigated for barley fodder production in a vertical farming system. The plants were grown in a prototype multi-tier vertical system located in a controlled-environment chamber, under LED lighting with an 18-h light/6-h dark cycle, 70–80% relative humidity, and controlled irrigation, using 8-day growing cycles. The experiment was conducted with four replicates; after evaluating germination parameters across 19 barley cultivars to determine the most suitable one (Şahindere), the water and temperature treatments were applied. The highest fresh yield (13.5 kg/m²) was observed at 23 °C. Lower irrigation levels and the 23 °C condition stood out for efficient water use. Feed-quality analyses showed crude protein of 17–20%, NDF of 38–45%, ADF of 20–28%, and ADL of 3–5%. Harvesting on day 7, compared with day 8, offered a nutritional advantage by providing higher crude protein and lower fiber fractions. Based on the results, harvesting on day 7 at 23 °C with 600 mL/m² day irrigation (Dry Matter = 1.9 kg/m²) ensured high yield and feed quality. In terms of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results, producing 1 metric ton of fresh barley fodder required 3,500 kWh of electricity and 0.62 m³ of water, and the carbon footprint was calculated as 1,810 kg CO₂-eq per ton; more than half of this impact was attributable to electricity consumption. According to the economic analysis, under current conditions a 100 m² system producing approximately 200 tons of fresh feed annually would yield a modest profit margin of about 19% at prevailing market prices. Overall, for optimal yield and quality in vertical-farming production of barley fodder, a temperature of 23 °C, irrigation of 600 mL/m² day, and a 7-day growing period are recommended. Moreover, integrating renewable energy or increasing yield are highlighted as strategies that would strengthen both the economic and environmental sustainability of the system.</p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong> Vertical farming, barley fodder, life cycle assessment, water use efficiency</p>