Evaluation of Multiphase Airlift Pump Technology for Increased Salad Green Yields in Controlled Environments
One of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century is adapting agricultural production to meet the demands of a growing population. Conventional agricultural practices face significant obstacles, including declining soil fertility. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) offers a promising solution, providing benefits like improved land use, water efficiency, and higher yields. However, high energy consumption remains a significant limitation that hinders its widespread adoption. This study explores the potential of multiphase airlift pump technology to improve hydroponic salad green yields while reducing energy use. Traditional systems rely on submersible pumps for water circulation and air stones for oxygenation, both requiring consistent maintenance due to biomass clogging, which can negatively impact yield. By minimizing maintenance and energy consumption, airlift pumps could promote the wider adoption of CEA. The effects of airlift pump technology on yield were evaluated by analyzing the growth of B. oleracea 'cv. Starbor' and L. sativa 'cv. Rex' in three deep water culture (DWC) systems: with supplemental aeration, without aeration, and with airlift pump technology. For L. sativa, no significant differences in fresh or dry weight were observed across systems. However, for B. oleracea, both fresh and dry weight were significantly higher in the airlift system compared to the positive and negative controls. These findings suggest that multiphase airlift pump technology can enhance yields for oxygen-sensitive crops, offering a promising alternative to the traditional combination of submersible pumps and air stones.