Vertical Farming

Apr 19, 2019 | Experiences

by Carol Dimeff

Sandoval Extension Master Gardeners toured Sananbio, Inc. in Albuquerque, doing R&D on new cultivars of lettuce.

Julia Runyan, Ginger Golden, Carol Dimeff, Sharon Walsh and Nancy Yates

Plants are incubated from seed, then grown hydroponically under trademark LED lights, 30 cm. from light-to-bed.

Production averages 500 lbs./10,000 sq. ft./day, with 12-15 harvests per year.

Selection trials vary different light waves for optimal growth, including blue light for the development of anthocyanin. The LED lights are full-spectrum and have a long lifespan.

Participants were offered to taste various lettuces as well as their “Salanova Salad Mix”.

Visitors are generally restricted due to strict sanitation protocols, as no pesticides or herbicides are used at this facility.

We thank Michael Yates, Vice President of Technology Sales at Sananbio, Inc. who expertly described new technologies shaping commercial farming in inner cities. Sananbio is a leading manufacturer and integrator of horticulture LED lighting, and vertical farming grow systems, around the world.