Open Access

Finn Petersen, Jannis von Salzen, Andreas Ulbrich

• Duckweeds are promising plants with a variety of possible applications in the future, such as human and animal nutrition, biotechnology, or wastewater treatment. Protein contents of up to 45 % with an amino acid distribution close to WHO recommendations, starch contents of up to 65 % in the turions (both based on dry weight) and fast growth rates make these plants highly interesting. To achieve consistently high yields of defined product quality, a standardized production process is essential. The concept of re- circulating indoor vertical farming (IVF) offers a solution for year-round cultivation, independent of climatic conditions, optimizing space and resource use. At Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, Germany, an advanced IVF system for duckweed biomass production has been established (Petersen et al., 2022). Recent innovations in this system include: Technical management innovation: A newly developed controller was installed in a second re-circulating IVF system for duckweed biomass production, improving uniformity and user- friendliness in growth parameter management through a single software solution. Nutrient management innovation: Nutrient supply in a re-circulating IVF based on the electrical conductivity can lead to nutrient imbalances over time, adversely affecting duckweed growth and quality. The implementation and adaptation of a single nutrient control and dosing system may be a solution to address these imbalances. These advancements represent important steps toward an easier and more consistent IVF system operation and enhancing the reliability of duckweed yield and biomass quality.