Digital Based Technology Approaches for Human Free Microgreen Agriculture to Support a Sustainable Future by Improving Nutrition and Monitoring Environmental Conditions

Abstract

Microgreens or seedlings refer to young plant vegetables harvested as soon as the first actual leaf or cotyledon stage occurs and are recognized as being more nutritious in comparison to other vegetables. Microgreens refer to young edible seedlings. Microgreens promote nutritional value and health benefits if incorporated in the daily diet of consumers. However, the existing production method makes it difficult to achieve high-quality production of the product, which should still be nutrient-dense. Environmental volatility, the risk of contamination, resource overuse or waste, tethering of the cultivation to labor resource, all of these factors are just some of the many challenges that are present and limit the food safety, scale and productivity of the crops grown. These challenges made the need for new and more precise methods of cultivation evident. Digital Microgreens cultivation is the first to bring together cutting-edge techniques which include the use of sensors, automation, Lighting Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and all of which integrated hydroponic systems, to maintain optimal levels of all relevant elements of plant growth including temperature, humidity, light, water and nutrient cycles. Mobile and computer applications facilitate real time system monitoring, which in turn fosters data-driven management which guarantees consistent growth, optimum yields and enhanced nutritional density. Furthermore, digital farming greatly facilitates water conservation, reduction in the wastage of nutrients as well as the reduction in labor, while at the same time ensuring clean growth environments. Digital microgreens farming, in general, is a sustainable and efficient approach to modern farming. Its application in indoor settings, along with the ability to produce continuously without any concern for climatic conditions, makes it a promising technique for future food security. The use of smart technology together with sustainable farming practices, such as in microgreens farming, is extremely helpful in catering to demands for healthy food and ensuring that sustainable farming practices are used in farming.