Holistic palak cultivation: standardizing media, nutrients in vertical A-frames for extended shelf life efficiency

Abstract

The cultivation of green leafy vegetables is crucial for improving our nation’s nutritional security. Challenges like limited arable land and excessive fertilizer use have become significant concerns on cultivating in open field. To address these issues, vertical farming technology, with a focus on space optimization and hydroponic integration to manage fertilizer use, is gaining attention. This experiment aims to determine the best growing media and nutrient solutions for palak in an A-framed vertical unit. Three growing media were tested: coir pith (M₀), Rockwool (M₁), and a 1:1 mix of coir pith and vermiculite (M₂). Various combinations of water-soluble fertilizers [Ca (NO₃)₂, MAP, and SOP] were used for each crop’s nutrient recipe preparation. Optimal yields were achieved when palak were grown in a coir pith and vermiculite mix with nutrient concentrations of 60:50:60 ppm. Despite high yields, green leafy vegetables face rapid spoilage and storage challenges. The study examined factors affecting post-harvest quality, including storage conditions (ambient at 35 ± 5°C, refrigerated at 5 ± 5°C), packing substrates (low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene covers), and gas compositions with modified atmosphere packaging. Results showed that refrigerated storage with low-density polyethylene packing and a gas composition of 6% O₂, 5% CO₂, and 89% N₂ (G₂) resulted in the least deterioration in physiological attributes and overall visual quality. This study highlights the potential of vertical farming technology, precise nutrient management, and advanced post-harvest techniques for sustainable production and preservation of green leafy vegetables to meet our nation’s nutritional security needs.

1 Introduction

The surge in interest and demand for the consumption of green leafy vegetables has garnered considerable attention in recent times. This increased focus is primarily attributed to India’s persistent nutritional requirements, notwithstanding significant developmental advancements. However, the sustainable fulfillment of these nutritional needs faces challenges due to concurrent population growth and the diminishing availability of arable land. Noticeable declines in soil productivity and fertility, coupled with a reduction in per capita land allocation, underscore these challenges (Lambin, 2012; Lal, 2015; Lehman et al., 2015).

To address the aforementioned soil-related challenges, a viable solution lies in the adoption of soilless cultivation methodologies (Ahmed et al., 2021). Furthermore, the global population is projected to reach 8.9 billion by 2050, necessitating a 50% increase in food production. However, obtaining additional arable land to meet this demand is increasingly impractical, due to a noted decrease in cropland area in significant countries such as the United States (−15%) and Russia (−8%) (FAO, 2021). Conversely, in India and China, the cropland area has remained relatively stable or exhibited minimal fluctuations during a study from the period of 1990 to 2019. In the context of Indian agriculture, vertical farming emerges as a promising cultivation method (Davis et al., 2016; Naskoori et al., 2021; Mir et al., 2022). This precision agriculture technology facilitates controlled management of nutrients and water, with sustainability as its primary objective. Research by Cıceklı and Barlas (2014) suggests that one acre of vertical farming can yield the equivalent of 4–6 acres of conventional cultivation, optimizing land utilization.

Leafy vegetables, such as palak, hold significant promise for cultivation within the realm of vertical farming coupled with hydroponics, as highlighted by Velazquez-Gonzalez et al. (2022). These nutritionally rich greens have diverse growth requirements that necessitate meticulous attention (Albadwawi et al., 2022). Establishing appropriate growing media and nutrient profiles not only forms the foundation but also unlocks the potential to cultivate a variety of leafy vegetables using this innovative methodology (Alneyadi et al., 2024).

Despite notable advancements in cultivation techniques, the transpiration process remains a critical factor for leafy vegetables. Furthermore, despite high yields, a significant 30% of India’s fruits and vegetables (equivalent to 40 million tons, valued at around US$ 13 billion) go to waste annually due to cold chain issues, including infrastructure, storage, proximity to farms, and transportation (Maheshwar and Chanakwa, 2006). For instance, lettuce has a maximum allowable water loss of 3% (Paull, 1999; Agüero et al., 2011).

This study has been meticulously designed to comprehensively explore these potentials. Specifically, it involves the rigorous testing of three distinct nutrient combinations for the growth of palak, all in conjunction with three different growth substrates. Additionally, we have investigated influential factors that impact the preservation of the shelf life of this lush green leafy vegetable. Thus, this study is undertaken to enhance the quality of palak cultivation and extend the longevity of the cultivated produce.

2 Materials and methods

2.1 Media and nutrient standardization

The research on the influence of media and nutrient performance on palak growth was carried out at the vertical unit situated in the university orchard of the Department of Vegetable Science, Horticulture College and Research Institute, TNAU, Coimbatore, spanning the academic year from 2022 to 2023. This study took place within an A-framed vertical structure, comprising approximately five pipes on each side, totaling 10 pipes. Each pipe accommodated a spacing plan of 40 plants at 15 cm intervals. The system functioned under non-circulating conditions, facilitating the implementation of diverse nutrient compositions within each pipe. This configuration offered an experimental setting to examine the impact of different nutrient solutions on the growth and development of palak. Once weekly, the entire water content of the unit was drained, and fresh water (RO water) was introduced into the pipes, followed by the application of nutrient solution, divided according to the respective treatments. Initially, the pH and EC of the nutrient solution were adjusted to desired levels. Subsequently, fluctuations in these chemical parameters were monitored throughout the week.

2.1.1 Growing media

In the course of this inquiry, three distinct substrates were utilized: coir pith, Rockwool, and vermiculite. The physical characteristics of these growing media underwent thorough evaluation employing established methodologies outlined by Verdonck and Gabriels (1992), Pire and Pereira (2003), and Caso et al. (2008). Calculations for each property were conducted using specific formulas tailored to individual characteristics, as detailed in the respective references. The corresponding formulas employed for the comprehensive study of the physical parameters are provided in Table 1.

The chemical parameters, specifically pH and electrical conductivity (EC), of the growing media underwent thorough analysis. For pH determination, a 10 g sample was meticulously diluted in 50 mL of distilled water, agitated for 30 min, and left undisturbed for 24 h. The resulting filtered mixture was then precisely measured using a pH meter. In the case of electrical conductivity (EC) determination, a 40 g sample was carefully mixed with 80 mL of distilled water, subjected to agitation for 15 min, and allowed to stand undisturbed for 60 min. Subsequently, the filtered mixture was accurately measured utilizing an EC meter. These rigorous and meticulous procedures were implemented to ensure the precision of measurements for both pH and EC, as they serve as critical indicators of growing media quality and nutrient availability.

2.1.2 Nutrient solution

In this investigation, nutrient sources from Indian Farm Forestry Development Cooperative (IFFCO), namely Ca(NO₃)₂, Monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and Potassium sulfate (SOP), were employed to supply essential nutrients to the crops. The composition of these nutrient sources was carefully tailored for each crop treatment. Precisely measured quantities of fertilizers were individually diluted with purified R.O. water. After a 15-min period to ensure complete dissolution, the resulting nutrient solutions were thoughtfully combined into a single reservoir.

Before dilution, the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) of R.O. water were meticulously measured. Once the fertilizer was appropriately diluted to achieve the desired concentration, pH, EC, and TDS parameters were retested in the diluted solution after a 30-min interval. This detailed procedure ensured the accurate monitoring of pH, EC, and TDS levels, optimizing nutrient delivery to the plants. Portable pH and EC meters, specifically the KONVIO Digital pocket Pen Type pH meter and TDS&EC meter, were employed for these measurements.

In accordance with the FCRD design, treatments were formulated by maintaining two factors (Media-M and Nutrient solution-N) as detailed in Table 2. Each treatment was replicated three times to ensure robustness and reliability in the experimental outcomes.

2.1.3 Parameters studied

Palak plants underwent meticulous assessments at two crucial time points—specifically, the 15th and 25th days following the initiation of treatment. A comprehensive array of response variables was rigorously measured to elucidate the growth, development, and physiological aspects of the palak plants. These variables encompassed plant height (cm), number of leaves, yield (g/plant), leaf area index (LAI), leaf area ratio (LAR), leaf area duration (LAD), specific leaf area (SLA), root length (cm), root fresh weight (g), root dry weight (g), shoot length (cm), shoot fresh weight (g), shoot dry weight (g), and leaf chlorophyll content. The determination of chlorophyll content adhered to the Wellburn (1994) technique.

2.2 Modified atmosphere packing

The packaging experiment was conducted at the Department of Food Processing and Engineering, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. The harvested botanical specimens from the vertical farm underwent a rigorous aqueous washing process for thorough cleansing, adhering to Adams et al. (1989) guidelines. Post-purification, meticulous ablution with a delicate cloth ensured the elimination of residual impurities from the verdant foliage. Precise 250-gram masses of the green leafy vegetables were then thoughtfully allocated for packaging in designated encasements. Scientific rigor was maintained through an intricate Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) framework, encompassing 12 distinct treatment regimens, each replicated three times for every treatment. Specially crafted encasements made from Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) with dimensions of 10 × 12 inches and a standardized 100-micron thickness were employed to safeguard the produce. Table 3 illustrates the treatment combinations, emphasizing the systematic and controlled nature of the experimental design.

The experimental setup involved daily measurements to monitor physiological weight loss, providing continuous assessment, while other factors like moisture loss, firmness, and quality ranking were evaluated at the spoilage period’s conclusion. This methodological approach allowed for nuanced examination of daily weight fluctuations and captured conclusive outcomes for additional parameters, offering a comprehensive understanding of variables throughout the entire experimental duration.

2.2.1 Instrumentation detail and principle

Gas mixing was conducted using a gas mixing unit (MAP mix 8000 EL, PBI Dansensor). This unit comprises gas cylinders for oxygen (black), carbon dioxide (red), and nitrogen (blue), as well as a MAP mix and a buffer or storage tank. Each gas cylinder, containing the required gases, is connected to the gas mixer via separate tubes. The gas mixer maintains a pressure of eight bars, while the storage container is kept at four bars. Initially, the valves of the flow meter were closed. The desired gas composition was set by adjusting the CO₂, N₂, and O₂ knobs sequentially. CO₂ levels were set first, followed by N₂. Gas at four-bar pressure was then transferred from the mixer to the storage tank, which has a capacity of 10 L. Through a common tube, the desired gas composition was flushed and sealed using a vacuum sealing machine. The vacuum packaging machine operates on the principle of creating a vacuum inside the package. After achieving a vacuum, the desired gas mixture from the storage tank is introduced to break the vacuum. The vacuum level of the machine was set at 760 mmHg. In the machine, the desired vacuum level and gas flushing mode were adjusted. For single gas flushing (where the mixed gas was treated as a single gas), the vacuum level in each flush was maintained equal (e.g., 300 mmHg). Heating and cooling times were set based on the type of packaging materials used.

2.2.2 Parameters studied

For the longevity study of palak when packed using modified atmospheric packing, several key parameters were measured, including physiological loss in weight (%), fiberness, moisture loss, and quality ranking (Table 4). These parameters were selected to comprehensively evaluate the impact of modified atmospheric packing on the palak’s shelf life, considering both physiological and sensory aspects.

2.3 Statistical analysis

The pooled mean data taken from the study underwent a rigorous process of analysis and interpretation. Initially, Microsoft Excel software was employed for meticulous data processing. Subsequently, to facilitate a more comprehensive and sophisticated examination of the obtained dataset, the statistical software R Studio (agricolae and ggplot2 package) was utilized. To evaluate the significance of the observed differences across various parameters, the ANOVA technique was applied. In this context, a significance level of p = 0.05 was utilized to assess and compare the mean differences between the different treatment groups.

3 Results and discussion

3.1 Physical and chemical properties of the media

Table 5 provides a comprehensive overview of the physical and chemical properties of the growing media. The analysis of bulk density across different growing media reveals that coir pith has the highest density at 0.194 g/cm³, followed by the combination of coir and vermiculite at 0.178 g/cm³, and rock wool at 0.079 g/cm³. In contrast, concerning water-holding capacity and air-filled porosity, the coir pith and vermiculite combination exhibit superior performance with values of 69.4 and 17.1%, respectively. This is closely followed by coir pith alone, which demonstrates values of 57.7% for water-holding capacity and 12.28% for air-filled porosity. On the other hand, rock wool displays values of 41.9% for water-holding capacity and 9.5% for air-filled porosity.

Regarding pH levels, the coir and vermiculite combination exhibit the highest value at 6.3, followed by rock wool at 5.9, and then coir pith at 5.2. Conversely, the electrical conductivity (EC) value is lowest for the coir pith and vermiculite combination at 0.92 dS/m, followed by coir pith alone at 1.32 dS/m, and then rock wool at 1.86 dS/m. These findings align with the research conducted by Valverde et al. (2013). Additionally, a growing substrate with lower water-holding capacity can potentially hinder plant growth by limiting water availability. This issue is further compounded by restricted root growth, reducing the surface area available for water uptake, as noted by Aghdak et al. (2016).

In a similar context, Kennard et al. (2020) underscore the significance of a growing substrate’s ability to consistently supply water to support crop growth, particularly in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems.

3.2 Chemical properties of the nutrient solution

The pH level plays a pivotal role in shaping the characteristics of the nutrient solution, exerting a significant impact on plant growth, either positively or negatively (Roosta, 2011). Research indicates that as the pH value increases, the uptake of essential micronutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, and copper, as well as macro-nutrients like phosphorus, can be adversely affected. Conversely, lower pH levels can limit the availability of potassium, sulfur, calcium, and manganese to plants (Marschner, 1995).

Upon a comprehensive analysis of the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) values for various nutrient solutions collected at weekly intervals, as outlined in Table 6, discernible fluctuations were evident both among different crop varieties and across nutrient combinations within each weekly timeframe. In the analysis of data pertaining to the palak nutrient combination, it is evident that N1 recorded the maximum values across all parameters during the 3rd week, with a pH of 6.3, EC of 0.43 dS/m, and TDS of 275.2 ppm. A similar trend was noted in a study by Whipker et al. (1996), where an increase in pH led to a decrease in leaf area, leaf count, shoot dry weight, and photosynthetic efficiency in lettuce. Additionally, Roosta (2011) found in another study on lettuce that lower pH levels resulted in higher micronutrient concentrations in the crop’s shoots.

Extreme EC values, whether too high or too low, can have detrimental effects on the visual appeal, yield, and phytochemical composition of the produce, resulting in less attractive colors and flavors for consumers. Moreover, such extremes can lead to health concerns due to nitrate accumulation (Yang et al., 2021).

3.3 Growth parameters

The summarized results of the statistical analysis, demonstrating significant differences among all the treatments in palak cultivation for all growth parameters, are presented in Tables 7–11. The analysis revealed that each individual factor contributed equally to the response variable. However, when exploring the interaction effects, variations were observed compared to the effects of individual factors on the response variable. These findings underscore the importance of considering not only individual factors but also their interactions when evaluating and interpreting the outcomes in palak cultivation. The intricate interplay between different factors can have a nuanced impact on the overall response, necessitating a comprehensive understanding for effective cultivation practices and optimal results. Figures 1–3 visually depict the differentiation among the treatments over the palak growth and the graphical representation of the treatment variation is been depicted in Figure 4 (Plant height), Figure 5 (Number of leaves), Figure 6 (Yield), and Figure 7 (Leaf Chlorophyll content, Root length, Shoot length).

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

3.3.1 Plant height (cm)

Jones et al. (2017) reported that plants grown in hydroponics, receiving full and precisely balanced nutrients, exhibit tremendous growth. In the case of palak, the plant height ranged from 9.70 to 62.40 cm. The highest plant height was recorded in the treatment M₂N₂, measuring 54.68 cm on the 15th DAP and 62.40 cm on the 25th DAP. This was closely followed by M₀N₂, resulting in the highest plant heights of 46.05 and 56.49 cm on the 15 and 25th DAP, respectively. Conversely, the lowest plant height was observed in M₂N₁, with a height of 9.29 cm on the 15th DAP and 9.70 cm on the 25th DAP. These findings align with the research conducted by Sutnga et al. (2021), which emphasizes that the ideal nutrient concentration plays a pivotal role in promoting healthy plant growth and yield, particularly when nitrogen levels are applied optimally. Their study found that the nitrogen content remained stable at about 12.5 mL per plant across treatments, without significant increases or decreases. These results also resonate with the findings of Öztekin et al. (2018) in the context of spinach cultivation (Figure 7).

Figure 7

3.3.2 Number of leaves

A notable variation in the number of leaves was observed in cultivated palak, with treatment M₂N₂ standing out with 42.90 and 37.57 leaves, followed by the M₂N₀ treatment with 27.00 and 34.70 leaves at the 15 and 25th DAP. The minimum number of leaves was recorded in the M₁N₁ treatment, with 9.37 and 5 leaves. These findings display some deviation from the suggestions of Petropoulos et al. (2016), yet they align with the findings of Sapkota et al. (2019) in their study on lettuce. Additionally, they are consistent with the research conducted by Adams (2002) on nutritional control in hydroponics.

3.3.3 Yield (g/plant)

The M₂N₂ treatment exhibited the maximum yield, producing 43.17 and 66.86 g per plant at the 15 and 25th DAP, respectively. Following closely, the M₂N₀ treatment yielded 32.90 and 59.42 g per plant. The minimum yield was recorded in the M₁N₁ treatment, with 4.10 and 27.53 g per plant. Li et al. (2018) emphasized that biomass yield from NFT-grown lettuce is comparatively higher than other growth systems. Chhetri et al. (2022) reported that when cultivating lettuce and pokchoi in NFT cultivation, cocopeat as a growing medium outperformed sponge substrate, acting as an efficient method for the supply of nutrient solution, with cocopeat demonstrating better water-holding capacity and air-filled porosity. These results align with the findings of Soundy et al. (2001), who reported that phosphorus concentrations ranging from 35 to 50 mg/L have the potential to produce high-quality lettuce seedlings in hydroponic culture.

3.3.4 Leaf parameters—LAI, LAR, LAD, and SLA

The M₂N₂ treatment exhibited the highest Leaf Area Index (LAI), with values of 0.81 and 1.07 for palak. Following closely, the M₂N₀ treatment had LAI values of 0.73 and 0.99 at the 15 and 25th DAP. Conversely, the lowest LAI was observed in the M₁N₁ treatment, with 0.10 and 0.23 LAI. Regarding Leaf Area Ratio (LAR), the M₂N₂ treatment produced the most elevated LAR, measuring 9.40, followed by the M₂N₀ treatment with 8.60. These findings are consistent with the research conducted by Ebelhar and Varsa (2000), who reported that an excessive dose of potassium application resulted in decreased leaf area, leading to the development of smaller-sized leaves. The lowest LAR was noted in the M₁N₁ treatment, with an LAR of 1.65.

The M₁N₁ treatment excelled with the highest Leaf Area Duration (LAD), scoring 0.69, followed by M₀N₂ with 0.53 LAD. The results were in line with the report of Shanmugabhavatharani et al. (2021) in their study on Mint. Spehia et al. (2018) reported that the maximum leaf area per plant was observed in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) for lettuce cultivation. Conversely, the lowest LAD values were consistently found in the M₀N₀ treatment, registering 0.23 for palak.

The M₀N₀ treatment had the highest Specific Leaf Area (SLA) at 17.39, followed by the M₀N₂ treatment with 13.15 SLA in the case of palak. Conversely, the lowest SLA values were observed in treatment M₂N₂ for palak (1.98). These findings are in alignment with Wolff and Coltman (1990), who noted that in lettuce, specific leaf area increases as the percentage of shade increases.

3.3.5 Root parameters

The M₂N₂ treatment exhibited the most substantial root growth, with lengths of approximately 40.40 cm on the 15th DAP and 41.46 cm on the 25th DAP. Following closely, the M₀N₂ treatment yielded root lengths of 38.86 and 40.00 cm on the 15 and 25th DAP, respectively. The lowest root growth occurred in plants treated with M₂N₁, with root length reaching 5.43 cm on the 15th DAP and 8 cm on the 25th DAP. These findings align with the results obtained by Acharya et al. (2021) in their study on spinach grown under NFT.

The M₂N₀ treatment also delivered commendable results with root fresh weights of 6.29 and 9.83 g on the same respective DAP. In contrast, the M₁N₀ treatment exhibited the lowest root fresh weight for palak, with values of 0.16 and 0.48 g on the 15 and 25th DAP. The maximum dry root weight in palak was observed in the M₂N₂ treatment, with values of 5.33 and 6.27 g at the 15 and 25th DAP. The M₂N₁ treatment followed with dry weights of 4.2 and 2.94 g, while the least growth was noted in M₁N₀, with dry weights of 0.07 and 0.1 g. Chhetri et al. (2022), also reported that the root growth of lettuce was significantly higher in cocopeat media compared to other growing mediums.

3.3.6 Shoot parameters

The maximum shoot length was recorded in the M₂N₂ treatment, with values of 13.22 and 22.00 g at the 15th and 25th DAP in the case of palak. Following closely, the M₂N₀ treatment displayed shoot fresh weights of 7.58 and 16.86 g at the 15 and 25th DAP. Conversely, the minimum growth was observed in the M₂N₁ treatment, with shoot lengths of 1.7 and 3.85 cm at the respective time points. These variations in shoot length may be attributed to fluctuations in temperature, as reported by Abou-Hadid et al. (1995) in leafy vegetables. The precise use of nutrients and water contributes to the accelerated growth of these leafy vegetables (Deekshith et al., 2022).

With respect to palak, the pinnacle of shoot weight was attained in the M₂N₀ treatment, registering 27.6 and 42.67 of fresh weight at the 15 and 25th DAP. This treatment was noted to be closely trailed by the M₂N₂ treatment, which recorded 25.37 and 40.52 g of fresh weight on the same DAP. In stark contrast, the M₁N₁ treatment exhibited the minimum shoot weight, with a mere 1.48 and 3.60 g of fresh weight. These findings align with those reported by Touliatos et al. (2016) in their lettuce study and parallel the observations made by Baranauskienė et al. (2003) in Thyme, where optimal nitrogen fertilizer levels corresponded to increased fresh biomass yields.

Palak recorded the maximum shoot dry weight, which was observed in the M₂N₀ treatment, with values of 7.37 and 18.56 g at the 15 and 25th DAP after planting. This was followed by the M₂N₁ treatment, which exhibited dry weights of 5.13 and 11.18 g. In contrast, the minimum dry weight was noted in the M₁N₀ treatment, with a meager 0.08 and 1.35 g of shoot dry weight.

3.3.7 Leaf chlorophyll content (mg/g⁻¹ FW)

For palak, the M₂N₀ treatment exhibited the highest leaf chlorophyll content at 48.19 mg/g, followed by the M₀N₂ treatment with 41.29 mg/g. Conversely, the lowest amounts of leaf chlorophyll content were observed in the M₀N₁ treatment for palak (21.46 mg/g). These results align with the findings of Rosli et al. (2023), who assessed the impact of potassium on tomatoes and reported that increased potassium content led to a noticeable decrease in chlorophyll content. Additionally, Thakur et al. (2019) supported these findings, emphasizing the positive correlation between increased photosynthesis and higher yields.

3.4 Modified atmosphere packing

Upon conducting a thorough statistical analysis of the obtained data, it became evident that both storage conditions (R) and packing substrate (M) factors had parallel contributions to the response variable (shelf life). However, the influence of gas composition (G) showed varying effects for each treatment combination. Each package were placed for study until the notification of the deterioration in the treatments say, 5 days in case of ambient and 15 days in case of refrigerated condition. The tabulated result for various parameters are been depicted in Tables 12–15. Also the graphical representation of the parameters like physiological loss in weight, firmness and moisture loss are been depicted in Figure 8. Also the pictorial difference of the longevity extension of palak across different treatment over the duration of time is been depicted in Figure 9 (Ambient) and Figure 10 (Refrigerated).

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

3.4.1 Physiological loss in weight (%)

Upon examining the storage conditions of palak under ambient settings, noticeable variations in physiological loss in weight were observed. T5 exhibited the most favorable performance, displaying a minimal 0.18% loss, closely followed by T3 at 0.19%, and T2 at 0.37%. Conversely, T1 demonstrated a comparatively poorer performance with a higher physiological loss of 1.67% compared to the other treatments.

In the case of palak stored under refrigerated conditions, T9 showcased the best outcome with a physiological loss of 0.61%, followed by T11 at 0.77%, and T7 at 0.97%. It is noteworthy that the highest physiological loss occurred in T10, utilizing LDPE with a specific gas composition (6, 5, and 89%), experiencing a substantial 8.12% deterioration in weight. This finding aligns with the study conducted by Prasad et al. (2018), which highlighted elevated physiological loss in French beans stored under ambient conditions. The recommendation strongly emphasizes employing a storage temperature of 5°C within a modified atmospheric package, consistent with the suggestions of Nyaura et al. (2014), and Feás et al. (2014).

3.4.2 Moisture loss (%)

When palak was stored under ambient conditions, the moisture loss percentage was found to be the lowest in T5 (4.00%), closely followed by T3 at 4.24%, while T1 registered the highest moisture loss at 7.48%. In the context of refrigerated palak, T9 exhibited the lowest moisture loss at 2.23%, followed by T11 at 2.78%, while T10 showed the highest moisture loss at 9.48%. These findings align with the study conducted by Garande et al. (2019) on minimally processed lettuce, supporting the notion that LDPE covers, specific gas compositions, and refrigeration play pivotal roles in moisture preservation and, consequently, in prolonging the freshness of green leafy vegetables.

3.4.3 Firmness

Upon examining palak stored under ambient conditions, the highest firmness was observed in treatment T5, measuring 302.86 gf. Following closely, T3 displayed a firmness of 285.52 gf, while the lowest firmness reading was associated with T1 at 188.64 gf. However, when considering refrigerated palak, T9 exhibited the highest firmness at 360.97 gf, followed by T11 at 335.48 gf, and the lowest firmness was observed in T10, registering at 152.95 gf. This finding resonates with the study conducted by Yamauchi and Watada (1993), underscoring the positive impact of refrigerated storage, specific packaging materials (LDPE), and gas compositions (G₂) on preserving the firmness and texture of green leafy vegetables during storage.

3.4.4 Quality ranking

Initially, the original color of the green leafy vegetables was studied, revealing that palak had a rank of 1 (Dark-green). Over an extended storage period, the color parameters for palak indicated that treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, T6, T8, T10, and T12 exhibited higher color retention, denoting a rank of 1 (Dark-green). Treatments T5, T7, T9, and T11 had a rank of 2 (Light-green).

Comparing different treatment results for wilting nature, showed that treatments T5 and T9 held a rank of 3, indicating slight wilting that is not objectionable, while treatments T3, T6, T7, and T11 had a rank of 5, representing moderate wilting becoming objectionable. The treatments with the highest wilting character were T1, T2, T4, T8, T10, and T12, all with a rank of 9, signifying extreme wilting that is not acceptable under normal conditions. Palak treatments T5 and T9 obtained the highest rank of 7 in terms of overall visual quality. The lowest rankings were for T2 and T4 for palak. These findings align with results reported in studies conducted by Garande et al. (2019), Reddy et al. (2013), Panta and Khanal (2018), and Jin et al. (2021).

4 Conclusion

Addressing the imperative of tackling national hunger and the rising use of soil-polluting fertilizers underscores the crucial need for a sustainable approach to Indian agriculture. In this context, vertical farming emerges as a promising solution. This precision agriculture technique allows meticulous control over nutrient and water management, optimizing land usage by yielding the equivalent of 4–6 acres of conventional cultivation on just one acre.

Palak, cultivated using the T9 treatment—a blend of coir pith and vermiculite (1,1) with a nutrient combination of 60:50:50 ppm—demonstrates optimal yield and leaf count. Coir pith and vermiculite, integral components of the growing medium, play pivotal roles in nutrient management. Coir pith, boasting a high cation exchange capacity (CEC), acts as a reservoir for essential nutrients, retaining them within its structure and gradually releasing them to the plants as needed. This property reduces the risk of nutrient leaching, ensuring sustained availability to the palak plants. Vermiculite complements this nutrient retention function by efficiently absorbing and retaining water and nutrients, preventing their loss through drainage or evaporation. Its porous structure facilitates optimal root penetration and nutrient absorption, further enhancing the plant’s ability to access essential elements for growth. By harnessing the nutrient retention and delivery capabilities of coir pith and vermiculite, farmers can precisely adjust the nutrient solution applied to the hydroponic system. This precision enables a reduction in the overall nutrient dosage needed to support palak growth while maintaining optimal nutrient levels for plant vitality and yield. Treatment 9 compromises all these necessities making it a promising option for the cultivation purposes. Hydroponically grown plants, focusing on higher yields through precise nutrient provision, mark a significant advancement in agriculture, holding promise as a boon to the sector.

Turning to post-harvest preservation, the study emphasizes the effectiveness of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) packing material in mitigating physiological weight loss in palak produce. Additionally, refrigerated storage conditions significantly contribute to an extended shelf life compared to ambient storage conditions. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) packing material also exhibits favorable performance, aligning closely with the efficacy of LDPE materials.

In terms of gas composition, the study underscores that the second gas composition, comprising 6% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide, and 89% nitrogen, demonstrates superior efficacy in prolonging the shelf life of palak. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technology, with optimal storage conditions involving low temperatures alongside specific atmospheric compositions (3–8% CO₂ and 2–5% O₂), provides valuable guidelines for effective storage strategies in the preservation of palak. These insights contribute to ongoing efforts in innovative solutions for post-harvest preservation and food quality enhancement. Additionally, further research could focus on developing advanced packaging materials with improved biodegradability and environmental friendliness, aiming to address concerns related to plastic pollution in the agriculture sector. Moreover, investigating the potential synergies between vertical farming and urban planning to create integrated food production systems within cities could be a promising avenue for future exploration.

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