Project GroVert

Mexico: Scientists develop new vertical farming system

Project GroVert | Guadalupe Guevara |

The Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (FAV) of the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP) is developing a technological innovation project in vertical greenhouse farming, with the goal of transforming the future of agrifood through a sustainable, efficient, and competitive system capable of addressing the challenges of climate change, such as water scarcity, and ensuring food security in urban and rural communities. This was announced by Dr. Fernanda Quintero Castellanos, a researcher at the university.

The project, called GroVert, has been underway for three years as a living laboratory located at the Faculty. It covers an area of 128 square meters and aims to integrate science, technology, and innovation to generate knowledge, develop human resources, and open up job opportunities.

The tunnel greenhouse is equipped with environmental sensors, data loggers, pyranometers, and an automatic climate station, allowing for precise monitoring of conditions and the collection of data of high scientific value.

The infrastructure includes GrowPipes vertical tower cultivation systems, with a capacity of up to 300 plants per tower, as well as TIRUSS hydroponic towers, optimized for fertigation and high-density production.

The project is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, particularly those of zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, and responsible production and consumption. This model allows for the production of nutritious food while saving up to 90% of the water used compared to conventional agriculture.

According to Dr. Quintero Castellanos, GroVert seeks to optimize the use of space and reduce inputs. Its scientific goals include quantifying resource savings and the viability of the production system, establishing optimal irrigation and fertigation conditions, and identifying biofortified nutraceutical crops—varieties of staple foods intentionally enriched with vitamins and minerals to improve human health and nutrition.

The project also aims to develop mathematical models capable of predicting harvest times and water and fertilizer consumption.

The greenhouse team is made up of internationally renowned, multidisciplinary researchers from Mexico, Colombia, and Spain. Dr. Quintero Castellanos is accompanied by Professor Manuel F. López Mora, from the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine at UASLP; Dr. Miguel Guzmán, from the University of Almería, Spain; and Professor Carlos A. González Murillo, from the National University of Colombia.

This international team works together to ensure a global vision and local application of the research conducted at the Center for Protected Agriculture Training (CECAP) of the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine.

The GroVert greenhouse has the potential to become a replicable model in schools, hospitals, and communities, promoting access to fresh food, the creation of green jobs, and sustainable entrepreneurship. With this, the School of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine and the UASLP consolidate their position as leaders in agri-food innovation and reaffirm their commitment to building a fairer, greener, and healthier future.

Guadalupe Guevara