#Japan #Agriculture Innovation #Shibuya #Ultra-Fine Bubble #DISTAR FRESH

A Revolutionary Approach to Agriculture Management

Innovative technologies are reshaping traditional farming practices, especially in regions where efficiency and sustainability are essential. One remarkable example is the collaboration between the Tokyo-based company Lives and the Thai plant factory DISTAR FRESH, demonstrating the impact of Ultra-Fine Bubble (UFB) technology over a six-month trial period.

An Overview of UFB Technology

Lives has developed the UFB DUAL® nozzle, designed to generate ultra-fine bubbles that enhance the quality of irrigation water. This trial utilized UFB-treated reverse osmosis (RO) water versus traditional RO water in DISTAR FRESH’s environment, assessing the effects on salad lettuce growth across seven different varieties.

The results were astonishing. Lettuce grown with UFB-treated water exhibited weight increases ranging from 25% to 133%, averaging about 60%. Additional improvements were noted in root health, including increased root mass, thickness, and length, effectively shortening the time to harvest size. Lettuce that would typically take 35 days to mature could now be harvested in as little as 32 days.

Addressing Economic Constraints in Plant Factories

Indoor plant factories often face economic challenges as efforts to boost yield drive up costs. Factors like light intensity, CO₂ levels, temperature, humidity, nutrient solution, and root zone conditions require careful balancing. Increasing light exposure or oxygen supply can lead to higher energy consumption and potential risks to plant health, including light scorching. This complexity makes the need for innovative solutions imperative.

The trial with UFB technology offered a simple yet effective approach: by connecting the UFB DUAL® nozzle directly to the water supply, the water used for irrigation was transformed into UFB-treated water without costly infrastructure upgrades. The method not only maintained existing production levels but improved them significantly.

Documented Evidence of Growth and Quality Improvement

The six-month trial revealed that all tested lettuce varieties grown with UFB water outperformed those grown with conventional RO water. Increased root development was evident, contributing to more efficient water and nutrient absorption, ultimately promoting healthier plant growth. The UFB-treated plants exhibited thicker, longer roots and more robust foliage, alongside enhanced overall growth rates.

Furthermore, no negative effects on the plants or the facility were reported, demonstrating UFB technology's efficacy in improving crop quality without introducing new risks.

Transformations in Operational Strategies

Following the incorporation of UFB technology, DISTAR FRESH noted a shift in operational strategies. Resources that previously allocated extensive space for primary crops were optimized, allowing for the cultivation of new vegetable varieties without expanding infrastructure. This increased efficiency has fostered a newfound confidence in acquiring new customers, leading to expanded opportunities in product development and business growth.

"With increased production capacity and newfound confidence, we are now more proactive in seeking new customers and opportunities in product expansion," noted a representative from DISTAR FRESH.

The UFB DUAL® Advantages

Many UFB generators on the market can cause significant drops in water pressure and may not produce sufficient bubble quantities, alongside requiring major infrastructure changes. However, the UFB DUAL® boasts a low flow reduction rate, generating 1,750,000 bubbles per cc. Its patented design allows for clean water delivery without altering water quality, adhering to existing infrastructure effortlessly.

Additionally, the system requires no external power supply, maintenance, or replacement parts, further minimizing operational costs.

Conclusion

The trial conducted by Lives and DISTAR FRESH showcases the potential of UFB technology not only to enhance agricultural productivity but also to enable operational efficiency in plant factories. As the industry evolves, these innovations will play a critical role in addressing the economic constraints faced by modern agriculture, evolving towards a more sustainable future.

For more detailed data and comparisons regarding the mentioned varieties, or to learn more about UFB DUAL®, please reach out to Lives Solutions Business Division specializing in agriculture.

About Lives Co., Ltd.

Based in Tokyo, Lives Co., Ltd. is dedicated to revitalizing local economies through support for innovative regional manufacturers. By collaborating closely with partners like Water Design Co., they produce and distribute the UFB DUAL®, bridging cutting-edge Japanese technology with practical applications in various sectors, including agriculture and healthcare.

For inquiries about UFB DUAL® and its applications across different environments, please visit our website or contact our agriculture team directly.