Next-Gen Aeroponics

Freya Cultivation Systems is leveraging the benefits aeroponics - while eliminating all legacy drawbacks.

Unlocking productivity

Aeroponics can outperform all other forms of hydroponic and substrate-based irrigation systems in total yield, harvests per year, and product quality. Crops grown in aeroponics develop significantly more phenols, vitamins, anti-oxidants and have recently been observed to produce previously undiscovered secondary metabolites exhibiting anti-cancer activity.

However, if you ask a grower about aeroponics, 9 out of 10 will tell you that it is a complicated, niche approach reserved for researchers and extreme yield seekers. This used to be true because despite the benefits, aeroponic irrigation used to be extremely difficult to implement and operate at any scale due to high-pressure pumping, clogging nozzles, as well as upfront and operating cost.

Freya Cultivation Systems has developed an aeroponic irrigation technology that eliminates all the legacy issues of aeroponics – and advances the state of aeroponic technology to a level where we are buildng commercial-scale aeroponic platforms for greenhouses.

Next-Gen Technology

Traditional aeroponic systems used high-pressure pumps to deliver nutrient solutions at 10 Bar through precision nozzles, creating aeroponic mist for plant nourishment. This often led to clogging, pump malfunctions, and high maintenance demands, hindering aeroponics’ adoption.

Freya Cultivation Systems has innovated with a proprietary, pressure-less, low-energy ultrasonic spraying system. Our e-nozzles produce mist through advanced vibration, ensuring they remain clog-free.

These titanium e-nozzles offer high flow rates, minimal maintenance, and straightforward operation, enabling next-generation agricultural yields in various environments.

AEROPONICS 101

Aeroponic benefits

Space Efficiency

Aeroponic systems are highly space-efficient, allowing plants to be grown vertically, which maximizes the use of available space in greenhouses. This is particularly beneficial in environments where floor space is limited. By utilizing triangular structures, Freya's systems enable the cultivation of nearly a double number of plants within the same footprint. This method not only increases plant density but also enhances light exposure from natural sunlight and air circulation, leading to healthier and more productive crops.

Oxygenation

Aeroponic systems enhance plant oxygenation by providing roots with direct access to oxygen in the air. This improved oxygenation accelerates nutrient uptake and promotes healthier root development. Unlike traditional soil-based or hydroponic systems, where roots can become waterlogged, aeroponic systems ensure roots receive optimal oxygen levels. This results in more vigorous growth, stronger plants, and higher overall yields, without the need for any additional oxygenation equipment.

Faster Growing Cycles

Plants grown in aeroponic systems typically exhibit faster growth rates compared to traditional growing methods. The constant supply of oxygen and nutrients directly to the roots accelerates cellular processes, leading to quicker development and maturation. This means shorter growing cycles and the ability to harvest crops more frequently, enhancing overall productivity and profitability for greenhouse growers who can take advantage of natural sunlight throughout the growing season.

Reduced Disease Instances

Aeroponic systems significantly reduce the risk of root diseases. By suspending plant roots in air, these systems create an environment that is less conducive to pathogens. Moreover, plants do not constantly flow in the same media, therefore even if diseases occur, spreading is very limited. As a result, plants grown in aeroponic systems are generally healthier, with lower instances of disease, reducing the need for chemical treatments and enhancing crop quality in greenhouses.

Higher Nutritional Value

Plants cultivated in aeroponic systems often have higher nutritional value. The precise control over nutrient delivery ensures that plants receive an optimal balance of nutrients, which can enhance their nutritional content. This results in fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are richer in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Due to the limited use of water, plants can be easily biofortified. For consumers, this means healthier and more nutritious produce, while greenhouse growers benefit from offering premium, differentiated products.

Reduced Water Use

Aeroponic systems are highly water-efficient, using significantly less water than traditional soil-based or hydroponic systems. The misting system delivers water directly to the roots in a controlled manner, minimizing waste. This is particularly advantageous in regions with limited water resources, as it allows for sustainable agriculture with minimal environmental impact. Reduced water usage also translates to lower operating costs for greenhouse growers, making aeroponic systems an economically attractive option.

Brief history of Aeroponics

Aeroponics, a revolutionary plant-growing method, originated from early observations of plants thriving near waterfalls. NASA advanced the technology in the 1990s for space missions, demonstrating significant water and nutrient efficiency. Initially hindered by high-maintenance systems, aeroponics found niche success in high-end cannabis cultivation.

Freya Cultivation Systems later transformed the field with ultrasonic nozzles, making aeroponics scalable and commercially viable, enabling higher yields and reduced operational costs for greenhouse growers.

Image of a waterfall in a tropical location with mist at the bottom

Early Observations

The concept of aeroponics can be traced back to early botanical studies that noted how plants could thrive on rocks near waterfalls. In these environments, plant roots were consistently bathed in a fine mist of water and nutrients from the falling water.

This natural phenomenon suggested that plants could absorb essential nutrients directly from the air, providing the foundational idea for aeroponics.

NASA Research

In the 1990s, NASA embarked on research to develop efficient plant-growing methods for space missions.

The Advanced Astroculture (ADVASC) project, led by Dr. Richard Stoner, was a significant step forward. NASA discovered that the system can reduce water use by 98%, fertilizer use by 60%, and pesticide use by 100%. It also maximizes crop yields by 45% to 75% and those grown in aeroponic systems had 80% more mass than other methods.

These findings underscored the potential of aeroponics for sustainable agriculture, both in space and on Earth.

aeroponic roots in an aeroponic cultivation system

Niche Commercial Applications

Despite its promise, aeroponics faced practical challenges, particularly with high-pressure sprayers prone to clogging and requiring extensive maintenance. However, it found significant niche applications in high-end cannabis cultivation and potato tuber production. Cannabis grown aeroponically can yield up to 30% more than those grown with traditional methods, making it highly attractive for premium markets.

Potato tuber production is another area where aeroponics excels, as potatoes cannot be effectively produced using hydroponic methods. Aeroponics provides the ideal environment for potato tubers, offering precise control over nutrient delivery and moisture levels, leading to healthier and more abundant yields. Research has shown that aeroponically grown potato plants produce more tubers, with increased uniformity and quality compared to soil-grown counterparts. This makes aeroponics a critical technology for potato propagation, addressing food security and agricultural efficiency in both developed and developing regions.

mobile aeroponic irrigator with uncloggable nozzles
the most productive automated cultivation system in a greenhouse

Next-Gen Aeroponics

Combining acoustic technology, precision-machined titanium and artificial intelligence, Freya Cultivation Systems developed smart, uncloggable and highly tunable aeroponic e-nozzles and systems for controlled environment cultivation.

Relying on the e-nozzle durability and uncloggability, Freya further developed the first commercial three-dimensional cultivation system for commercial greenhouses, thereby breaking through the yield plateau that currently caps existing popular systems such as NFT, floating-raft hydroponics and similar horizontal installations.

The Aeroframe system can easily integrate with existing greenhouse workflows. The mobile ultrasonic irrigators can each serve a row of 40-60 meters long – and produce over 4 tonnes of leafy greens per year.

Pilot the Aeroframe

Discover the new level of productivity our cutting-edge Aeroframe platform. Explore piloting the Aeroframe to and evaluate its potential for retrofitting your existing facilities. Click here to start transforming your cultivation practices today!

Learn more