ZEF Public Lecture: Alternative Agriculture systems: Soilless and nonchemical Farming Food Production Systems to increase vegetable Consumption

January 16, 2025 | 13:30 h - 14:30 h

Title: Alternative Agriculture systems: Soilless and nonchemical Farming Food Production Systems to increase vegetable Consumption

Speaker: *Prof. Dr. Kitti Sranacharoenpong 

Venue: ZEF Room 3.032 and online via ZOOM

Abstract:

Fruit and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet and are recommended by organizations worldwide for their role in preventing non-communicable diseases. However, the main source of pesticide residue exposure for the general population is through conventionally grown produce. The Plant Factory with Artificial Light (PFAL) is a soil-free cultivation method aimed at enhancing plant growth and optimizing resource use. In contrast, Non-Chemical Farming (N-CF) follows a more traditional agricultural approach. This research compares the nutritional composition, antioxidant content, and carbon footprint of kale (Brassica oleracea L.) grown using PFAL and N-CF systems. While proximate values showed no significant differences, kale from PFAL had lower antioxidant levels after three months.

In terms of carbon emissions, PFAL kale production resulted in 167 kg CO2 equivalent per kg, while N-CF was only 15 kg. These findings highlight the need for researchers and policies that consider both environmental impacts and nutritional quality in food production systems..

*Associate Professor Dr. Kitti Sranacharoenpong:

Prof. Dr. Sranacharoenpong was awarded the Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists Funding 2024 by DAAD and hosted by Professor Christian Borgemeister and Dr. Navneet Kumar at ZEF, University of Bonn. Dr. Sranacharoenpong has profoundly influenced nutrition science over his 25-year tenure at the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Thailand, from 1998 to 2023. In 2023, he joined the ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, continuing his commitment to public health nutrition in Thailand and Southeast Asian countries.

Please be also invited to join us for coffee/tea and cookies after the public lecture.

Register in advance for this meeting: 

https://uni-bonn.zoom-x.de/j/62337766813?pwd=Hl56FeyMuABAcswDSyM2irOdEOBvEV.1