Hi, Mahogany,
Here are some points to consider:
* When plants are trellised vertically and the light comes mostly from
overhead, then the upper leaves of the plants shade the lower leaves.
(Spaced-out, sprawling plants would get more light.)
* If the light is coming from the side, plants nearer the source shade
those further away.
* The more horizontal the angle of the light source, the further apart the
rows of plants must be to avoid shading.
If your hydroponic setup assures that the plants don't compete for
nutrient, then light will probably be their limiting factor (especially if
you don't enrich the CO2 content of the air) and this shading may well be
important.
For this reason, gardeners who cram in more plants by trellising don't
necessarily get significantly higher yields. However, benefits can be
realized by trellising the row farthest from the light source (since the
shade won't fall on other plants), or by placing plants that don't want
full sun behind a trellised row. (This last case can not be realized in
monoculture, however, since all the plants presumably have the same light
requirement.)
It will be interesting to see what geometries give you highest yield
(assuming that's what you're trying to do). Additionally, you might be
able to get some other harvest by intermixing a shade-loving species in
some of your geometries. Keep us posted.
Martin M. Meiss
2012/12/12 Mahogany Bullock <[email protected]>
> Ecologgers and Dr. Czechowicz,
>
>
>
> I realize I left out some pretty significant details when asking for your
> input on vertical farming techniqies. The farm itself will be located
> indoors with an artificial light source and will be used to study a variety
> of Acala cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).
>
>
>
> I will forward the responses I receive back to Ecolog as requested.
>
>
>
> Thank you for your input!
>
> Mahogany Bullock
>
> [email protected]
>
>
>
>
>
> From: Ally Czechowicz [mailto:[email protected]]
> Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 8:07 AM
> To: Mahogany Bullock
> Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Vertical Farming Techniques
>
>
>
> Mahogany-
>
>
>
> So technically speaking--and perhaps you know this--a hydroponic system
> cannot be organic due to the lack of soil medium. The vertical farms I have
> seen hold plants in holes cut out of polystyrene.
>
>
>
> The system I am most familiar with is a paired hydoponic/aquaponic system
> (tilapia and lettuce/herbs) in a warehouse space in Minnesota (cold climate
> - but controlled because operates indoors).
>
> See http://gardenfreshfarms.com/growning-systems/
>
>
>
> I would update your request for information by specifying if you plan on
> farming indoors or outdoors, since it makes a large difference. Also, it
> would be helpful to specify which crops you want to grow, since many
> systems
> are soil-less, this isn't enough information to go on.
>
>
>
> In my estimation, there is much room for innovation within vertical
> farming! It's an exciting field.
>
>
>
> Good luck!
>
> Ally Czechowicz
>
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, Dec 11, 2012 at 10:19 PM, Mahogany Bullock <[email protected]
> >
> wrote:
>
> Dear Ecologgers,
>
>
>
> I am working on a project involving organic vertical farming and was hoping
> to get some feedback on which technique is best. I have looked into using
> Bato buckets, peat pots, and planter boxes. Along with hydroponics,
> aeroponics, and aquaponics.
>
>
>
> I would like to know the general opinion in regards to the system that
> would
> work best for plants traditionally grown in dry climates and light sandy
> soils. Also, what type of medium to use that would allow for the most plant
> growth.
>
>
>
> Literature suggestions would be highly appreciated.
>
>
>
> Thank you for your input,
>
>
>
> Mahogany Bullock
>
> [email protected]
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Masters Candidate Landscape Architecture 2013
>
> University of Minnesota - College of Design
>
> [email protected] - 608.469.9328
>
>
>
