All:
If it's all going to be artificial light, perhaps light fixture location
would be the most important consideration. I wonder how the
diurnal/nocturnal cycles will be done, and if any variations are included in
the experiment. Or will the lights be on all the time? How will the
electricity be generated? If by solar panels, at what efficiency?
WT
PS: It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine, but I rarely mention it, as I know
the enquirers mean well--but most requests for information do not include
enough information about the study, and the recipients do not seem to keep
us posted on the project's progress and results. It would be nice if they
would send us reports and how to request "reprints."
----- Original Message -----
From: "Martin Meiss" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 2:20 PM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] FW: [ECOLOG-L] Vertical Farming Techniques
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
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