Welcome to iGrow News, Your Source for the World of Indoor Vertical Farming
SOUTH AFRICA: “The Face of Future Farming” Aeroponic & NFT Systems
Impilo Ponics is a South African based enterprise and was formed 3 yrs ago with a mandate to design various vertical growing towers to meet the ever-increasing demand for sustainable fresh nutritional food security produce especially in rural poverty-stricken areas on the African continent
Impilo Ponics is a South African based enterprise and was formed 3 yrs ago with a mandate to design various vertical growing towers to meet the ever-increasing demand for sustainable fresh nutritional food security produce especially in rural poverty-stricken areas on the African continent, consequently, we identified that our designs are also in demand for Urban based populace by means of individual residential units that allow for space-restricted dwellings Ie residential apartments, townhouse dwellings, underutilized rooftop areas to name a few.
The tower systems are made up of modular panels made from recycled plastic with various additional additives for color and UV stabilization, the unique design of the panels have the advantage of “flat Packing” which allow for compact packaging reducing logistical transportation costs both locally and Internationally, the tower designs allow for a very simple DIY assembly in a very short period of time with minimal effort and no tools involved.
We have two discipline options in the way of Aeroponics ( high pressure misting irrigation 30 >>50 Micron mist) and NFT ( a low pressure spraying irrigation 200 > 250 Micron spray), the modular design allows for additional tower segments to be added as tower height extensions as and when the users want to increase growing capacity for higher yields of the cultivars planted in the towers, we promote “multi planting” in the growing pockets of the tower for example:- Chillis x 3 plants, Basil x 3 plants, Spinach x 3 plants, Peppers x 3 plants, etc, this means that in an 84 pocket tower, for instance, you can plant up to approx. 250 plants vertically in a 1.5m2 footprint area, the system is a soilless growing method that reduces the need for fertile soil as a growing medium and allows the flexibility of dead space utilization.
The Aeroponic system only requires a timer-based irrigation time cycle that drastically reduces both energy and water source consumption - the towers only consume on average 2 litres of nutrient water source per day and the pressure pump energy usage as little as 30 watts per day, this lends itself to utilizing a small affordable solar panel system to run the towers, rainwater collection can also be utilized to sustain the water source, the end result being that we have an “off the grid” solution especially for areas with limited resources.
The NFT solution uses more or less the same amount of both energy & water consumption and again can be utilized into an “off the grid” solution.
The main difference between the two systems is that the Aeroponics generates a highly oxygenated nutrient-based mist that adheres to the root zone and during the ‘rest period between cycles” allows up to 90% of absorption of the Nutrient based nutrient solution, this encourages a shorter maturity of both plant growth and yield.
The NFT system has continual spray irrigation of root zone very much on the hydroponic principle but in a vertical environment instead of a horizontal environment, however, the irrigation cycle can be setup through a programmed timer at prescribed time periods before dehydration of the root zone takes place, all this depends on the cultivar for hydration requirements for example:- lettuce requires regular irrigation where chillis/peppers/tomatoes, etc require less
The tower designs also allow for a very simple conversion from NFT to Aeroponics at the discretion of the end-user.
The Impilo panel system also allows for a multitude of tower sizes and designs to client specifications for example:- we can create square towers, hexagonal towers, Cylindrical towers of any size and height.
Our latest designs are introducing Aeroponic Living walls, horizontal “tuber” aeroponic growing chambers (baby potato yields of up to 20Kgs per m2 surface area on a conservative 100 day growing cycle -comfortably 3 growing cycles per annum).
We also design and manufacture modular greenhouses as a turnkey solution for Micro farming to commercial size operations, budget-related affordability for a new generation of smart farming entrepreneurs, and micro-farming opportunities.
All You Need To Know About Hydroponic System
Hydroponics has existed in various forms for thousands of years, from Babylonian hanging gardens to ancient Mexican Chinampas
By: Harold Camaya
July 12, 2021
Many people use hydroponics to grow plants that use nutrient-rich solutions in water, so there’s no use of soil. Instead, some materials support plant roots, such as peat moss, rock wool, perlite, and clay pellets.
Hydroponics has existed in various forms for thousands of years, from Babylonian hanging gardens to ancient Mexican Chinampas.
Only in the past 70-80 years have we understood the science behind this technique. While we have practiced hydroponics in various forms for centuries, some places have sometimes been more developed than others. For example, people use ac infinity to ventilate their growing space.
In this article, you’ll learn all you need to know about hydroponic systems. We will aim to answer these questions that include:
What is hydroponics?
How do you set up your hydroponic systems?
What systems do people use in hydroponics?
What are the advantages of hydroponics?
What is hydroponics?
Hydroponics refers to any growing of terrestrial plants that delivers nutrients directly to the roots rather than having the roots seek them out by digging in a soil body.
We derive the word hydroponics from the Greek word hydros, which means water, and pon means work. The plant’s roots receive nutrients from water-based nutrient solutions.
How do you set up your hydroponic system?
Photo by Jatuphon Buraphon from Pexels
Depending on what your tastes are, your hydroponic system can be simple or very complex. It is possible to set up several approaches that require little effort and set up some that require a significant investment.
The three elements of hydroponic design include:
Growing containers
Sump tank
Pump
Systems used in hydroponics
Photo by Anna Tarazevich from Pexels
Selecting a hydroponic system involves choosing from six different types. They all revolve around the use of water and nutrients. Each design addresses the core elements but in slightly different ways.
Water culture
Water culture is a simple and inexpensive system. We place plants in a basket above reservoirs filled with nutrient solutions. After hanging in the solution for a while, the roots descend entirely into the soil. They will need regular aeration leading to faster growth to prevent suffocation because of constant submersion.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
The system comprises a shallow, downward-sloping stream of nutrient solution. This stream contains roots that absorb nutrients from its steady flow. Growing lettuce, herbs, and baby greens in this system are excellent for plants with a short growth cycle.
Aeroponic
By creating an aeroponics system, we expose roots to as much oxygen as possible. Growing chambers without growing medium allow roots to hang upside down in midair, exposing their entire root system. As the roots grow, we mist them periodically with aeroponics misters within this section. It has proven successful commercially propagating seed potatoes, growing tomato plants, growing leaf crops, and growing microgreens using aeroponics techniques.
Ebb and Flow
A water pump runs on a timer in Ebb and Flow, also known as Flood and Drain. Water and nutrients flood and then drain the root system. The overflow tube allows the excess water to drain through. What’s left is a dry pond with soaking roots and an overflow tube to drain water away.
Drip
We use perlite or gravel as a drip system for supplying the roots with nutrients. We then pump water and nutrients into them via tubes from a reservoir. Soaking the growing medium and roots makes the solution drip back into the container and the pool.
Wicking
Plants grow in wicking media, such as vermiculite or perlite. You can find them in a container next to the water and nutrient reservoir. To connect a wicking medium to a solution, we use wicking ropes or strips of felt.
What are the advantages of hydroponics?
Hydroponic gardening offers many benefits. Among the most important are:
Total control over nutrient supply
Because the soil is not a source of minerals or nutrients, it is easy to adjust mineral or nutrient levels based on plant needs.
Climate or season is not a constraint
Regardless of the weather outside, you can grow hydroponically whenever during the year.
Better results and higher yields
If we calibrate the hydroponic system and maintain it well, it can effortlessly produce a higher product quality and quantity than a soil-based system.
Hydroponics offers significant environmental advantages
Not only does hydroponics take up much less space than traditional horticulture, but it also uses much less water. And it allows nutrient solutions to be recycled.
It is possible to grow all plants hydroponically
You can grow vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, etc., that grow on the earth using hydroponics.
Determining Your Best Method
It would be best to have some ground understanding of each system’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as your hydroponic needs, before choosing one of these systems.
For example, wicks and water culture systems are excellent options for home growers who want an easy setup system.
Drip systems and NFT systems may be the right choice if you want to grow various plants. Examine each hydroponic system’s pros and cons to pinpoint the best one.
Conclusion
Growing your fruits and vegetables is a fun way to do so from the comfort of your own home using hydroponics.
The process can become complicated and expensive, but you do not have to make it so if you don’t want to. With all the essential information in this guide, you can better decide for yourself.
Lead photo: Photo by Anna Tarazevich from Pexels
What Is Aeroponics?
Aeroponics is an advanced variation of hydroponics where plants are suspended in the air; their roots dangle down and are periodically misted with water from a timed sprinkler system connected to the main nutrient reservoir
How Aeroponics Works,
Types, And Pros, And Cons
June 14, 2021
Aeroponics is an advanced variation of hydroponics where plants are suspended in the air; their roots dangle down and are periodically misted with water from a timed sprinkler system connected to the main nutrient reservoir. This soilless growing method is best for plants that need more oxygenation since aeroponic roots aren’t hampered by dense soil or thick growing mediums. Depending on the plant and specific type of aeroponics system, the grower typically uses little to no growing media at all.
In aeroponics, a specially designed pump and spray system is submerged into the nutrient-water solution and timed to release short mists of water to the plants’ roots throughout the day. Because roots will have more access to oxygen and humidity in an aeroponics system, they often grow two to three times larger and yield far bigger numbers than traditional farming methods. Generally, it also uses less water over time since excess water not absorbed by the roots is drained back into the nutrient tank, and the mist allows for higher concentrations of nutrients with less liquid.
Most of the plants that work with hydroponics will thrive in an aeroponics system, from leafy greens and herbs to tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries, but with additional perks. Because of the exposed root qualities of aeroponics systems, root vegetables like potatoes that would otherwise be ill-suited for hydroponics systems will flourish as they’ll have more room to grow and be easier to harvest.
Neznam / Getty Images
Aeroponics in Space
NASA began experimenting with aeroponics as early as 1997, planting adzuki beans and seedlings aboard the Mir space station in zero gravity and comparing them to controlled aeroponic gardens on Earth treated with the same nutrients. Amazingly, the zero gravity plants grew more than the plants on Earth. Aeroponics can not only provide long-mission deep-space NASA crews with fresh food, but it also has the potential to provide them with fresh water and oxygen.
How Does Aeroponics Work?
The seeds are planted somewhere they’ll stay in place, such as pieces of foam, pipes, or foam rings, which are then wedged into small pots or a perforated panel with a tank full of nutrient solution below. The panel elevates the plants so they’ll be exposed to the natural (or artificial) light and circulating air, providing light on the top and nutrient mist on the bottom, and an enclosure around the roots helps keep the moisture in. A timed pump rests inside the tank or reservoir, pumping solution up and through spray nozzles that mist the roots, with excess liquid draining straight down through an outflow chamber back into the reservoir. At the next timed interval, the entire cycle starts again.
Neznam / Getty Images
Nutrients for aeroponics systems, like hydroponics, come packaged in both dry and liquid forms. Depending on the plant and growth stage, primary nutrients may include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, while secondary nutrients can range from calcium and magnesium to sulfur. It is also important to consider micro-nutrients, such as iron, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, and chlorine.
In aeroponics systems where the nutrient solution is continuously recycled, the pH measurements need to be taken regularly to ensure that enough nutrients are getting absorbed into the plants.
Natural Aeroponics
Aeroponics occurs in nature, specifically in more humid and wet regions like the tropical islands of Hawaii. Near waterfalls, for example, plants will grow vertically on the rocks with their roots openly hanging in the air, the spray from the waterfall moistening the roots under the right conditions.
Types of Aeroponics
There are two types of commonly used aeroponics: low pressure and high pressure. Low pressure is the most used by home growers since it is low cost, easy to set up, and its components are easier to find. However, this type of aeroponics often uses a plastic spray nozzle and a typical fountain pump to deliver nutrients, so the droplet sizes are not exact and can sometimes waste more water.
High-pressure aeroponics, on the other hand, distributes nutrients through a highly pressurized nozzle that can deliver smaller water droplets to create more oxygen in the root zone than low-pressure techniques. It is more efficient, but much more costly to set up, so it tends to be reserved for commercial production rather than hobbyists.
High-pressure systems typically mist for 15 seconds every 3 to 5 minutes, while low-pressure systems may spray for 5 minutes straight every 12 minutes. Experienced growers will adjust the spraying interval according to the time of day, watering more frequently at night when the plants are less focused on photosynthesis and more focused on taking up nutrients. With both types, the reservoir solution is kept at a temperature range between 60 F and 70 F in order to maximize the absorption rate of the plant. If the water becomes too hot, it is more susceptible to algae and bacteria growth, but if it gets too cold, the plants may start to shut down and not take as many nutrients as they would at a more optimal temperature.
Aeroponics at Home
While some growers choose to use horizontal aeroponic systems similar to traditional soil farming, vertical systems can save more space. These vertical systems come in all shapes and sizes, even small enough to be used on a back porch, balcony, or even inside an apartment with the appropriate lighting setup. In these smaller systems, misting devices are placed on top, allowing gravity to evenly distribute the nutrient solution as it spreads downward.
Neznam / Getty Images
Aeroponics kits are available to make the setup process easier for beginners, but it is also possible to design and build your own system at home, similar to hydroponics, with tools found at most local gardening stores. Due to the complicated and expensive nature of high-pressure aeroponics, it is always prudent for beginners to start off with a low-pressure system before working their way up to more technical operations.
Fun Fact
The first recorded use of aeroponics happened in 1922 when B.T.P. Barker developed a primitive air plant-growing system and used it to research plant root structure in a laboratory setting. By 1940, researchers were frequently using aeroponics in plant root studies, as the dangling roots and lack of soil made it much easier to observe changes.
Pros and Cons
One of the most significant advantages of aeroponics systems is the fast and high crop yield and the fact that it uses the least amount of water over time compared to hydroponics and aquaponics. Roots are exposed to more oxygen, helping them absorb more nutrients and grow faster, healthier, and larger. Also, the lack of soil and growing medium means that there are fewer threats of root zone diseases.
On the flip side, aeroponic system chambers are constantly being sprayed with mist, keeping them wet and prone to bacteria and fungi; this can be remedied by cleaning and sterilizing misters and chambers regularly.
Affordability Factor
Studies show that the cost of growing a tuber (such as potatoes, jicama, and yams) using aeroponics is about one-quarter less than the cost of a conventionally grown tuber.
Due to the circular nature of the watering system and the higher nutrient absorption rate, aeroponics uses considerably less water than similar farming systems. Aeroponic equipment is also easier to move and requires much less space (nurseries can even be stacked on top of each other like a modular system). In a study comparing lettuce growth aeroponics, hydroponics, and substrate culture, results showed that aeroponics significantly improved root growth with greater root biomass, root-shoot ratio, length, area, and volume. The study concluded that aeroponics systems may be better for higher-valued crops.
surabky / Getty Images
Because the plants aren’t submerged in water, aeroponics is completely dependent on the misting system. If anything malfunctions (or in the event of power outages), then the plants will quickly dry up and die without water or nutrients. Seasoned growers will think ahead and have some sort of backup power and misting system waiting in storage in case the primary one fails. The system’s pH and nutrient density ratio is sensitive, and will require plenty of hands-on experience to understand how to properly balance them; as there is no soil or media to absorb the excess nutrients, proper knowledge about the perfect amount of nutrients is essential to aeroponics systems.
Lead photo: surabky / Getty Images
Alabama Indoor Vertical Farm Finds Delaware Soulmate
Lee Harrison and his wife, LeeAnn, are the founders of Gardens on Air, an indoor vertical farm located in Rainbow City, Alabama. Operating in 3,000 sq. ft. of a 20,000 sq. ft. former grocery store, Gardens on Air grows chemical-free produce and herbs harvested and sold locally
Lee Harrison, co-founder of Gardens on Air
Lee Harrison and his wife, LeeAnn, are the founders of Gardens on Air, an indoor vertical farm located in Rainbow City, Alabama. Operating in 3,000 sq. ft. of a 20,000 sq. ft. former grocery store, Gardens on Air grows chemical-free produce and herbs harvested and sold locally. They are a Certified Woman-Owned, Certified Natural Grown, Vegan Certified, and a Non-GMO Project business.
The parents of 13-year-old twins, the Harrisons are driven by a mission to improve people’s lives by ensuring the abundance of healthy food choices and offering second chances by providing employment opportunities to disadvantaged individuals. So strong is their belief in what they’re doing to make a positive difference that when a devastating turn of events threatened them with financial ruin, they took risks, made sacrifices, and fought the odds to not just survive, but triumph. They could hardly give up they are surrounded by friends and mentors whose encouragement and influence kept them forging ahead.
Lee traveled up to Delaware from Alabama on February 28 to see Second Chances Farm’s operations firsthand. A retired Alabama State police officer and a man of faith, Lee was particularly interested in our innovative approach to ending recidivism by providing employment, mentorship and entrepreneurial opportunity to previously incarcerated individuals. He knows the value of giving second chances to people and has seen firsthand how returning citizens are ostracized by society once they’re released from prison. He’s also witnessed many success stories of how good people can rebuild their lives if given the opportunity, trust, and respect.
Lee learned a lot of hard lessons about the importance of respect in his rookie years as a cop. He admits to having been a strictly “by the book” cop, stone-faced and uncompromising, until one day when someone literally knocked some perspective into him.
“I was so gung ho about enforcing the law that I had complaints on me,” says Lee. “I never lied. I've never done anything that would be considered unethical treatment of anybody. I just didn't have the capacity to see past the written law.”
All that changed the day Lee went to arrest a black man named Bruce Lee, (a.k.a. “Big Guy,”) who had just been released from prison and was visiting his family.
“We had felony warrants on him mostly drug-related. He had done nothing but work out during his last stretch behind bars, so he was what we called, ‘jail-house built.’ Massive. I was 150 pounds soaking wet, and my partner, Terry, was even smaller. Terry wanted us to wait for backup. But I said, ‘No! If we let him out of our sight, he might get away.’ That’s how I thought.
“I walked right up to him and said, ‘Hey, we got a warrant for you.’ He leaned into me and whispered, ‘Look man, please don’t do this in front of my family. Let me finish, and I’ll gladly let you put me in the car.’”
Lee wasn’t hearing any of it. The third time he told Big Guy he was taking him to jail, he grabbed his arm. The next few minutes, he says, are a blur.
“I remember it in slow motion,” Lee says. “His arm was like a tree trunk. I felt as though I had grabbed the back end of a car as it was taking off, and I knew I was about to get really hurt. To say he mopped the floor with Terry and me is an injustice. All I had left afterward was my gun belt, half my shirt, and half my pants. I was a bleeding mess.”
Lee managed to pull out his gun and he pointed it at Big Guy’s two friends, both of whom were even bigger, and demanded they put the cuffs on him, which they did.
“When we got to the jail, Big Guy wasn’t even winded,” Lee says. “He just calmly says to me, ‘If you had done things differently, I guarantee this wouldn’t have happened.’”
Big Guy was, at one time, a prominent gang leader. His world was violent, but regardless, he knew how to lead people and get them to do what he wanted. He knew how to run a successful if illegal, business.
“I can tell you what your problem is” he said. ‘You need to treat people with respect. Don’t raise your voice. Be polite. There will be people who don't do what you say regardless. It don't matter. There's those people, you just got to do what you gotta do with those people. But if you would’ve just taken the time… if you’d just stood there and let me finish talking to my mom who I haven’t seen for years and is bad off we wouldn’t have had a problem.”
The Harrison Family
This made Lee’s heart leap. He realized he hadn’t been respecting people’s dignity or humanity, and he also didn’t know that the man’s mother was suffering. “And I said, okay, I'll take your advice. And I did, and my complaints went down to zero. I rarely had to fight anyone anymore. Everything changed for me at that point. In 1999, I was Officer of the Year for the State of Alabama.”
At that moment, Lee shed his “no emotion, strictly business” police persona and let his real, compassionate self shine through. He could often be found shooting hoops on the basketball courts in crime-ridden neighborhoods as a trusted friend and role model. Partnering with Second Chances Farm to create a presence in Alabama to help former inmates reenter society will be a dream come true.
Ten years ago, when job-related injuries forced him into retirement, Lee’s brother came across research from NASA about aeroponic and hydroponic farming. Lee was intrigued about growing crops without pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
“My father had cancer and was having issues with his medication, so we were looking for healthy foods that we could grow. We didn’t trust the purity of so-called ‘organic’ foods we had learned that even if soil-based crops are grown without harmful chemicals, they are still vulnerable to the risk of chemical run-off from the non-organic fields.”
The Harrisons started small with an aeroponic system and later moved to hydroponic methods. “We grew for other people who had cancer, too. “ We decided to expand because we were doing a lot of good and really enjoying it. After years of having to prove ourselves to the USDA, we were able to be certified as Organic. Since research has shown the positive effects of wheat and barley grass juice on muscle growth, we have been growing that for cancer patients, too.”
It hasn’t been an easy ride. In Alabama, agriculture is hard-wired into the culture. It’s the primary way of life.
“I don't know how many times we've been told we wouldn’t make it. ‘It won't work.’ ‘There's no way to do it.’ ‘It won't happen.’ ‘You can't do that.’ ‘How can you grow a plant without dirt?’ ‘You're an idiot.’ And yet, today, indoor vertical farming has become a multi-million dollar industry garnering millions of investment dollars. People are starting to accept that they are dependent on huge amounts of produce that comes into our state from California and Arizona and that we are much better off protecting our people by growing our own produce locally, 365 days a year.”
Lee believes that the mentality and the mission of Second Chances Farm and Gardens on Air interlock flawlessly. We are honored to have met Lee Harrison, a truly honorable, compassionate, and inspiring man.
Lee has invited Ajit Mathew George, founder of Second Chances Farm to visit Lee’s existing 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Alabama between March 30 and April 2 to see how it might be integrated into “Second Chances Farm Rainbow City, Alabama.”
Stay tuned for more details!
Living Greens Farm Adds Former Senator To Advisory Board
Living Greens Farm (LGF), the largest vertical, indoor aeroponic farm in the US that provides year-round fresh salads, salad kits, microgreens, and herbs, has announced that Joe Donnelly, former Congressman and Senator from Indiana has joined their Advisory Board, effective January 2021
February 16, 2021
FARIBAULT, MN (February 2021) Living Greens Farm (LGF), the largest vertical, indoor aeroponic farm in the US that provides year-round fresh salads, salad kits, microgreens, and herbs, has announced that Joe Donnelly, former Congressman and Senator from Indiana has joined their Advisory Board, effective January 2021.
In his new position, Senator Donnelly will be providing LGF’s leadership critical insights related to their planned national rollout, which is scheduled to begin later this year. Senator Donnelly served on several committees during his tenure in Congress, including the Federal Agriculture committee, so he is an enthusiastic supporter of sustainable controlled environment agriculture.
“Living Greens Farm’s business model has a lot going for it,” says Senator Donnelly. “It is a huge step forward for the environment, great for the retailer, and provides incredibly fresh, premium quality products for the consumer. It helps bring us into the future of farming.”
LGF has been successfully serving customers in the upper Midwest for the past two years. Their growth in this area has led to expansion plans to other parts of the country.
“Adding Senator Donnelly to our Advisory Board serves our expansion plans well,” said George Pastrana, President, and CEO of Living Greens Farm. “He will serve as a key partner as LGF promotes its vision and commercial know-how through the various markets we will serve.”
For more information on why Living Greens Farm products are the cleanest, freshest, and healthiest farm salads and greens available, go to www.livinggreensfarm.com.
About Living Greens Farm
Headquartered in Minnesota, Living Greens Farm is the world’s largest vertical plane aeroponic farm. Living Greens Farm produce requires 95% less water and 99% less land to grow year-round and all products are grown without pesticides or GMOs. Living Greens Farm has a full product line that includes salads, microgreens, and herbs available throughout the Midwest. For more information, please visit Living Greens Farm
What Can You Grow In Aeroponics?
There are many different types of crops that you can grow in an aeroponic system and many of these make a good business case, as well as boasting impressive environmental benefits
15-01-2021 | LettUsGROW
Aeroponics is a method of growing that doesn’t use soil. Instead, plant roots are irrigated with a nutrient-dense mist. This allows for access to greater oxygen levels and prevents water logging - resulting in higher yields and faster growth rates.
There are many different types of crops that you can grow in an aeroponic system and many of these make a good business case, as well as boasting impressive environmental benefits. Here are some of the crops you can grow in an aeroponic system:
Microgreens
These are greens that are popular in high-end restaurants as garnishes or in salad mixes. It is possible to grow large amounts of microgreens very quickly in an aeroponic system. In our systems, varieties such as micro radish and micro broccoli needed only 3-5 days in grow beds after germination.
The nutritional value of a crop will vary depending on what stage in its development it is at. Microgreens are in the stage when they are at their most nutritious, other than when they are a seed. However, the nutrients aren’t as easily digested by us in this form, so a plant is most nourishing when it’s a microgreen. This means you don’t need to eat a lot of them to receive a high dose of nutrition.
Leafy greens, herbs & salads
Perhaps the most common crops you’ll find growing in an aeroponic system are leafy greens and salads, which benefit from year-round growing. They are often used in pre-made salad boxes, sandwiches or in restaurants. Salads have a short shelf life, so growing them as close to the consumer as possible prevents food waste. It also allows you to grow for maximum taste, rather than to ensure crops survive a long journey to the supermarket. Popular crops include basil, lettuce and pea shoots.
Fruiting crops
Offering fruiting crops in the winter months not only benefits consumers, but allows fruit farmers a more consistent annual turnover and workload. Strawberries are a great choice of crop to grow in an aeroponic system because they can have a very limited growing season.
Tomatoes can also be grown aeroponically. They see the same benefits of year round growth and not requiring soil. This makes the growing process simpler, as there is no need to repot young crops. However, tomato plants require more space than leafy greens and microgreens, which impacts the ability to grow vertically. Therefore, aeroponic tomatoes may be better suited to greenhouse systems. This does not mean vertically farmed tomatoes are ruled out, as there are some dwarf tomato varieties that are smaller but still yield fruits.
Tree whips
Nurseries offer a stable, optimised environment for trees to be propagated and grown to a desired size, and it is possible for growth at this stage to be completed in an aeroponic system. Successfully propagating depends greatly on the quality of the seedling stock. It’s also important to establish a healthy root system, as survival after planting depends heavily on the plant’s ability to uptake water.
Aeroponics produces large and healthy root bodies, which may aid establishment and increase the success of forestry projects. One challenge of growing tree whips, whether in soil, water or mist, includes the possibility of transplant shock - strong root stock is key to mitigating this. We are planning to undertake further research to understand how aeroponics may interact with other factors surrounding tree propagation.
Rooting crops
Aeroponics can be used to grow various rooting crops, for example there has been much research into growing potatoes aeroponically, showing several advantages of the systems. At LettUs Grow we have grown both baby carrots and radishes. As the growth of this type of crop is very different to leafy greens, systems are required to focus more on the growth within the root chamber. Greater space, support and access to the roots is needed, therefore system redesigns would likely be required to consistently grow commercially viable rooting crops.
Click here for more information.
Photo created by freepic.diller - freepik
VIDEO: What's The Difference? Aeroponics Vs. Hydroponics
With a large portion of the world’s farmland shrinking, and food shortages affecting countries all over the world, newer farming methods like aeroponics and hydroponics allow crops to be grown where traditional farming cannot
Nate Klingler | January 11, 2021
With a large portion of the world’s farmland shrinking, and food shortages affecting countries all over the world, newer farming methods like aeroponics and hydroponics allow crops to be grown where traditional farming cannot. As these alternative farming systems increase in popularity, more misconceptions arise about the design, environmental impact, and the overall health of the plants grown using aeroponics and hydroponics.
This list will compare and contrast the differences between the two methods, and show how aeroponic and hydroponic farming technology can be used to grow some of the tastiest, healthiest, and greatest greens on the planet!
Aero Vs Hydro
Many people often confuse aeroponic farming with hydroponics, another form of farming that has gained plenty of popularity over recent years. While both methods are similar in that they don’t require soil, the way nutrients are delivered to plants is much different. In hydroponics, plants may be suspended in water full-time or fed by an intermittent flow of water. Aeroponic plants are never placed into water, instead being given nutrients from a mist that’s sprayed onto their roots.
This key difference is what gives each method their unique name. The term ‘Aeroponics’ stems from the Greek word aero, meaning air, and ponos, meaning work. Hydroponics, on the other hand, uses the Greek term hydro, meaning water, and is translated to the term ‘‘working water’!
The Method
Another major distinction between Aeroponics and Hydroponics lies in the design and methodology of the farming setup.
Aeroponic farms are completely controlled and enclosed environments, with crops growing suspended in air. The plants are contained in a humid atmosphere where frequent misting delivers a nutrient-rich solution right to the roots, keeping the crop from drying out. Because the entire process is enclosed, the mist is able to remain around the plants for longer, helping them grow much quicker than in a traditional outdoor farm.
Hydroponic farming also utilizes nutrient-rich water, but the process of delivering these nutrients is different. Instead of spraying the solution onto the roots, the plants are either grown in containers of nutrient solution, or the solution is circulated past the roots.
Plant Growth and Health
As far as the overall health of the plant goes, aeroponics takes a slight advantage. These crops grow in a completely sealed and protected environment, meaning there is a very small chance that the roots will be exposed to foreign objects and bacteria. Hydroponic plants on the other hand, are at a much greater risk of bacterial exposure, due to the high humidity levels in their growing environment.
Another important aspect that contributes to a plant’s health is the aeration or the amount of oxygen the plant receives while growing. During aeroponic growing the plant’s roots are completely suspended for the entire growing process, allowing them to take in air at a much greater rate. In hydroponics, the roots are submerged and do not receive nearly as much oxygen, contributing to a generally smaller plant and crop yield.
The Environmental Impact
Both aeroponics and hydroponics are regarded to be less harsh on the earth than traditional ‘geoponic’ farming, with neither requiring the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. However, there are some differences in the number of resources used between both systems. Hydroponics requires much larger quantities of water to operate, as well as four times the amount of nutrients needed to grow a plant using the aeroponics method.
Because of this, aeroponics has been developed to compete with the problems that arise from climate change, diminishing farmland, and the building of large housing and urban centers. It uses 98% less land than traditional farming methods, 95% less water, and is 100% controlled, allowing for crops to be grown year-round using fewer resources.
Living Greens Farm & The Future of Aeroponics
Living Greens Farms started with a simple goal to build a sustainable, next-generation farm, and has now expanded into the largest vertical-plane, indoor aeroponic farm in the world! Follow our journey as we look to expand into other areas of the country, where we can make a difference in communities that have little access to fresh produce. Changing the world for the better starts with one person, one bite, and one Living Greens salad at a time.
Living Greens Farm Hires New CEO
George Pastrana brings 30 years of successfully managing iconic consumer brands
George Pastrana Brings 30 Years of Successfully
Managing Iconic Consumer Brands
Source: Living Greens Farm
July 15, 2020
Living Greens Farm CEO George Pastrana
New president, CEO, and board member George Pastrana joins Living Greens Farm, one of the largest indoor aeroponic farms in the U.S.
FARIBAULT, Minn., July 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NetworkWire – Living Greens Farm (LGF), one of the largest vertical, indoor aeroponic farms in the United States, which provides year-round fresh salad greens, exclusive bagged salad kits, microgreens, and herbs, announces the arrival of George Pastrana as its new president, chief executive officer, and board member.
Pastrana is a commercial leader with a successful record of managing iconic consumer brands for innovation and profitable growth at leading, growth-oriented, market-driven companies. His marketing and operational experience includes Fortune 100 multinational companies as well as smaller entrepreneurial organizations, where he was successful in growing sales, profit, and market share.
Pastrana will reside in Minneapolis and will bring nearly 30 years of commercial and innovation leadership at consumer-packaged goods companies to contribute to LGF’s success in the coming years. He will be leading a talented, experienced team of leaders to establish LGF as a premier brand in the fast-growing bagged and clam-shelled salads and salad kits industry. He also has plans for LGF’s national rapid expansion.
“I am excited about the opportunity to lead LGF’s passionate coworkers as we embark on scaling up our proven, breakthrough aeroponic farming system and to provide our healthy, nutritious, and flavorful greens and herbs to customers with discerning eating habits nationwide,” says Pastrana. “LGF’s patented aeroponic farming systems are a cost-effective way to deliver flavorful, better-than-organic farm fresh greens and herbs. We have a proven model, and we are ready for national expansion with a talented team of leaders.”
Prior to joining LGF, Pastrana was president and COO of Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton, Delaware. He holds a biomedical engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Cornell University's Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, and he completed the advanced management program at INSEAD Business School.
ABOUT LIVING GREENS FARM
Living Greens Farm (LGF) operates one of the largest indoor aeroponic farms in the United States. Aeroponics and specifically LGF’s proprietary grow systems, have been described as the next generation of ag-tech and a solution to the world’s food challenges.
Headquartered in Minnesota, Living Greens Farm is Earth-friendly using 95 percent less water and 98 percent less land compared to traditional farming and can grow safely, consistently, and locally year-round. All products are considered better than organic because they’re grown in a controlled environment without the use of pesticides, herbicides or other harsh chemicals and are non-GMO. Living Greens Farm has a full product line that includes bagged and clamshell salad greens, premium microgreens, and delicious herbs available to customers throughout the Midwest.
For more information, please visit http://www.livinggreensfarm.com.