US (MI): Shipping Container Aids University's Indoor Ag Program
Northern Michigan University's indoor agriculture program has received a special delivery to enhance education, research, and partnership opportunities. A new shipping container that houses a state-of-the-art growing center is located just outside of the Jacobetti Complex. Its operation will be supervised by students and the produce it generates will be distributed to NMU's hospitality management program and campus dining facilities.
The shipping container is equipped with cloud software so that water, nutrient, and pH levels can be monitored and controlled remotely via cell phone. LED lighting for the plants doubles as a heat source. There is also an air-conditioning system for additional climate control.
“The container has its own seeding area, so students will germinate seeds, grow seedlings and transfer those into the vertical growing channels to reach full maturity,” said Kim Smith Kolasa, assistant professor, and program coordinator. “They will grow leafy greens—from lettuces to kale to chards—and herbs such as basil, cilantro, and parsley to share with campus. On the research and experimental side, they will work on growing fruiting crops like strawberries, cucumbers, and tomatoes.”
Kolasa said the shipping container delivery from Freight Farms Greenery in New Jersey included a “welcome kit” of seeds, substrate, and nutrients to launch the first round of germination. Within three weeks, the seedlings will be transferred into the vertical channels and full crops are expected five to eight weeks later.
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Publication date: Wed 8 Sep 2021