AEROPONICS

1. Definition:

Aeroponics is a method of growing plants without soil by suspending them in air and misting the roots with nutrient-rich water - we are growing living organisms that have all their “guts” exposed! - typically enclosed in a chamber that is dark and humid, to create a favorable environment for plant growth.

 

2. Discovery:

The term "aeroponics" was first introduced by Richard J. Stoner II in 1983. He also invented the first commercial aeroponic system.

 

3. Efficiency:

Aeroponic systems use up to 98% less water than traditional farming and about 60% less than other hydroponic applications, making it an extremely efficient way of farming in terms of water use. Additionally, they allow for faster growth of plants as the roots are directly exposed to oxygen.

 

4. Space Efficiency:

To give an idea of how large an area a 70-panel aeroponic system covers, consider this: Each panel is 6.5 feet by 5 feet, equating to 32.5 square feet. Therefore, 70 panels would cover 2,275 square feet. This is about half the size of a basketball court, which has a surface area of about 4,700 square feet. It is also roughly double the size of the room the aeroponic system currently occupies, highlighting the efficiency of aeroponics in utilizing space. 

 

5. Nutrient Delivery:

In aeroponics, nutrients are delivered directly to the plant roots via a nutrient-rich mist. This allows the plant to absorb nutrients and oxygen more easily than in soil or water-based environments.

 

6. Disease and Pest Control:

A benefit to indoor farming is having control over all environmental factors. This helps mitigate the risk of unwanted pests and harmful pathogens, which has its advantages over traditional farming. 

 

7. Types of Plants:

Aeroponics is versatile and can be used to grow a wide variety of plants, including leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes, strawberries, and even root vegetables.

 

8. NASA and Aeroponics:

NASA has experimented with aeroponics for use in space travel. The method is seen as a potential way to provide fresh food for astronauts on long missions.

 

9. Sustainability:

Aeroponics is viewed as a sustainable farming method due to its efficient use of resources. It doesn't require deforestation or large amounts of water and can be powered by renewable energy.

 

10. Challenges:

While aeroponics is highly efficient, it also requires careful monitoring, strict sanitation practices and control of environmental conditions. Additionally, initial setup costs can be high compared to traditional farming.

 

11. CO2 Usage and Higher Yields:

In a unique and sustainable approach, the aeroponic system utilizes carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a byproduct of the beer brewing process. This CO2 is fed directly to the plants, enhancing their growth. As a result, yields have been found to increase by approximately 25%.

 

12. Heat Utilization:

Taking advantage of every possible resource, the aeroponic system recycles the heat generated by the LED lights used for plant growth. This heat is exchanged via a fan system to help warm adjacent offices, reducing energy consumption and creating a more sustainable environment