A simplified non-greenhouse hydroponic system for small-scale soilless urban vegetable farming

Gumisiriza, Margaret S.; Ndakidemi, Patrick A.; Mbega, Ernest R.

doi:10.1016/j.mex.2022.101882

Cited by 14 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Smart nonhydroponic GHs dominate the market and provide the greatest growth potential for plants. The key technologies used in smart GHs, such as pressurized irrigation systems, valves, pumps, etc., have provided the basis for the growth and production of products in terms of quantity and quality [60].…”

Section: ) Non-hydroponic Smart Ghmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Systematic Review of Optimal and Practical Methods in Design, Construction, Control, Energy Management and Operation of Smart Greenhouses

Ghiasi,

Wang,

Mehrandezh

et al. 2024

IEEE Access

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In an era characterized by severe climate change, dwindling resources, and a growing world population, the agricultural industry is facing unprecedented challenges. On the other hand, overuse of natural resources has emerged as a major concern worldwide. Greenhouses (GHs) have been developed as central environments capable of growing a diverse range of high-quality agricultural products throughout the year, regardless of external weather conditions. However, conventional GHs often impose significant costs on energy resources for their heating and cooling operations, thus presenting sustainability challenges. To address these pressing concerns, using new smart technologies as well as the integration and development of renewable energy sources, including photovoltaics (PVs), wind turbines (WT), and geothermal systems, have gained momentum. This integration not only increases the ecological footprint of GHs but also reduces their dependence on conventional energy sources. Furthermore, the adoption of smart GH technologies, characterized by advanced control and automation systems, holds significant promise in energy optimization and efficiency. Hence, this systematic review attempts to carefully examine the optimal and practical methods that include the design, fabrication, control, energy management, and operation of smart GHs. This review includes an in-depth analysis of GH structures, building materials, cooling and heating systems, new dark GH concepts, and smart lighting systems. In addition, it addresses effective strategies to curb energy consumption in smart GHs. By synthesizing and synthesizing existing research and practical experiences, this paper seeks to provide valuable insights and recommendations to facilitate the efficient and sustainable design, construction, and operation of smart GHs. Ultimately, this work aims to promote resource-efficient and environmentally conscious practices in the agricultural sector.

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Section: ) Non-hydroponic Smart Ghmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Systematic Review of Optimal and Practical Methods in Design, Construction, Control, Energy Management and Operation of Smart Greenhouses

Ghiasi,

Wang,

Mehrandezh

et al. 2024

IEEE Access

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“…The growing population coupled with the decreasing arable land worldwide have intensified the challenge of sustainable food supply chains [ 1 ]. Currently, hydroponic fodder has been used as a potential sustainable feedstuff resource for livestock production, which could be beneficial to reducing the food-feed competition and even improving productive performance [ 2 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of 5–20% Hydroponic Wheat Sprouts Inclusion on Growth and Metabolic Parameters of Growing Ewes

Min,

Tuo,

et al. 2024

Animals

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The aim of this study was to assess the impact of varying proportions (5–20%) of hydroponic wheat sprouts in the diet of growing four-month-old Hu ewes on their productive performance, metabolic profiles, rumen fermentation, and alterations in microflora. Compared with the control group (CON), the optimum final weight of ewes has been presented in the group of substitution 15% (S15) of the basal diet with hydroponic wheat sprouts. Furthermore, 1–30 d the average daily gain (ADG), 31–60 d ADG, and average feed intake were both significantly improved in S15 compared with CON (p < 0.05). Feeding hydroponic wheat sprouts can significantly increase high-density lipoprotein and interleukin-2 (p < 0.05) accompanied by the numerical increase of the content of interferon-γ, suggesting its positive effect on ewes’ health and immune systems. In this process, it is noteworthy that feeding hydroponic wheat sprouts results in an increase in relative abundance of Olsenella, Limosilactobacillus, Shuttleworthia, and Prevotella_7, and a decrease in relative abundance of Succinimonas, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Anaerovibrio in the rumen of growing ewes. It implies that the response of rumen microflora adapted to the change of dietary ingredients, as well as the relationship between rumen microflora changes and the improvement of productive performance and immune system in growing ewes. Considering the usage cost and application effect, S15 of the basal diet with hydroponic wheat sprouts could be the appropriate application solution for growing ewes.

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“…One other concern we hope to address is the price associated with building a hydroponics system. According to a 2022 study that compared the cost of building and maintaining a similarsized hydroponics garden and conventional farm, the hydroponics garden costs 1.5 times as much to build and maintain (Gumisiriza et al, 2022). The study found that the main reason for this price difference was the need for expensive custom parts used in hydroponics (Gumisiriza et al, 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to a 2022 study that compared the cost of building and maintaining a similarsized hydroponics garden and conventional farm, the hydroponics garden costs 1.5 times as much to build and maintain (Gumisiriza et al, 2022). The study found that the main reason for this price difference was the need for expensive custom parts used in hydroponics (Gumisiriza et al, 2022). In order to address this issue, our main goal was to limit the use of expensive parts in this design, relying on PVC pipes and cheaper, smaller UV lights to reduce costs and to keep the total design below a cost of 500 US dollars.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Engineering an Improved Hydroponics System

O'Quinn,

Behera,

Kim

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Much of the food insecurity within the United States is due to urban “food deserts” (large cities where many residents cannot access fresh, nutritious food). Within these cities, fresh food can be expensive to the point where most residents routinely resort to consuming highly processed fast food that lacks important nutritional qualities. In researching this phenomenon, it became clear that one of the solutions to this problem that could address long transportation times, the carbon emissions associated with such transportation, and the general lack of space in cities, would be hydroponic-based systems. Such systems grow crops without soil in compact, urban environments using artificial lighting. In order to test the effectiveness and efficiency of hydroponics-based systems, we developed a hydroponics-based system using already available materials and then tested it to determine if hydroponics could offer a sustainable alternative. Trying to use materials common to an engineering lab so as to be easier to build and replicate findings, we focused on adding PVC parts to a wooden frame to keep it in a 4-foot by 4-foot by 3-foot area. Although the system we created did require more energy than conventional farming, the hydroponics farm was able to successfully grow lettuce plants at a rate faster than Conventional Agriculture, demonstrating the merits of large-scale hydroponics agriculture.

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A simplified non-greenhouse hydroponic system for small-scale soilless urban vegetable farming

Cited by 14 publications

References 13 publications

A Systematic Review of Optimal and Practical Methods in Design, Construction, Control, Energy Management and Operation of Smart Greenhouses

A Systematic Review of Optimal and Practical Methods in Design, Construction, Control, Energy Management and Operation of Smart Greenhouses

Impact of 5–20% Hydroponic Wheat Sprouts Inclusion on Growth and Metabolic Parameters of Growing Ewes

Engineering an Improved Hydroponics System

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