Vertical farming and agriculture are featuring more heavily in urban planning and architecture, not purely for food production but also for combating CO2 production. The latest phase in this trend has been heralded by architecture firm Influx_Studio who are looking at retrofitting buildings with green areas and sustainable technology to lower CO2 emissions. The firm clearly feel that this is the future of green building design, particularly in Chicago where they estimate that around three quarters of CO2 emissions in[...]
Archive for the ‘Hydroponics’ Category
In Cebu, a province within the Philippines the authorities are hoping to help poor households by encouraging urban food production and the use of hydroponics. The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Science and Technology is not only a way for poorer families to generate food, but also additional income through the selling of their produce.
In the USA and specifically the ranches of Texas hydroponics is becoming an increasingly popular option for the production of livestock feed. This growth in popularity of hydroponic methods can be seen as a response to the current drought in the area and the result of dry spells on crop prices. It is through increased adoption however that the ranching community is now realising the benefits that hydroponics can deliver to their ranch and business more widely. Within Texas ranchers[...]
Having a fully operational and productive grow room requires a significant amount of lighting. Lighting however requires a large amount of power which can lead to your produce costing a considerable amount of money. One of the options to reduce you electricity bills is to utilise CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lighting) grow lamps.
In Nassau, the commercial centre of the Bahamas a new supermarket is opening that is placing a great emphasis on locally produced foods, particularly those grown hydroponically. Solomon’s Fresh Market is partnering with Lucayan Tropical Farmers Market to provide green, healthy and organic produce to the population of Nassau, whilst supporting Bahamian businesses.
Leaf miner flies, or more affectionately known as leaf miners can be a truly devastating pest if they manage to enter your hydroponics system. They aren’t common and typically as the larvae need soil or medium to flourish they will not affect all hydroponics systems. They can however become a problem with a wide variety of hydroponic crops, including tomatoes and peppers.
After a significant R430 million investment Dube TradePort’s AgriZone project is now considered Africa’s most advanced hydroponics facility and is proving to be commercially and environmentally successful.
According to a new study by the Australian Rural industries and Development Corporation (RIRDC) worms could play a significant role in the future of hydroponics and the creation of sustainable urban communities.
We all have to have a first time and rather than get embarrassed about making mistakes or understanding what you need to do you the Hydroponics Guide is on hand to provide essential advice on using your new grow tent for the first time.
After being devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 New Orleans lost 30% of its supermarkets and whilst this was five years ago, there is still a problem within the city finding affordable, healthy food. The situation has been labelled as a “food desert” meaning that many communities have little to no access to fresh fruit and vegetables, due to a lack of supermarkets.