Ecologgers and Dr. Czechowicz,
I realize I left out some pretty significant details when asking for your input on vertical farming techniqies. The farm itself will be located indoors with an artificial light source and will be used to study a variety of Acala cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). I will forward the responses I receive back to Ecolog as requested. Thank you for your input! Mahogany Bullock mahjb...@ut.utm.edu From: Ally Czechowicz [mailto:czec0...@umn.edu] Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 8:07 AM To: Mahogany Bullock Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Vertical Farming Techniques Mahogany- So technically speaking--and perhaps you know this--a hydroponic system cannot be organic due to the lack of soil medium. The vertical farms I have seen hold plants in holes cut out of polystyrene. The system I am most familiar with is a paired hydoponic/aquaponic system (tilapia and lettuce/herbs) in a warehouse space in Minnesota (cold climate - but controlled because operates indoors). See http://gardenfreshfarms.com/growning-systems/ I would update your request for information by specifying if you plan on farming indoors or outdoors, since it makes a large difference. Also, it would be helpful to specify which crops you want to grow, since many systems are soil-less, this isn't enough information to go on. In my estimation, there is much room for innovation within vertical farming! It's an exciting field. Good luck! Ally Czechowicz On Tue, Dec 11, 2012 at 10:19 PM, Mahogany Bullock <mjeanbull...@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Ecologgers, I am working on a project involving organic vertical farming and was hoping to get some feedback on which technique is best. I have looked into using Bato buckets, peat pots, and planter boxes. Along with hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. I would like to know the general opinion in regards to the system that would work best for plants traditionally grown in dry climates and light sandy soils. Also, what type of medium to use that would allow for the most plant growth. Literature suggestions would be highly appreciated. Thank you for your input, Mahogany Bullock mahjb...@ut.utm.edu -- Masters Candidate Landscape Architecture 2013 University of Minnesota - College of Design czec0...@umn.edu - 608.469.9328
