Design, Fabrication and Evaluation of a Small Scale and Low Cost Vertical Garden Hydroponic System

The main goal of this research project is to develop a sustainable fruit and vegetable production system for households and small communities through design, fabrication and evaluation a small scale and low cost vertical garden hydroponic system. One of the major agricultural challenges faced by Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is the lack of locally produced fresh vegetables, primarily due to major barriers such climate, soil and lack of know how. This food insecurity can further be aggravated under sudden situations like COVID-19 where availability of food a real challenge with transportation and production restrictions. Hydroponic growing system could be a reasonable solution to address acidic and nutritionally poor soil as well as climatic limitations in NL. We expect to address complexity, high initial capital cost, and the high-energy consumption issues through development of a small scale and low cost hydroponic system.

Faculty Supervisor:

Lakshman Galagedara;Raymond Thomas;Mumtaz Cheema;Mano Krishnapillai

Student:

Kamsika Jeyarasa;Elham Fathidarenijeh;Adelowokan Abiodun Abimbola

Partner:

Easy Grows Inc.

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland