L2M-Development of smart aeroponic systems for the promotion of wellness and sustainability

Sustainable agriculture has a significant and multifaceted role in promoting human health and well-being. There are many approaches to achieving wellness and an aeroponic growing solution is an excellent way to promote wellness by cultivating fresh, nutritious plants and thereby providing an indoor natural environment. In addition, the urban population in Canada is experiencing unprecedented growth, leading to increased demand for fresh produce. Traditional farming practices are seen as inadequate to meet the demands of urban residents and are associated with environmental concerns. The challenges related to extreme winter in Canada and the desire of urban residents to grow their own fresh and healthy foods at home can be addressed through innovative solutions. Aeroponics is a method of growing plants without soil using nutrient-rich water solutions. This can result in faster growth rates and higher yields. Studies have shown that exposure to nature and greenery can improve mood, and mental health, increase productivity, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function. Incorporating leafy green, herbs and flowers into your mindfulness practice can significantly enhance your overall well-being. Through this project, we aim to prototype and develop a portable fully automated system to cultivate fresh plants and promote sustainability and wellness. The system will be tested, validated for its performance, and commercialized. We plan to establish research in making these systems smarter to be monitored by the users using a mobile application. We also plan to identify and research the best plants and flower species and their effects on the well-being of Canadians.

Faculty Supervisor:

Rafiq Ahmad

Student:

Partner:

I-INC Foundation for Business Development

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Alberta

Program: