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The BRAE Vertical Farm

  • Established: Summer 2023
  • Description: Hydroponic NFT vertical indoor farm. Three horizontal levels and three sets of vertical towers. Total of six independent hydroponic systems built by students and faculty for research and production instruction. 
  • Current Project: "Ultrafine bubbles for improving water use efficiency in soilless indoor plant production"
  • Current crops: Fall 2023 - "Outredgeous", Baby leaf lettuce
  • Contact information:
    • Dr. Sara Kuwahara <skuwahar@calpoly.edu>
    • Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Dpt
    • College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences,
    • California Polytechnic State University,  San Luis Obispo

What is Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)?

Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA) is a method of farming that optimizes growing conditions by closely regulating environmental factors within a controlled space, typically indoor or greenhouse settings.

By carefully managing environmental conditions and utilizing technology-driven solutions, CEA addresses the growing demand for nutritious, locally sourced food while minimizing the environmental impact of farming. CEA combines technology, science, and automation to provide an ideal environment for plant growth. This method is at the forefront of modern agriculture, offering a path toward to a more secure, efficient, and sustainable food future.

Vertically grown lettuce

 

What are the benefits of CEA in comparison to traditional infield production?

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) excels in comparison to traditional in-field production by enabling year-round crop growth, reducing water usage, minimizing pesticide use, maximizing land efficiency, and offering higher yields. CEA's precise environmental control ensures consistent crop quality and reduces the impact of weather-related disruptions.

Additionally, shorter supply chains reduce transportation emissions, while minimized resource wastage promotes sustainability. These advantages collectively enhance food security, conserve resources, and provide a more resilient and environmentally friendly approach to agriculture, particularly in urban areas with limited land availability.

 

What is a vertical farm?

A vertical farm is an agricultural system where crops are cultivated in vertically stacked layers of shelves or through use of towers within a controlled indoor environment, such as a greenhouse or warehouse. This approach maximizes space utilization and relies on technologies like hydroponics or aeroponics, precise climate control, and artificial lighting to create ideal growing conditions.  They are particularly suited for urban areas with limited space and contribute to sustainable, local, and reliable food production.

 

What are the challenges faced by vertical farms today?

Vertical farms face several challenges today, including high initial setup costs, substantial energy requirements for lighting and climate control, technical complexity, limited crop diversity,  market competition, and regulatory hurdles. Scaling up is an area where there has been mixed success in the industry, as it can often be costly and complex.

Additionally, the environmental impact of energy consumption and waste management has yet to be addressed. Ensuring economic viability, especially for smaller operations, remains a concern. Overcoming these challenges requires ongoing innovation, cost-effective solutions, and supportive policies to enable vertical farming to fulfill its potential as a sustainable and efficient method of food production.

 

What sort of crops can be grown in a vertical farm?

The majority of vertical farms today are focused on the production of leafy green such as lettuce, salad mixes, green onions, herbs and edible flowers. These plants are preferred because of their fast growth rates and simple production cycle. Small bush crops like strawberries and cherry tomatoes also adapt well to vertical farms and specialty system for vine crops like peppers and cucumbers have been developed. 

Currently most crops are selected for in field production leaving room for expansion in the area of cultivar selection for vertical and indoor production. 

 

What sort of research is going on in the BRAE vertical farm?

Currently Dr. Kuwahara's research is sponsored by the CSU Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) and is focused on the influence of ultrafine bubbles on hydroponic production of leafy greens. 

Future research will look into water reuse in hydroponic system utilizing various treatment methods to control plant pathogens, bio-films, and autotoxins.

 

How can I get involved with the BRAE vertical farm?

Currently the farm is managed by undergraduates from the BRAE department, with operations conducted by members of GrowCrew.

GrowCrew is club housed in the BRAE department but is open to students from all over campus. Joining GrowCrew is the best option for any student at Cal Poly to become involved in production at the BRAE Vertical Farm. 

 

Are there research opportunities for students at the BRAE vertical farm?

Yes, Dr. Kuwahara is a regular participant in CAFES SURP and other funded undergraduate research programs across campus which are open to all students.

There are also research opportunities with other professors at Cal Poly working on collaborations with Dr. Kuwahara such as Ag. business and Food science. If you are interested in doing research with the BRAE Vertical Farm please contact Dr. Kuwahara. 

 

    Are there any classes at Cal Poly on hydroponics or indoor agriculture?

    Currently there are only a few courses that cover this area but new classes are being created  every year. 

    The Plant Science department  (PLSC) offers several courses on greenhouse production and horticulture.

    The BioResource and Agricultural Engineering department offers the following courses taught by Dr. Kuwahara

     

    How can I learn more about indoor agriculture or hydroponics?

    There are a few courses available at Cal Poly but there are also many online sources, here is a list of a few places to get started:

     

    Special Thanks

    CSU Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) and the CAFES SURP for sponsoring the current research. 

    Gaia Water, for donating Ultra fine bubble generators and providing technical support.

    Plenty Unlimited Inc, for their donation of grow towers and lights and technical support. 

     

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