In an exciting development for sustainable agriculture, researchers at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), in collaboration with Aeroroot Systems, have pioneered a groundbreaking method for cultivating basil. This innovation forgoes traditional soil-based farming.
The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) at KPU, along with Surrey-based Aeroroot Systems, has successfully implemented aeroponics in their Langley greenhouses. This cutting-edge technology nurtures plants in a misty environment, utilizing 90% less water and 70% less fertilizer than conventional methods.
Such efficiency not only benefits the environment but also paves the way for a more cost-effective and sustainable farming model.
Aeroponics involves suspending basil roots in the air while periodically misting them with a nutrient-rich solution. This soil-less approach has proven to significantly reduce the resources typically required for herb cultivation. Aeroroot's technology, which has undergone extensive testing and optimization at KPU, demonstrates remarkable potential for commercial scale operations.
Despite the high initial setup and operational costs associated with vertical farming, Aeroroot is determined to refine their model. By focusing on energy efficiency, they aim to overcome one of the biggest hurdles facing vertical agricultural ventures.
This project received funding from the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation, showcasing the collaborative effort between academia and industry to foster innovation in agriculture.
The ISH at KPU continues to lead research efforts that align with B.C.'s sustainability and environmental goals, providing valuable insights and technologies for small farms and beyond.
As this technology moves closer to commercialization, it offers a glimpse into a future where farming is not only more sustainable but also more adaptable to the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity.