Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

PROJECT DURATION:        October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2023

EXPERIMENT STATION:   New Jersey, Maine, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Arizona, and Florida

PARTICIPANTS:                  NJ: Robin Brumfield, A.J. Both, Tom Manning, Tim Shelford; ME:  Stephanie Burnett; IN: Hye-Ji Kim, Teng Yang, Meng-Yang Lin; OH: Peter Ling, Chieri Kubota, and Mark Kroggel; MI: Roberto Lopez; AZ: Gene Giacomelli and Murat Kacira; FL: Celina Gómez 

REPORTING PERIOD:        October 1, 2018 – May 21, 2019

REPORT DATE:                    May 21, 2019 

Objective 1: To evaluate and develop strategies to improve energy efficiency in controlled environment agriculture

Planned Outputs:

1. Develop recommendations for optimal lamp choices and layouts for greenhouses and indoor production facilities

NJ: We continue to evaluate a variety of lamps for light output, light distribution and power consumption using our 2-meter integrating sphere and a small darkroom. We evaluated the spectral output of a variety of lamp technologies (INC, CFL, CMH, HPS, and LED) and compared various waveband ratios with sunlight.

AZ: Kacira Lab evaluated various daily light integrals (DLI) (9-17 mols/m2/day with 2 DLI increments) with LED lighting (with 80% red, 15%blue and 5% green) with experiments at UA-CEAC vertical farm facility (UAg Farm) to determine effects on yield and quality of lettuce (variety Fairly), and for energy savings in indoor multi-tiered vertical farming setting.  

MI: Ph.D. student Kellie Walters and Roberto Lopez evaluated the influence of light intensity, average daily temperature, and carbon dioxide concentration on consumer preference of sweet basil. consumers preferred basil grown under 200 µmol·m^–2·s^–1 compared to 100, 400, or 600 µmol·m^–2·s^–1 because these samples had a less bitter taste, milder aftertaste, deeper green color, crisper texture, more moderate flavor, and more pleasant aroma. Consumers indicated no differences in flavor between the CO₂ treatments. However, they preferred the appearance, texture, and color of basil grown under higher temperatures (26 or 29 to 35 °C) compared to 23 °C.

FL: We evaluated the use of end-of-day (EOD) lighting to increase biomass production of lettuce plants grown in controlled environments. Our data showed that compared to a constant PPF during the photoperiod, 1h of EOD red light has the potential to increase growth, most likely due to changes in transpiration and conductance. We continue to evaluate effects of low DLIs (compared to commercial recommendations) for indoor gardening of edibles (e.g., lettuce, basil, and tomato).

 Improve ventilation alternatives for high-tunnels that result in better cooling in the summer and reduced heat loss in the winter

NJ: We are continuing our work on a comprehensive evaluation of ventilation strategies for high tunnel crop production. We are using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to assess ventilation rates in high tunnels equipped with several different ventilation opening. We are also assessing the impact of crop canopies (short and tall) on the ventilation rates in high tunnels.

 OH: We have investigated and found encouraging results of using a thermal energy storage system for passive heating of a high tunnel for waste water treatment using a beneath ground bioreactor system. We have found that a high tunnel can passively trap the heat during day and keep bioreactor warm at night. A heat recovery system can actively collect daytime surplus heat, store it, and use it for nighttime heating when needed. The system was able to maintain 5.5 °C higher than the control, which appears feasible to improve winter warming of the wastewater treatment system.

Other

NJ: We are continuing our work on the evaluation of energy use in commercial greenhouses and comparing the resulting information to model-based predictions.

IN: Developed recommendations on optimal flow rate for greenhouse-based aquaponics and developed optimal light environment for the production of greenhouse tomato with higher yield and better flavor.

MI: Ph.D. student Kellie Walters and Roberto Lopez quantified the influence of temperature and daily light integral (DLI) on growth and development of greenhouse-grown dill, parsley, purple basil, sage, spearmint, and watercress to develop temperature response curves. M.S. student Charlie Garcia and advisor Roberto Lopez evaluated the photoperiodic responses of coriander ‘Santo’ (Coriandrum sativum), oregano ‘Greek’ (Origanum vulgare hirtum), dill ‘Bouquet’ (Anethum graveolens), lavender ‘Bandera Pink’ (Lavandula stoechas), watercress (Nasturtium officinale), spearmint ‘Spanish’ (Mentha spicata), and marjoram (Origanum majorana). Lavender, marjoram, oregano, spearmint, and watercress can be classified as long-day plants.

Objective 2: To reduce fresh water use and evaluate alternative fertilizers and growing substrates for the production of greenhouse crops

Planned Outputs:

1. Develop practical production guidelines to increase the efficiency of organic fertilizers in production of container-grown ornamentals and hydroponically-grown vegetables

NJ: We continue to work on the effects of soluble Silicon amendments used for hydroponically grown leafy greens (lettuce, bok choy, and basil).

Develop practical management guidelines to improve yield and quality of vegetables grown in recirculating hydroponics and aquaponics systems to improve production efficiency and increase profitability

ME: Hydroponic research at the University of Maine compared growth of ‘Mrs. Burns’ Lemon’ basil when plants were grown with either Hoagland solution or one of three commercially available hydroponic fertilizers. All fertilizers were applied at the same nitrogen concentration. Plants grown in two of three of the commercial fertilizers had greater shoot and root dry weight compared to plants grown in Hoagland solution. In a second study with ‘Mrs. Burns’ Lemon’ basil, a commercial mycorrhizal inoculant (Root Magic) which contains a variety of endo- and ecto- mycorrhizae in addition to beneficial microorganisms was added to hydroponic containers with either Hoagland solution or a commercial fertilizer. The addition of the mycorrhizal inoculant resulted in no difference in root or shoot growth of ‘Mrs. Burns’ Lemon’ basil.

IN: Through published research findings, we have generated new knowledge about nutrient profiles in aquaponic wastewater that improve crop yield and quality in aquaponics.

OH: We have developed a handout describing hydroponic nutrient management guidelines to distribute to growers during the 2019 Greenhouse Short Course at the University of Arizona (Gillespie, 2019). The guideline is downloadable at https://u.osu.edu/cepptlab/extension/

AZ: UA-CEAC, in collaboration with American Hydroponics (AmHydro), established a research and outreach greenhouse with nutrient film technique-based hydroponics system. The experiments have been conducted to evaluate yield and quality of three lettuce varieties under two different EC levels (1.8 and 1.2 dS/m). 

Kacira Lab continued evaluated yield and quality of lettuce crop in floating raft based hydroponics system in a multi-tiered indoor vertical farm research facility (UA-CEAC UAg Farm) under six different DLIs (9-17) and six CO2 concentrations (400-1300 ppm) to evaluate resource use efficiency and potentials for energy savings. Established the first continuously recirculating hydroponic system for fruiting crops (tomato, cucumber, sweet pepper) at University of Arizona, (SUMC) Rooftop Greenhouse.  Giacomelli in collaboration with Dr. Stacy Tollefson. Located, owned and financially supported by the Student Union Memorial Center (SUMC), Todd Millay, Director.

FL: We are currently evaluating different nutrient solution replacement intervals that will reduce consumer intervention when using hydroponic systems for indoor gardening 

3. Develop recommendations for the application of flexible wavelength lighting and selective cover materials or shading elements for greenhouses

AZ: Kacira Lab developed a simulation model that evaluates energy generation of organic photovoltaic film (OPV) integrated to a greenhouse roof as covering material, crop yield and economic profit under various OPV film coverage ratios and deployment alternatives.

Evaluation of wavelength altering properties of quantum dots in plastic film for the improvement of lettuce plant production.  NASA-STTR for UbiQD, Inc, Los Alamos, NM. Giacomelli in collaboration with Dr. Matt Bergren, UbiQD

4. Develop strategies to reduce water use in propagation of ornamentals and vegetables

None

5. Accelerate propagation timing by reducing water use

ME: The University of Maine continues to develop a novel propagation strategy that applies water to the base of cuttings, rather than overhead (submist). We used submist, overhead mist, and a combination system that applied water to the base of cuttings and overhead to propagate ornamental plants. Root dry weight was greater in plants propagated in both submist and the combination system.  The percentage of cuttings rooted and number of roots was greatest in the combination system. We measured net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance to determine if either of these gas exchange measures was involved in the differences in rooting. However, there were no notable differences in gas exchange measures among cuttings rooted in the three propagation systems.

FL: We have quantified the water-use-efficiency (WUE) of lettuce plants grown under different red:blue ratios and found that increasing blue light decreases WUE, most likely due to changes in conductance and transpiration as a stomatal response to blue light.

6. Generate new knowledge about environmental management practices that enhance beneficial microbes in hydroponic solutions

None

7. Develop management guidelines to use low-quality water for irrigating greenhouse crops

None

8. Develop production guidelines to adjust nutrient programs to non-peat-based substrates

Objective 3: To train growers and students to utilize emerging controlled environment agriculture technologies

Planned Outputs:

1. Organize education programs that target CEA growers around the US, our target populations will include Hispanics, Native Americans, and new farmers

NJ: We organized a two-day short course titled Greenhouse Crop Production that was attended by approximately 20 students.

OH: We organized three workshops last year as follow:

The 2019 Greenhouse Management Workshop was organized by Peter Ling and Chieri Kubota with 48 participants (including 19 online).  This year’s focus was ‘Root-zone optimization in hydroponics and substrate-based culture systems’ covering both ornamental and vegetable crops.

A new workshop series “Basics of the Greenhouse Environment for K-12 Educators” was first offered in 2018. The workshop was organized by Uttara Samarakoon, Kimberly Sayers, and Peter Ling with 24 participants.

6 one-day private workshops were offered to 16 participants to learn basics of physiology and technologies of soilless strawberry and tomato production.

AZ: Kacira (co-PI), in collaboration with K. Chief (PI) et al., within NSF-NRT funded project titled “Indigenous Food, Energy, and Water Security and Sovereignty” continued to educate a cohort graduate students on novel and sustainable off-grid production of safe drinking water, brine management operations, and controlled environment agriculture systems to provide technical solutions for communities, currently with Navajo Nation, challenged to have access to fresh produce and safe drinking water. The project collaboration included educational and training programs for technical staff members and intern students, on controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems, hydroponic crop production, sensors and controls in CEA, with onsite visitations at the Navajo Nation, as part of Tribal College and University Program, and within UA-CEAC annual greenhouse crop production and engineering short courses and intensive workshops.

UA-CEAC continued to provide educational opportunities on CEA for new farmers through its 18th Annual Greenhouse Engineering and Crop production Short Course (80 participants, 15 exhibitors).

UA-CEAC Intensive Workshops on education of growers producing hydroponics leafy greens (Dr. Stacy Tollefson, Instructor) and tomato crops (Myles Lewis, Instructor) in controlled environments. (40 participants).    

SUMC Roof Top Greenhouse weekly community tours (10 – 15 guests) established with Todd Millay, Director SUMC and Dr. Stacy Tollefson.  Providing 25+ kg fresh veggies to the UA Student Pantry for food challenged students. Providing internship experiences for operations of RTGH for 2 students.

2. Publish a hydroponic production book and an eight-part article series on urban agriculture

ME: The University of Maine contributed one article to the eight-part article series on urban agriculture.

AZ: Kacira in collaboration with N. Mattson, R. Dickson and R. Lopez published “Urban crop production in vertical farms” article in Produce Grower Magazine.

FL: Gómez contributed to two articles of the eight-part article series on urban agriculture.

3. Enhance undergraduate research training in the area of controlled environment plant production to prepare the students for independent studies

NJ: During the fall 2018 semester, we taught a 4-credit undergraduate course titled: Innovations in indoor crop cultivation (11:020:340). This class includes a hands-on lab component allowing students to grow several crops in a variety of greenhouse growing systems (hydroponics and soilless media systems). Enrollment for this class was 13 students.

ME: The University of Maine sponsored the 3rd annual American East hack-a-thon, which was focused on small agriculture this year. Participants built a variety of greenhouse and small agriculture monitoring and control systems using inexpensive loggers, such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi and environmental sensors.

IN: Organized undergraduate research projects to enhance their skills and knowledge in the area of controlled environment plant production.

OH: Over the past 5 years, we have trained 43 undergraduate students using a capstone design course as a platform, and summer research program in the area of controlled environment plant production. Eleven students were trained in the last year (2018-2019). The Capstone Design courses (FABENG 4900 and FABENG 4910) is a two semester, 6 credit hour course sequence. In addition to teaching research and design methodology, the students are required to complete a funded project with an external/internal sponsor to meet their specific requirements. Past projects include plant health monitoring and irrigation management, passive watering system for food crop production, and watering for microgravity environment.

AZ: Kacira mentored an undergraduate student who designed and evaluated a low cost vapor pressure deficit sensing unit integrated with a microcontroller, and two undergraduate students evaluating crop yield and quality under various DLIs and CO2 enrichment levels with lettuce crop in an indoor vertical farming system, and two undergraduate students helped evaluating lettuce crop yield and quality in NFT based hydroponic system.

Undergraduate students, Chris Patzke and Devon Valdivia completed 6-month and 4-month internships, respectively, for the development and operations of the SUMC Rooftop Greenhouse.

4. Submit at least three grants to enhance our collaboration within the team

OH: A USDA-SCRI grant proposal to develop key technologies for indoor agriculture was submitted and collaboration team includes Michigan State University, Purdue University and University of Arizona.

AZ: Kacira collaborated with project team members on proposal development and submissions to USDA-AFRI/SCRI programs.

Giacomelli in collaboration with Sarah Federman won a NIFA grant USDA AFRI Foundation Program Controlled Environment Indoor and Vertical Food Production - Coordinated Research Conference Proposal with goal to complete a conference to plan an interdisciplinary controlled environment indoor agriculture R&D roadmap and coordinated research plan. With Co-PI Murat Kacira and Dr. Joaquin Ruiz, Director Biosphere 2 and Dean of the College of Science.

FL: A USDA-SCRI planning grant proposal was submitted to develop a project that will evaluate the use of plant factories to propagate high-value young plants that represent significant losses by the specialty crops industry, including members from NC and CT. Also, a USDA-HEC grant was submitted to develop multimedia educational materials for CEA-related courses, including members from ME and IA.

Other accomplishments you want to report that do not necessarily relate to the NE-1835 Multistate Research Project objectives:

Grant funding

NJ: Both, A.J. Co-PI for the Lighting Approaches to Maximize Profits (LAMP) project. This project is headed by Prof. Marc van Iersel at the University of Georgia and is funded by the USDA-NIFA. http://www.hortlamp.org/

Both, A.J. Member of the Greenhouse Lighting and Systems Engineering (GLASE) Consortium (Cornell, RPI and Rutgers). This project is headed by Prof. Neal Mattson at Cornell University and is funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. https://glase.cals.cornell.edu/

Both, A.J. Co-PI for the TunnelBerries project. This project is headed by Prof. Eric Hanson at Michigan State University and is funded by the USDA-NIFA.  https://www.tunnelberries.org/

Brumfield, R.G. PI for Annie’s Project: Farming in New Jersey’s Cities and the Urban Fringe. The Northeast Center for Risk Management ($39,700). Co-PIs: Deborah Greenwood, Jeffrey Heckman, Barbara O'Neill, Michael Haberland, Madeline Flahive DiNardo, Amy Rowe, Jan Zientek, Meredith Melendez, Laura Lawson, Nicholas Polanin, A.J. Both, Joseph Heckman, Ashaki Rouff, and Meredith Taylor. 4/1/2019 – 9/30/2020.

Brumfield, R.G. PI for Annie’s Project: Farming in New Jersey’s Cities and the Urban Fringe. Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement Grant ($3,100). Co-PIs: Deborah Greenwood, Jeffrey Heckman, Barbara O'Neill, Michael Haberland, Madeline Flahive DiNardo, Amy Rowe, Jan Zientek, Meredith Melendez, Laura Lawson, Nicholas Polanin, and Ashaki Rouff. 4/1/2018 – 9/30/2019.

Team awards

NJ: Award for Excellence in Multistate Research. 2018. Presented by the Northeast Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors to the NE-1335 Committee on Resource Management in Commercial Greenhouse Production.

Blue Ribbon Award, ASABE Educational Aids Competition. 2018. Comprehensive Publication: Light Management in Controlled Environments. R. Lopez and E. Runkle (eds.).

ASHS (American Society for Horticultural Science) Extension Division. 2018. Material Award (Book): Light Management in Controlled Environments. R. Lopez and E. Runkle (eds.).

ASABE Standards Development Award. 2018. ANSI/ASABE S640 JUL2017, Quantities and Units of Electromagnetic Radiation for Plants (Photosynthetic Organisms).

OH: An intelligent sprayer system has been developed for greenhouse applications. The aim is to deliver the right amount of pesticide to greenhouse plants with maximum efficiency and to improve environmental sustainability.  We have published several refereed journal articles in the area of characterizing spray pattern of biological pesticides, insect pest pressure detection using an electronic nose, and laboratory evaluation of an intelligent sprayer.