April 2008-- ..."Conventional greenhouse technologies are already widely used in Western New
York; thus, Alfred State is focused on how greenhouse systems can be made more sustainable,
using new growing technologies. There are many methods of hydroponic production, including
growing the plants in solid media such as peat moss, perlite, or even sand. These media, which
are lighter and less buffered than soil, allow growers to quickly and directly deliver nutrients to their
crops.
In the college’s greenhouse, hydroponics is being used for dynamic root growth. The plants are
grown in polypropylene tubes which have thin streams of nutrients running through them -- a
technique known as Nutrient Film Technology. The results are remarkable: for example, full lettuce
heads are ready for harvest one month after planting."
..."Harbur and Alfred State students are currently growing lettuce in the greenhouse, which includes
red and green Summer Crisp, Oak Leaf, red and green Romaine, and Lollo lettuce. Other crops
include herbs, edible flowers, other salad greens, and tomatoes. Volume will further increase as
additional greenhouse models are constructed later this year. The greenhouse hydroponics
system promotes a more sustainable food culture and local food production. The varieties of
lettuce being grown now are provided by Johnny’s Select Seeds from Maine.
The development of an LED (light-emitting diode) light system for the greenhouse sparked Harbur’s
interest in a hydroponics system. The lights use far less energy than pressure sodium lights and
there are no hazardous issues of florescent lights. The LED lights are used to supplement the
winter sunshine, which alone is too weak to support rapid vegetable growth. The first lettuce crop
from the greenhouse was sold to ACES (Auxiliary Campus Enterprises and Services—the campus
dining and vending operation) to be used in the Central Dining Hall to feed ASC students. Soon
ASC students will harvest 30 heads a day, which is roughly 20-30 pounds of lettuce per week.
'Many people think growing with hydroponics isn’t as sustainable as growing plants in soil, but it
reduces the greenhouse space that must be heated and lit, and increases the competitiveness of
local vegetables with imported foods,' says Harbur, who also serves as director of COSA. He
added, 'There are a lot of advantages with hydroponics: less footage required per pound of food
produced and, in our system, the ability to grow additional plants below our hydroponic system.' "
Kathleen M. Bayus
Office of Communications
TA Parish Hall
Alfred State College
York; thus, Alfred State is focused on how greenhouse systems can be made more sustainable,
using new growing technologies. There are many methods of hydroponic production, including
growing the plants in solid media such as peat moss, perlite, or even sand. These media, which
are lighter and less buffered than soil, allow growers to quickly and directly deliver nutrients to their
crops.
In the college’s greenhouse, hydroponics is being used for dynamic root growth. The plants are
grown in polypropylene tubes which have thin streams of nutrients running through them -- a
technique known as Nutrient Film Technology. The results are remarkable: for example, full lettuce
heads are ready for harvest one month after planting."
..."Harbur and Alfred State students are currently growing lettuce in the greenhouse, which includes
red and green Summer Crisp, Oak Leaf, red and green Romaine, and Lollo lettuce. Other crops
include herbs, edible flowers, other salad greens, and tomatoes. Volume will further increase as
additional greenhouse models are constructed later this year. The greenhouse hydroponics
system promotes a more sustainable food culture and local food production. The varieties of
lettuce being grown now are provided by Johnny’s Select Seeds from Maine.
The development of an LED (light-emitting diode) light system for the greenhouse sparked Harbur’s
interest in a hydroponics system. The lights use far less energy than pressure sodium lights and
there are no hazardous issues of florescent lights. The LED lights are used to supplement the
winter sunshine, which alone is too weak to support rapid vegetable growth. The first lettuce crop
from the greenhouse was sold to ACES (Auxiliary Campus Enterprises and Services—the campus
dining and vending operation) to be used in the Central Dining Hall to feed ASC students. Soon
ASC students will harvest 30 heads a day, which is roughly 20-30 pounds of lettuce per week.
'Many people think growing with hydroponics isn’t as sustainable as growing plants in soil, but it
reduces the greenhouse space that must be heated and lit, and increases the competitiveness of
local vegetables with imported foods,' says Harbur, who also serves as director of COSA. He
added, 'There are a lot of advantages with hydroponics: less footage required per pound of food
produced and, in our system, the ability to grow additional plants below our hydroponic system.' "
Kathleen M. Bayus
Office of Communications
TA Parish Hall
Alfred State College
April 2008--The propagation system utilizing led grow lighting in a hydroponic system. Alfred State learning the basics of "hydroponic how to".
| A group of lettuce plants that are just about to enter their explosive growth phase. |
| The leaves are turning a nice purple color under the led grow lights and you can see several 2-3” roots extending out of the pot. |
| The “plug system” used to start seedlings |
| Plug Removed |
The plug in a 2" Net Pot.
| To Find Out What Happens Next With More Hydroponics How To Here. |
4-4-08
| Greenhouse Propagation With LED Grow Lighting |
Double Tier
| Hydroponic Production of Lettuce |
