Quick Plug wanted to produce a novel formulation of solid plug media applicable to several different crops, which would effectively reduce time to root emergence, ‘rooting’, without compromising plant health. Quick Plug turned to Niagara College’s Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) to conduct growing trials to evaluate two of their novel formulations.
Biostimulant allows local farmers to increase yields and lower production costs
MetaFLO Technologies (“MetaFLO”) is a Mississauga-based company that markets and distributes chemical reagents with application potential in a variety of industries, including the agricultural sector. The company is in the process of expanding its portfolio to include a new reagent: an algae-based, organic polymer formulated for use as a biostimulant.
A new approach to controlled environment farming
Ontario-based AgricUltra Advancements has developed a turn-key solution for vertical farming: a self-contained unit controlling every aspect of production from water and nutrients to heat, humidity and run-off… Through the Greenhouse Technology Network (GTN), AgricUltra has teamed up with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre to develop a prototype cradle that brings this technology to indoor vertical farming.
App tracks greenhouse energy to determine efficiencies
360 Energy has been working on a secure cloud-based software that can collect energy-related data directly from greenhouse control systems. David Arkell, President and CEO of 360 Energy, turned to Niagara College’s Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) team to determine how to make the software appealing to greenhouse growers worldwide.
Validating a new plant-growing technology in the greenhouse
A Toronto-based mining company, International Zeolite Inc., has been working to build a North American market for its environmentally friendly NEREA® product. The technology directly embeds nutrients in the honeycomb-like zeolite mineral, making it absorbent.
“Pivotal” research for new market
Agricultural company Northern Hemp Specialists Ltd. works with clients on finding organic solutions for growth and pathogen resistance for all plants, trees, ornamental flowers and even vineyards. More recently, they’ve found a customer base from medical and recreational cannabis growers, a sector that requires chemical and solvent-free organic soil products.
Testing a pioneering organic silica product
Little research has been done to understand biostimulant properties of silicon being used in plant production.Once the growing trial by Niagara College cannabis students is complete, the Huntsville-based start-up is hopes to show significant improvements in nutrient uptake by the plants.
Go-to-market research for new agriculture product
Zeolite is one of nature’s more multifaceted minerals. With its microporous honeycomb structure, the volcanic mineral acts as both a natural filter used in water and air purification and an absorbent utilized by the agriculture industry to modulate water and nutrients…
Resource Recovery and Inedible Biomass Management in High-Intensity Urban Vertical Farming Applications
By Ajwal Dsouza, graduate researcher, University of Guelph, Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility Challenge: How can a grower manage inedible, organic waste from crop production? Solution: Developed, tested compost methods under controlled environmental conditions to maximize resource recovery Impact: New method improves sustainability, increases circularity of resource use (water, nutrients,…
Growing trial of greenhouse waste could help open new markets
Challenge: How best to recycle a non-biodegradable mineral wool product used in greenhouse production? Solution: Test compost production using different mixtures as a bulking agent Impact: Extend life of landfill resources, improve sustainability by recycling of resource Researchers from Niagara College’s Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) have played…