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.
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.
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.
Biotechnology company Plantaform Technology Inc. has a solution for budding home indoor gardeners – a prototype microgarden pod that will allow consumers to easily grow a variety of herbs and leafy green vegetables even in a small living space.
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.
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…
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,…
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 Agriculture & Environmental Technologies Innovation Centre (AETIC) have played…
Challenge: How can we make a vertical growing system more efficient? Solution: Developed, tested new racking system/design Impact: New design reduces water usage, increases grower yield and profitability For more than 50 years, Beamsville, Ont.’s Zwart Systems has been designing and manufacturing custom horticultural technology solutions for the greenhouse industry…
