Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Dalhousie University
$51,940.00
Novel indoor technology for urban food production and enhancement of human nutrition
FY 2019-20
Summary
Recent studies showed a rising pattern of malnutrition due to reductions in density of essential nutrients in plant-based foods. This was associated with global climate change and elevated level of atmospheric carbon dioxide (currently, >450 ppm). This phenomenon is a grave public health concern, which needs urgent research attention. The goal of this research is to develop an efficient and automated Modgarden TinyFarm with modular planters to allow households to have smart microfarms for the production of nutrient-rich and healthy organic vegetables and herbs; and to contribute to understanding of plant biofortification mechanisms using an innovative technology. We previously showed that vermicast can enhance plant nutrient acquisition and tissue nutrient density. We will therefore investigate properties exhibited by vermicast-sawdust mixed medium in addition to optimum LED light intensity for the Tinyfarm to achieve higher plant productivity and phytochemical composition of human benefits. The short-term objectives are to: (1) investigate nutrient mineralization dynamics, nutrient-release pattern, and active microbial community structure; (2) evaluate plant morpho-physiological response; (3) assess the nutritional and functional indices of target plants; and (4) use in vitro assays to determine bioactivity, bioavailability and bioaccessibility of nutritional and functional ingredients in plants grown in different proportions of vermicast-sawdust mixed medium and LED light intensity. The research will actively engage researchers, students and industry. The novelty of the research is pioneering the use of smart indoor microfarm to promote human nutrition and health. This research is mutually beneficial to Modgarden, Dalhousie and Memorial Universities and Canada. Modgarden will exploit the results to improve the efficiency and productivity of the Tinyfarm and its commercialization while Canadians will have the opportunity to grow and eat healthy vegetables and herbs in the comfort of their homes with significant environment, socioeconomic and health benefits.
Program
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Recipient
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
523129-2017
Name nom
Abbey, Lord
Department département
Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Organization id
79
Institution établissement
Dalhousie University
Province en
Nova Scotia
Province fr
Nouvelle-Écosse
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2019
Competition year année de concours
2017
Award amount
51940
Program id
CRDPJ
Program name en
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Program name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement coopérative
Group en
RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
Group fr
PARTENARIATS DE RECHERCHE
Committee code
96
Committee name en
RPP Internal Decision Cttee
Committee name fr
Cté de décision interne - PPR
Area of application code
100
Area of application group en
Agriculture and primary food production
Area of application group fr
Agriculture et produits alimentaires primaires
Area of application en
Agriculture and primary food production
Area of application fr
Agriculture et produits alimentaires primaires
Research subject code
4907
Research subject group en
Plant and treebiology
Research subject group fr
Biologie végétale et des arbres
Research subject en
Water and minerals in plants
Research subject fr
Eau et minéraux dans les végétaux
Installment
inst:2 - 2
Partie
2
Nb partie
2
Application title
Novel indoor technology for urban food production and enhancement of human nutrition
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
Recent studies showed a rising pattern of malnutrition due to reductions in density of essential nutrients in plant-based foods. This was associated with global climate change and elevated level of atmospheric carbon dioxide (currently, >450 ppm). This phenomenon is a grave public health concern, which needs urgent research attention. The goal of this research is to develop an efficient and automated Modgarden TinyFarm with modular planters to allow households to have smart microfarms for the production of nutrient-rich and healthy organic vegetables and herbs; and to contribute to understanding of plant biofortification mechanisms using an innovative technology. We previously showed that vermicast can enhance plant nutrient acquisition and tissue nutrient density. We will therefore investigate properties exhibited by vermicast-sawdust mixed medium in addition to optimum LED light intensity for the Tinyfarm to achieve higher plant productivity and phytochemical composition of human benefits. The short-term objectives are to: (1) investigate nutrient mineralization dynamics, nutrient-release pattern, and active microbial community structure; (2) evaluate plant morpho-physiological response; (3) assess the nutritional and functional indices of target plants; and (4) use in vitro assays to determine bioactivity, bioavailability and bioaccessibility of nutritional and functional ingredients in plants grown in different proportions of vermicast-sawdust mixed medium and LED light intensity. The research will actively engage researchers, students and industry. The novelty of the research is pioneering the use of smart indoor microfarm to promote human nutrition and health. This research is mutually beneficial to Modgarden, Dalhousie and Memorial Universities and Canada. Modgarden will exploit the results to improve the efficiency and productivity of the Tinyfarm and its commercialization while Canadians will have the opportunity to grow and eat healthy vegetables and herbs in the comfort of their homes with significant environment, socioeconomic and health benefits.
