Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

The College of New Caledonia and Vancouver Island Urban Farms Inc. are collaborating on an applied research project that seeks to develop an innovative aeroponics food production system for indoor plant growing. Vancouver Island Urban Farms seeks to further develop its Pyramid GardenTM aeroponics system that grows vegetables indoors up to 30% faster than conventional systems, while using 80% less water. The Pyramid GardenTM technology uses a patented, 4-sided pyramid design to grow plants in a vertical structure that exposes the plants to more sunlight. This geometric design has been coupled with a proprietary nutrient delivery system. This indoor growing system represents an important innovation to northern communities who seek to develop local year-round food markets. In order to continue to develop this technology, the College and Murr will collaborate to research and develop optimal artificial lighting systems and configurations that maximize food yields and production in the Pyramid Garden during winter months. College faculty and students will research optimal LED and fluoroscent light configurations that maximize plant yields, and will develop a rotating light system that ensures maximum light exposure. College students involved in this project will learn the following skills: (i) emerging aeroponics and indoor growing technologies; (ii) artificial lighting systems for plant production; (iii) quantifying plant nutrient values using Brix testing; and (iv) statistical analyses.