1996 Annual Report for FNC96-139
Permaculture Greenhouse System: Integrating Greenhouse and Poultry Production
Summary
"Marketability would substantially increase with an earlier growing season and a constant supply of vegetables for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), regardless of weather conditions. This will be a model project, repeatable on nearly any small farm, with labor and cost-saving benefits."
Objective: To utilize an innovatinve approach, using the integration of on-farm resources to maximize energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness and marketability in a sustainable agricultural education program through the development of a permaculture greenhouse. Funds will aid in the development of the design, construction and analysis of effectiveness of the greenhouse, which integrates poultry as a heat source for a connected greenhouse. Chick manure is used as a compost material, offering enhanced oxygen and carbon dioxide exhange btween plants and animals. Heat and carbon dioxide generated in the chicken coop are fan-forced into the greenhouse, while cold air and oxygen from the greenhouse floor are drawn back into the coop.
Results: The project will be extended one year. Constrcution of the cost-efficient model greenhouse/poultry house at "Wagbo Peace Center," a sustainable agricultural education/ demonstration farm in northern Michigan, is nearly complete. The structure will be operational by mid-winter 1997-98. Data will be available by December 1998.