Alternative media for seeding growth for short crop cycle baby spinach and salad mix production in a hydroponic greenhouse

Project Overview

FNE07-612
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2007: $9,970.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2009
Region: Northeast
State: New York
Project Leader:
Bob LaDue
Challenge Industries., Inc.

Commodities

  • Vegetables: greens (leafy), greens (lettuces)

Practices

  • Production Systems: hydroponics

    Proposal summary:

    The demand for year-round baby greens production is a market opportunity for northeast growers. However, the cost of available media to grow produce that has an extremely short growth cycle is expensive to purchase, and creates further costs and environmental concerns when it comes to storage and disposal. This project will research the feasibility of reusing peatlite media or using inorganic media that can be reused and produce no waste products. Outreach will be through greenhouse tours, presentations, fact sheets, and articles.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.