Source: UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA submitted to
URBAN HYDROPONIC FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTION: IMPACT ON CONTENT OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND DEVELOPING ENHANCED RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0231471
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
NEV00745A
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jul 1, 2012
Project End Date
Jun 30, 2017
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Omaye, S.
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA
(N/A)
RENO,NV 89557
Performing Department
Ag Nutrition and Vet Sciences
Non Technical Summary
Desert/steppe environments characterize the Great Basin, where dry air masses induce broad ranges in daily temperature throughout the seasons and increase the probability of killing frosts at the beginning and end of growing seasons. Consequently, Nevada's major agricultural enterprises include forage (largely alfalfa), livestock and some dairy, i.e. agricultural products that are less sensitive to daily and seasonal temperature variations. Although water resources are limited, the abundance of clear, cloudless days (estimated to be as much as 90% of days in typical year) provide copious sunlight and energy for plant growth. Therefore, with the appropriate tools such as greenhouses, hoop houses, hydroponics, and linkages to alternative energy resources, sustainable agricultural production of specialty crops can be developed in northern Nevada. The objective of our proposal is to improve fruit and vegetable production through research, education, and outreach utilizing hoop houses, greenhouses and hydroponics. The project is a joint venture between two UNR colleges, nonprofit firms, schools, food services and several restaurants located in northern Nevada.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1027410106025%
2036050102025%
5047220309025%
7011430101025%
Knowledge Area
504 - Home and Commercial Food Service; 102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 701 - Nutrient Composition of Food; 203 - Plant Biological Efficiency and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
6050 - Communities, areas, and regions; 7220 - Sensory evaluation/analysis methods (human senses); 1430 - Greens and leafy vegetables; 7410 - General technology;

Field Of Science
3090 - Sensory science (human senses); 1020 - Physiology; 1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1010 - Nutrition and metabolism;
Goals / Objectives
Providing sources of high quality and safe fruits and vegetables for Nevadans, especially children, the elderly and vulnerable high-risk populations is a lofty goal. Nevadans, for the most part, live in arid rural and urban areas with short growing seasons, which limit the region's capacity to produce fruits and vegetables. Local communities and individuals are moving toward using a variety of alternative farming techniques, such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and hoop houses to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. However, there is scant research dealing with the impact of such farming techniques on the quality and safety of fruits and vegetables. 1. Renovation of two hoop houses currently in place on the Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station's Valley Road farm, one for vegetable and fruit research using soil in raised planting beds and the other for hydroponically grown fruits and vegetables. 2. After completing renovations, we will initiate research studying the effects of growing conditions on production of bioactive compounds. Using subjective methods, we plan to compare sensory quality of lettuce, tomatoes, and strawberries hydroponically grown to traditional soil-grown plants. Next, we will determine the effects of environmental stresses on the level of production of bioactive compounds in hydroponically grown lettuce. Finally, we will determine the effects of such stresses on the quality of fruits and vegetables. 3. We will provide community stakeholders an outlet for gaining and sharing information about strategies that work for producing food in an arid region with poor soils and a short growing season. 4. We will establish a partnership with local food service entities for distribution of hoop house grown fruits and vegetables. We will develop partnerships with UNR facilities for the development of alternative energy use, waste management, composing and recycling.
Project Methods
Objective 1 - Renovation of hoop houses located on properties of the Nevada Agricultural Experimental Station. One hoop house will be used to grow fruits and vegetable hydroponically, and the other will be used to grow fruits and vegetables in raised beds. To provide maximum utilization of hoop houses throughout the year, renovation will include dropdown side ventilation with external overhead shading and ground-coupled heat exchanger loop for summer and winter conditions. Earth tubes (earth cooling tubes or earth warming tubes) capture or dissipate heat to or from the ground. They will be constructed from 2 to 24 inch diameter, smooth-walled, rigid plastic-coated metal pipes, buried 5 to 10 feet underground where the ambient earth temperature is typically 50-73 degree F. Sidewalls will be modified with dropped down curtains to moderate temperatures within the hoop house. Additional overhead shades will be used to provide protection from excessive sunlight in summer months. Soil and raised plant beds. Raised beds will be constructed from Cedar wood frames (4 x 4 x 6" or larger) and filled with soil provided by either local vendors or UNR campus recycling sources. We will use an active hydroponic recirculating ebb and flood system with a submersible pump in a reservoir that contains a nutrient solution, with plants located in an upper tray. Objective 2 - Comparative evaluations will be done between hydroponically grown vs. soil-grown fruits and vegetables. Quality of vegetables and fruits will be tested using subjective panel and marketing techniques and laboratory analysis of specific bioactive compounds. Samples of lettuce or other vegetables and fruits (minimum of 5 replicates) will be weighed, prepared (homogenized, solvent extracted, centrifuged/filtered), analyzed by chromatographic (HPLC) or colorimetric (spectrophotometer) techniques or by commercial kits (antioxidant capacity, folic acid) followed by calculations and statistical analysis. Objective 3 - Community outreach and education We propose to use the renovated hoop houses located on campus as a tool for practical research and as a site for providing education to interested stakeholders regarding best management practices for local food production using season extension methods.Using a new program developed by UNCE called "Grow Your Own Nevada," we will also provide a forum for two-way information exchange between the University and the community, including local producer stakeholders. Grow Your Own Nevada is an educational program that provides reliable, up-to-date information on all aspects of small-scale local food production, including backyard gardening. Objective 4 - Partnerships with Community Food Service and Vendors. Nevada hotel restaurants, food service industry and other consumers are potential markets for our high quality fruits and vegetables. Working with producers and involving UNCE, we can establish an industry to meet the demands of this important market, providing the quality of restaurant meals that consumer can enjoy and to the tourist industry.

Progress 07/01/12 to 06/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Agriculture community, local consumers, local schools and school gardens Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One PhD dissertation was completed, one is ongoing, and on MS is ongoing. Also, over ten undergraduate students have been trained or participated as volunteers for research involving growing produce in greenhouses with variety of growing systems. We have worked with local schools and after school programs (grades 1-12) linked to school gardens (over 100 students). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Peer Reviewed Publications (provide title, authors, journal, page numbers and year): Treftz, C. and Omaye, S. T. The proof of fruits and vegetables grown hydroponically is in the eating: Sensory attributes of hydroponic grown fruits and vegetables. In: Controlled Environment Agriculture - Production of Specialty Crops providing Human Health Benefits Through Hydroponics. Md. Asaduzzaman, Ed., Nova Publishers, Hauppauge, NY, 2015. Treftz, C. and Omaye, S. T. Hydroponics: Potential for augmenting sustainable food production in non-arable regions. Nutrition and Food Science (Submitted), 2015 Treftz, C. and Omaye, S. T. Nutrient analysis of soil and soilless strawberries and raspberries grown in a greenhouse. Food and Nutrition Sciences. 6: 805-815, 2015. Treftz, C., Zhang, F., and Omaye, S. T. Comparison between soil and hydroponic-grown strawberries: Sensory attributes and correlations with nutrient content. Food and Nutrition Sciences (In press), 2015. Treftz, C. and Omaye, S. T. Comparison between hydroponic and soil systems for growing strawberries in a green house. International Journal of Agricultural Extension (In press), 2015. Treftz, C. and Omaye, S. T. Comparison between hydroponic- and soil-grown raspberries (Rubus idaeus): Viability and sensory traits. Food and Nutrition Sciences (submitted), 2015 Brochures, Bulletins, Fact Sheets, Newsletters, and Surveys (list): Treftz, C., Kratsch, H., and Omaye, S. Hydroponics - a brief guide to growing fruits and vegetables in Northern Nevada. UNCE Fact Sheet (In press). Treftz, C., Kratsch, H., Jacobs, J., and Omaye, S. T. Nutritional and sensory analysis of select raspberry (Rubus idaeus) varieties grown in Northern Nevada during 2013-2014 growing seasons. UNCE Fact Sheet (In press). Myers, T., Kratsch, H., and Omaye, S. Aquaponics in Northern Nevada. UNCE Fact Sheet (In press). Horton, E., Isaacs, J., Kratsch, H., and Omaye, S. Hydroponic hops. UNCE Fact Sheet (In press). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Greenhouse, hydroponic and aquaponics means of food production represent opportunities and alternatives to soil-based growing systems for sustainable crop production. Hydroponics can be defined as growing plants in soilless conditions with nutrients, water and an inert medium. Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. Both have the potential to supply food in non-arable regions of the world, such as arid or urban areas. Also, both food production systems have a positive connotation because of the abundant proposed environmental benefits associated with the growing method. During the past year, we have continued investigating the use of hydroponic for fruit bearing plants, such as strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) and feasibility of growing succulent plants; agave and aloe. Strawberries and raspberries contain high amounts of health promoting bioactive compounds. Succulent plants are useful for medicinal and food/fiber properties. A collaborative study was done with looking at the uptake of nanoparticle carbon materials in lettuce grown hydroponically. Finally, a collaborative study with DFI, supported by outside funds, was done and we provide a preliminary report below. The results from our experimental studies support the hypotheses that hydroponics may be able to contribute to a sustainable food production while providing food that is equal in environmental benefits, nutrition and taste. The hydroponic strawberry results indicated a higher yield, equal or better nutritional quality, and equal or better in taste preferences compared to soil-grown strawberries and raspberries. The results from the experimental studies suggest hydroponics may be able to contribute to sustainable food production, however, several more areas of hydroponic farming will need to be investigated to produce a product that can be grown on a commercial scale. Although succulents are drought tolerant, found in arid with limited water areas, we were successful in growing agave and aloe plants using hydroponic conditions. Starter plants, grew and developed a strong rhizome network, in approximately, 3 mounts. In addition, we were successful in setting up an experimental aquaponics system to raise commercial fish (Tilapia) which required; 1) special education/research permit granted by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (permit involved onsite inspections) and approval by the UNR Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and in compliance with AAALAC accreditation (likely the only institution who has a permit and runs under AAALAC accreditation) and growing the second generation of Tilapia. Development of hydroponic and aquaponic systems (Licensed by Nevada Department of Wildlife and in compliance with AAALAC accreditation). Use of hydroponic systems in experiments looking at: Nutritional and food quality studies comparing hydroponic- to soil-based growing systems Sensory studies comparing hydroponic systems with soil-based systems (see peer-reviewed publications below) Information sharing with stakeholders Peer-review publications UNR UNCE fact sheets Participation in field trips and workshops Establish partnerships Desert Farm Initiative (DFI), Valley Road, Reno, Nevada Jacobs Family Berry Farm, Gardnerville, Nevada Agave growers of Mexico (potential tour of our facilities by tequila producers, early spring) College of Engineering, UNR - Effect of nanoparticles uptake in plants using hydroponic systems Biochar, a potential soil amendment, demonstrated limited usefulness; however, this may be a function of the source of the Biochar (lack of consistency throughout the mixture provided).

Publications

  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: " Treftz, C. and Omaye, S. T. The proof of fruits and vegetables grown hydroponically is in the eating: Sensory attributes of hydroponic grown fruits and vegetables. In: Controlled Environment Agriculture  Production of Specialty Crops providing Human Health Benefits Through Hydroponics. Md. Asaduzzaman, Ed., Nova Publishers, Hauppauge, NY, (ISBN: 978-1-63484-489-5), pp, 175-196, 2016.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Treftz, C., and Omaye, S. T. Hydroponics: Potential for augmenting sustainable food production in non-arable regions. Nutrition and Food Science, 46: No. #5, 672-6. 2016
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Treftz, C. Comparison Of Nutritional And Sensory Qualities Between Hydroponic And Soil-Grown Strawberries And Raspberries. PhD Dissertation, University of Nevada, Reno, 2016.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Treftz, C. Comparison of Nutritonal and Sensory qualities Between Hydroponic and Soil-Grown Strawberries and Raspberries. PhD Dissertation (Environmental Sciences and Health Graduate Program), 2016.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Das, K., You, Y., Torres, M., Masias, F. B., Omaye, S. Poulson, S. R., Verburg, P., Wang, X., Chan, J.W. Xing, B. and Yang, Y. Microbial degradation and plant uptake of carbon nanotubes. USDA, NIFA Meeting, July 2016


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Greenhouse, hydroponic and aquaponics means of food production represent opportunities and alternatives to soil-based growing systems for sustainable crop production. Hydroponics can be defined as growing plants in soilless conditions with nutrients, water and an inert medium. Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. Both have the potential to supply food in non-arable regions of the world, such as arid or urban areas. Also, both food production systems have a positive connotation because of the abundant proposed environmental benefits associated with the growing method. Some of these environmental benefits include: less use of water, less pesticide usage, higher yields, increased nutritional content and better taste. During the past year, we have been investigating the use of hydroponic for fruit bearing plants, such as strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) and feasibility of growing succulent plants; agave and aloe. Strawberries and raspberries contain high amounts of health promoting bioactive compounds. Succulent plants are useful for medicinal and food/fiber properties. A collaborative study was done with looking at the uptake of nanoparticle carbon materials in lettuce grown hydroponically. With respect to berry research, findings of our results consist of two peer-reviewed review papers, subsequent to previous years, when four peer-reviewed papers based on experimental studies were published. The objectives of the review papers were to evaluate the current literature and provide an understanding whereby future research can move forward in the quest for global sustainable food production. The objectives of the experimental studies for both strawberries and raspberries were to examine the crop compared to their soil-grown counterpart for viability, nutritional quality, and sensory attributes. In addition, we have submitted for peer-review four UNCE fact sheets regarding our findings for aquaponics, growing berries hydroponically, growing hops hydroponically and outcomes working with our berry farmer partners in Gardnerville, on nutrient and sensory quality of growing raspberries. The results from our experimental studies support the hypotheses that hydroponics may be able to contribute to a sustainable food production while providing food that is equal in environmental benefits, nutrition and taste. The hydroponic strawberry results indicated a higher yield, equal or better nutritional quality, and equal or better in taste preferences compared to soil-grown strawberries and raspberries. The results from the experimental studies suggest hydroponics may be able to contribute to sustainable food production, however, several more areas of hydroponic farming will need to be investigated to produce a product that can be grown on a commercial scale. Although succulents are drought tolerant, found in arid with limited water areas, we were successful in growing agave and aloe plants using hydroponic conditions. Starter plants, grew and developed a strong rhizome network, in approximately, 3 mounts. In addition, we were successful in setting up an experimental aquaponics system to raise commercial fish (Tilapia) which required; 1) special education/research permit granted by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (permit involved onsite inspections) and approval by the UNR Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and in compliance with AAALAC accreditation (likely the only institution who has a permit and runs under AAALAC accreditation) and growing the second generation of Tilapia. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nuns from Jonah House in Baltimore, Maryland (including Sister Ardeth Platte), October 14, 2015. Dr. Ann Bartuska, Undersecretary, USDA, September 23, 2015. UNR Field Day, Valley Road, Reno, NV, September 26, 2015 and September 23, 2016 Others; local farmers from Northern Nevada, January - August, 2016. Needs discussion for access to Veterans funds for farm training certification, Dean Heller, Nevada Senator, October 6, 2016. Native American Youth Farm Meeting, UNR, CABNR, October 14-16, 2016 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Berries, ~$200, berries for nutrient quality & sensory evaluation (Jake's Berries), 2015 Leafy greens, campus outlets (HDFI/UNR food service), 2014-16. Washoe Air Quality Division (Hops research), 2015 College of Engineering (nanoparticle uptake in produce), 2014 - 2016 Plot Study, "Effect of biochar application to soil for the enhancement of lettuce growth", DFI collaboration with funding from Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition for $9100, 2016 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Information sharing with stakeholders Peer-review publications UNR UNCE fact sheets Participation in field trips and workshops Establish partnerships Desert Farm Initiative (DFI), Valley Road, Reno, Nevada Jacobs Family Berry Farm, Gardnerville, Nevada Agave growers of Mexico (potential tour of our facilities by tequila producers, early spring) College of Engineering, UNR - Effect of nanoparticles uptake in plants using hydroponic systems

Publications

  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Treftz, C. and Omaye, S. T. The proof of fruits and vegetables grown hydroponically is in the eating: Sensory attributes of hydroponic grown fruits and vegetables. In: Controlled Environment Agriculture  Production of Specialty Crops providing Human Health Benefits Through Hydroponics. Md. Asaduzzaman, Ed., Nova Publishers, Hauppauge, NY, (ISBN: 978-1-63484-489-5), pp, 175-196, 2016.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Treftz, C., and Omaye, S. T. Hydroponics: Potential for augmenting sustainable food production in non-arable regions. Nutrition and Food Science, 46: No. #5, 672-6. 2016
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Treftz, C. Comparison of Nutritional and Sensory qualities Between Hydroponic and Soil-Grown Strawberries and Raspberries. PhD Dissertation (Environmental Sciences and Health Graduate Program), 2016.


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience: Development of hydroponic aquaponic systems Use of hydroponic systems in experiments looking at: Nutritional and food quality studies comparing hydroponic- to soil-based growing systems Sensory studies comparing hydroponic systems with soil-based systems Information sharing with stakeholders Peer-review publications UNR UNCE fact sheets Participation in field trips and workshops Establish partnerships High Desert Farm Initiative (HDFI), Valley Road, Reno, Nevada Jacobs Family Berry Farm, Gardnerville, Nevada Washoe Country Air Quality Division, Reno, Nevada College of Engineering, UNR - Effect of nanoparticles uptake in plants using hydroponic systems Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Key graduate student will be completing her dissertation. Work will be pending recruitment of student(s) for GAs How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Demonstrations and Workshops conducted (list): Nuns from Jonah House in Baltimore, Maryland (including Sister Ardeth Platte), October 14, 2015. Dr. Ann Bartuska, Undersecretary, USDA, September 23, 2015. UNR Field Day, Valley Road, Reno, NV, September 26, 2015. Others; local farmers from Northern Nevada, January - August, 2015. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Development of hydroponic aquaponic systems Use of hydroponic systems in experiments looking at: Nutritional and food quality studies comparing hydroponic- to soil-based growing systems Sensory studies comparing hydroponic systems with soil-based systems Information sharing with stakeholders Peer-review publications UNR UNCE fact sheets Participation in field trips and workshops Establish partnerships High Desert Farm Initiative (HDFI), Valley Road, Reno, Nevada Jacobs Family Berry Farm, Gardnerville, Nevada Washoe Country Air Quality Division, Reno, Nevada College of Engineering, UNR - Effect of nanoparticles uptake in plants using hydroponic systems

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Hydroponic means of food production represent a possible opportunity towards sustainable crop production. Hydroponics can be defined as growing plants in soilless conditions with nutrients, water and an inert medium. Hydroponics has the potential to supply food in non-arable regions of the world, such as arid or urban areas. Hydroponic food production currently has a positive connotation because of the abundant proposed environmental benefits associated with the growing method. Some of these environmental benefits include: less use of water, less pesticide usage, higher yields, increased nutritional content and better taste. For the hydroponic product to be successful, it must be equal or better than the soil-grown product in terms of environmental benefits, nutritional quality and taste. As a follow up to our recent investigating the use of hydroponic for leafy greens we have switch to looking at fruit bearing plants, such as strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) and raspberries (Rubus Idaeus). Strawberries and raspberries contain high amounts of health promoting bioactive compounds. Also, we have looked at the feasibility of growing hops hydroponically. Finally, we have successfully established an aquaponics system raising Tilapia (Cichlid) and growing leafy greens. With respect to berry research, findings of our results consists of two review papers, and four experimental studies. The objectives of the review papers were to evaluate the current literature and provide an understanding whereby future research can move forward in the quest for global sustainable food production. The objectives of the studies for both strawberries and raspberries were to examine the crop compared to their soil-grown counterpart for viability, nutritional quality, and sensory attributes. In addition, we have submitted for peer-review four UNCE fact sheets regarding our findings for aquaponics, growing berries hydroponically, growing hops hydroponically and outcomes working with our berry farmer partners in Gardnerville, a two year study focused on nutrient and sensory quality of growing raspberries. The results from our experimental studies support the hypotheses that hydroponics may be able to contribute to a sustainable food production while providing food that is equal in environmental benefits, nutrition and taste. The hydroponic strawberry and raspberries results indicated a higher yield, equal or better nutritional quality, and equal or better in taste preferences compared to soil-grown strawberries and raspberries. The results from the experimental studies suggest hydroponics may be able to contribute to sustainable food production, however, several more areas of hydroponic farming will need to be investigated to produce a product that can be grown on a commercial scale. In addition, we were successful in growing hops using hydroponic conditions and setting up an experimental aquaponics system to raise commercial fish (Tilapia) which included; 1) special education/research permit granted by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (permit involved onsite inspections) and approval by the UNR Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and in compliance with AAALAC accreditation (likely the only institution who has a permit and runs under AAALAC accreditation).

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Treftz, C. and Omaye, S. T. Nutrient analysis of soil and soilless strawberries and raspberries grown in a greenhouse. Food and Nutrition Sciences. 6: 805-815, 2015.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Treftz, C. and Omaye, S. T. Comparison between hydroponic and soil-grown strawberries: Sensory attributes and correlations with nutrient content. Food and Nutrition Sciences. 6: 1371-1380, 2015.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Treftz, C. and Omaye, S. T. Comparison between hydroponic and soil systems for growing strawberries in a greenhouse. International Journal of Agricultural Extension 3: 195-200, 2015.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Treftz, C. and Omaye, S. T. Comparison between Hydroponic- and Soil-Grown Raspberries (Rubus idaeus): Viability and Sensory Traits. Food and Nutrition Sciences 6: 1533-1540, 2015.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audience during this period included; 1) After school programs, such as Project Solution managed by the Truckee Boys and Girls Club (training and set up of indoor hydroponic system for growing leafy greens with supervision by undergraduate and graduate students volunteers) and intern training for urban farm settings which resulted in outdoor community garden development the past summer. 2) Urban farmers and food service programs, whereby we evaluation of hydroponic nutrient solutions for growing lettuce crops (economic, production efficiency and extended seasons for production using greenhouses, comparative evaluation of LED and HPS lighting in lettuce growth and nutrition and feasibility study for aquaponic system). 3) Students training in the use of hydroponic and other systems for growing produce and vegetables (volunteer and/or for credit). 4) Local small farmers (evaluation of growing techniques and nutrient content of selected vegetable and fruits picked at different time of the growing season). Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Between 6 to 12 students (undergraduate and graduate)/semester have been working and learning at our Valley Road facilities. One graduate students has a full-time project ongoing and we had one intern who worked directly with our afterschool urban garden program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We have one peer-reviewed publication. Our graduate student has made 3 presentations in Nevada on her project and our students have made speaking visits to local school and public events dealing with hydroponics, aquaponics and season extension methods. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continuation of accomplishing our goals with emphasis on directed research to evaluating the various growing systems on fruits and vegetable production and and quality. When opportunities are available to reach out to more stakeholders and local interests for urban farming and avenues for extending the growing season.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Overall, all goals are ongoing and/or accomplished in part.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Ferguson, S. D., Saliga III, R. P., Omaye, S. T. (2014). Investigating the effects of hydroponic media on quality of greenhouse grown leafy greens. International Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2, 227-234.


Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The outcomes from this research would target local farms, food service facilities and alternately, local consumers. We anticipate that eventually, through fact sheets, flyers and scientific reports, we will be able to enhance the ability of our area people to grow food locally. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Working with HDFI, Urban Roots, Americorps and other stakeholders. New course for urban farming was taght in the Fall semester. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? One peer-reviewed scientific publication What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Ongoing research for grwoing produce- Feasibility and comparison studies of produce grown hydroponically and in soil. Selected crops include: lettuce, tomatoes, legumes, kelp, spinich. Greens for food for UNR food service. Comparison of LED vs. HID MH lights for growing letttuce. Growth of berry plants hydroponically. Laboratory analysis and sendory peerception- Request for permission to use human subjects in sensory perception studies are ongoing. A variety of laboratory methods are being taught and tested for bioactive compounds, vitamins, nutirents, polyphenolic compounds, carotenoids.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Greenhouse renovations for hydroponics- Conversion of work area to accommodate soil-based and hydroponically-based growing systems.

Publications


    Progress 07/01/12 to 09/30/12

    Outputs
    Target Audience: In northern Nevada, food production is limited by the cold arid climate. To mitigate risk associated with early and late season weather variability, especially frosts, we are supporting efforts for construction of hoop houses and green houses designed to trap or insolate internal soil and air temperatures at levels sufficient t support crop production. Likewise, hydroponics and alternative growing system could greatly augment our ability to produce fruits and vegetables locally. The outcomes from this research would target local farmers, food service facilities, and alternately, local consumers. We anticipate that eventually, through fact sheets, flyers, and scientific reports, we will be able to enhance the ability of our area people to grow food locally. Changes/Problems: None What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Working with HDFI, Urban Roots, Americorps and other stakeholders New course for urban farming was taught in the Fall. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? One peer-reviewed scientiific publication What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Ongoing research for growing produce Feasibility and comparison studies of produce grown hydroponically and in soil. Selected crops included; lettuce, tomatoes, legumes, kelp, spinach, Greens for food UNR food service. Comparison of LED vs. HID MH lights for growing lettuce Growth of berry plants hydroponically. Laboratory Analysis and sensory perception Request for permission to use human subject in sensory perception studies are ongoing A variety of laboratory methods are being taught and tested for bioactive compounds; vitamins, nutrients, polyphenolic compounds, carotenoids.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Greenhouse Renovations for hydroponics Conversion of work area to accommodate soil-based and hydroponically-based growing systems Ebb and flow systems, using coconut husks in planters for supporting plants (8 4ft by 8 ft beds) Continuous flow systems, using Perlite in planters for supporting plants (3 2 ft by 8 ft beds) One commercial aeroponic system (tower garden) Systems have been equipped with aeration, automatic food and watering stations. Nutrient levels, pH, EC are monitored by personnel. Forced air heating systems have been repaired and installation of air ducts for distribution of air throughout the greenhouse Force air fans and window louvers have been repaired for reducing summer temperatures Grow lights or High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Metal Halide Lights have been installed throughout the greenhouse (courtesy of Washoe Sheriffs’ Department). Nutrient management systems have been built and are in use for hydroponic systems

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Buchanan, D.N. and Omaye, S.T. Comparative study of ascorbic acid and tocopherol concentrations in hydroponic- and soil-grown lettuces. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 4: 1047-1053, 2013.