Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)

Controlled Environment Agriculture enables far more control over the process of growing animals and vegetables. Whilst this is undesirable for animals because it typically involves restricted space, indoor conditions and poorer welfare, for vegetables those considerations don’t exist.

Hydroponics, the practice of growing, typically, leafy vegetables using cycled water and LED lighting, indoors, affords a highly controllable environment.

There are many advantages to growing vegetables in a controlled environment

any type of vegetable can be grown year round without the need for seasonal consideration,
pests and diseases can be more easily managed, usually by eliminating both completely,
Water can be conserved and not wasted. typically hydroponics uses 90% less water than conventional growing methods

Planting The First Seeds

In trialling the hydroponics system generously supplied to us by Tech Tyfu we will use various growing media that are easily accessible on the farm. This will enable us to utilise and repurpose otherwise low value or waste products.

Hydroponics Kit arrival day

Initial thoughts on the Tech Tyfu Hydroponics System.