Comparing Outdoor Vertical Hydroponic Farming Systems and Conventional Hydroponic Farming Systems with a Focus on Efficiency

Author

Itohan A. Edokpolo, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Agricultural, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Christopher Gabler

Second Advisor

Dr. Bradley Christoffersen

Third Advisor

Dr. Hannah Penn

Abstract

Combining hydroponics and vertical farming creates unique growing system that reduces the need for excessive water and land usage to grow more food. The main critique of this system is the high cost of setup, run and the potential drawbacks of shading on plant productivity. Five species were grown in three hydroponic designs known as horizontal, vertical and a-frame. The designs were compared in terms of productivity, space and energy. Results showed variability in plant productivity in the designs can be attributed to other factors other than light. Differences in species performance were seen in response to different factors. Horizontal design was the most cost and energy efficiency.

Comments

Copyright 2020 Itohan Edokpolo. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/comparing-outdoor-vertical-hydroponic-farming/docview/2426217749/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Edokpolo, Itohan A., "Comparing Outdoor Vertical Hydroponic Farming Systems and Conventional Hydroponic Farming Systems with a Focus on Efficiency" (2020). Theses and Dissertations. 652.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/652