Agriculture goes urban and high-tech

A new twist to a traditional concept of agriculture has been implemented in Pomona, California. A recent article published by CNN.com talks about using hydroponics in farming which will bring farming into cities.

Hydroponics farming is a method of cultivating plants in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. With the concern of fewer natural resources in the world, hydroponics would be ideal because it requires less water than traditional farming. It also provides an opportunity for plants to be grown year around in greenhouses. California State Polytechnic University is currently running a program implementing hydroponics with a goal to bring farming to consumers which are in cities.

Supporters point out the environmental benefits this could lead to. Lower costs, more wildernesses, less bacteria and insecure food chains which are reasons they mention for urban hydroponic farms.

Of course nothing is for free, this high-tech farm will require a lot of money, not to mention the price of land, the heat and light needed to sustain the plaints year- round.

“Hydroponics are generally used for fast-growing, high-value crops such as lettuces and tomatoes that can be produced year-round in heated, well-lit greenhouses. So far, production is not large enough for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to track,” according to the article.

Link:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/11/21/urban.agriculture.ap/index.html




-Monica Sullivan