Project Description
In 2021, URI ESW applied for and won a grant for our very own greenhouse space! Since then, it has been used for many subprojects, from growing vegetables, flowers, and succulents, to implementing our very own hydroponic system, experimenting with mycology, and cultivating native plantings for campus. There's always something hands-on to work on with the Greenhouse Group!
Divisions
Native Plants
Our native plants program is a group of individuals dedicated to eliminating invasive species and cultivating the spread of native plants on our campus. With permission from campus authorities, the native plants group has gained permission to revamp multiple plantings across campus. We hope to create a more sustainable campus, that's welcome to both students and pollinators alike!
Hydroponics
Hydroponic farming utilizes 90% less water than traditional soil farming, grows crops quicker, does not need pesticides or herbicides, and can be done in or outdoors. Our club members designed and built our very own ESW hydroponics system, which we continue to modify to become more efficient and less fallible. The crops grown this way will be donated along with our traditionally grown vegetables to Rhody Outpost.
Mushrooms
Traditional farming in our greenhouse as well as through the use of our hydroponic system allow our members to explore and research botany in a hands-on way. Mycology, the sister science, was a natural second step. Since mushrooms are grown without sunlight, they are a great space-saving crop, as they can theoretically be grown underneath photosynthesizing plants without penalty.
Feedback Control
Control systems are a vastly important concept for any STEM major, and our Greenhouse is the perfect place to work with them. We are not just gardeners, we are scientists- we want to know exactly what temperatures, humidity, sunlight exposure, soil pH, et cetera produces the best output. Using sensors and actuators in a system of our design, this aspect of the project aims for remote monitoring and control of these factors.
