A Proposal to Supply University Park Campus Dining with Local Hydroponically Grown Lettuce
Open Access
- Author:
- Brandenburg, Lauren
- Area of Honors:
- Plant Sciences
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Robert Berghage, Jr., Thesis Supervisor
Heather D Karsten, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- hydroponics
lettuce
greenhouse
The Student Farm at Penn State
NFT - Abstract:
- Growing public interest in local food has sparked many new growing enterprises closer to population centers. These enterprises often focus on providing fresh produce, and especially fresh greens such as herbs and lettuce, as these crops can be grown intensively in indoor spaces. Hydroponic systems offer an exciting opportunity for local produce to become more accessible. Penn State has a unique opportunity to expand current hydroponic lettuce production to supply a significant portion of fresh lettuce to on-campus dining at Penn State’s University Park campus. An existing relationship between the Student Farm Club and Redifer Dining Commons inspired the proposal of a larger operation. This thesis describes a hydroponic system that is resource and cost efficient, and productive enough to provide fresh salad greens at a competitive price. I hypothesize that a nutrient film technique (NFT) system, rather than a deep-water culture system, is the best option for growing at Penn State. An NFT system is a popular commercial growing system that supports the plants with roots hanging down in a narrow channel, while running a thin film of nutrient salt solution over the roots. A 12,288 square foot greenhouse space will be sufficient to provide all of the lettuce for one resident dining hall on campus. This operation will provide employment and learning opportunities for students, and help Penn State reduce its carbon footprint.