The public is invited to explore University of Nebraska–Lincoln student hydroponic prototype systems and greenhouse systems on November 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Plant Science Teaching Greenhouse, 3855 Fair Street, on Nebraska East Campus.
“We hope to see people drop in to learn more about specialty crop production systems,” Stacy Adams said.
Grace Ruff, a senior plant and landscape systems major (from left), demonstrates her hydroponic system to Hydroponics for Growing Populations classmates William Anderson and Nicole Svanda at the 2022 open house.
Adams, associate professor of practice in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, has taught Plant and Landscape Systems 307 Hydroponics for Growing Populations for three years in CASNR.
Students in the class were given the challenge to design, construct, and test a hydroponic system suitable for demonstrating this alternative food production system for outreach, education, or home hobbyists. Systems include the Nutrient Film Technique, Deep Flow Technique, Deep Water Culture, substrate culture, and aeroponics, in which students are on hand to discuss their projects and outcomes.
Guests will also have the opportunity to view greenhouse hydroponic systems, which include 30-row NFT, 64-foot-square raft lettuce DWC, DFT for peppers and eggplants, tomato bato buckets and strawberries in Rockwool slabs.
“In addition, a small hobby NFT system suitable for any urban dweller is on display for inspiration for anyone wanting their own system,” Adams said.
This event is open to the public. Guests can enter through the door located on the north end of the building near the Animal Science Complex peruse the different systems at their leisure, and engage in discussion with students about hydroponics. Meter parking is available in the parking lot east of the greenhouse, across N. 39th Street.
Source: agronomy.unl.edu