LA Urban Farms donated a grow tower to Cal Poly Pomona, which will be placed in University President Soraya M. Coley’s office on Nov 16. Standing six feet tall, the grow tower utilizes aeroponic technology to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers vertically in 21-28 days. This comes to fruition without the use of soil, instead it utilizes an air or mist environment.
One hundred percent of the nutrient solution held in a reservoir at the base, which is used to grow the food, is recycled. The vertical design functions as a means for oxygen to travel from the roots to the plants and back down to the reservoir. The plants absorb the recirculated water, or it evaporates which makes this technology sustainable and realistic for small spaces indoors.
Its purpose is to address California’s water and land shortages by using 90% less of both resources. The grow tower is one of many innovative examples of the agriculture department implementing sustainable tools through an inclusive curriculum open to students from all areas of study to supplement their knowledge by taking on plant science or sustainability as a minor or by taking a class to learn more.
“I really welcome folks from all different backgrounds; we deal with big issues of how we are going to be able to feed a growing global population without destroying the environment,” said Aaron Fox, associate professor of urban and community agriculture. LA Urban Farms has instituted its towers in universities, including UCLA and USC, and CPP is grateful for the donation of the grow tower, according to Kathleen Blakistone, lecturer in urban and community agriculture.
Read more at thepolypost.com