Chris Gielnik, President of NuAgri, Inc., today announced he has been advised by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation of British Columbia that NuAgri Inc. meets the necessary criteria to qualify as an Eligible Business Corporation (“EBC”) under the Small Business Venture Capital Act.

The EBC program is designed to be a ‘direct’ approach for BC investors seeking private investments in the growth of up and coming BC companies. As an approved EBC, NuAgri is authorized to raise up to $5 million equity capital from July 6, 2012 to March 1, 2013.

Investments in EBCs by BC residents and corporations are made without guarantee of return and must be held for at least 5 years.  However, BC investors are eligible to receive a refundable tax credit equal to 30% of their investment amount, up to a maximum of $60,000 in credits per taxation year. Excess credits may be carried forward and used in any of the four subsequent taxation years.

Currently, NuAgri is raising capital to assist in the completion of its BioDome demonstration facility in Surrey, BC; and the introduction of its products to market. Phase III of the project, includes installation of the vertical growing columns (NuStax Growing System) and automated systems (water, nutrient, air, light). Phase IV will populate the BioDome with a polyculture of various species. When complete the BioDome will offer clients an opportunity to observe a more complete and sustainable food growing system.

To follow the progress of the BioDome project, please visit: http://nuagri.com/building-a-biodome/

All investor inquiries can be directed to Stuart Brazier, by phone 778.881.6190, or email stuart@nuagri.com.

Chris Gielnik, CEO & President of NuAgri Inc. (“NuAgri”), today announced the signing of a CDN$1,5 million order for a two-level Biodome to be located on a property in Surrey, BC. This is the first sale of a Biodome by NuAgri, whose corporate headquarters are in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  The order is part of an urban agricultural initiative that intends to create employment for the local community and supply more localized source of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The order is subject to the securing land upon which to build the BioDome, building and GVRD waste treatment permits, financing, and environmental and public reviews.

Construction of the BioDome is anticipated to begin in early 2013, at which time NuAgri will disclose the name of the client.

NuAgri is currently raising capital to progress to Phase III of its Biodome  (The Microdome) demonstration project, also located in Surrey, British Columbia. Phase III will involve manufacturing plastic injection molds and components for the NuStax Growing System (vertical growing cabinets and columns), and installing the automated climate control, nutrient, air management, and supplemental lighting systems. Phase IV will operationalize a polyculture aimed at providing a diverse selection of fruit, herbs, and vegetable varieties.

For updates on NuAgri’s Microdome project, please visit: Building a Biodome: The Microdome

For NuAgri Press Releases: Click Here

Link: Top 10 Food Additives to Avoid

Why should planners care about the food system in their area? How can planners help shape a healthy food system? This guide sets forth a vision for an urban food system and describes the interlocking aspects of planning and the food system.

“Food affects the economic, environmental, and social well being of every place, yet food choices and the issues that surround them are rarely part of the urban planner’s agenda. With issues such as pollution, food safety, hunger, obesity, landfill capacity, and others rising on the planning agenda, planners can no longer ignore the potential of their intervention in the food system.”

“Urban life is affected by food system activities such as agriculture, grocery stores, farmers markets, landfills, and gardens. Food systems represent a large part of local economies, including retail and industrial jobs and a variety of entrepreneurial opportunities. A city’s transportation system not only distributes food and waste products, but also determines the accessibility of food distribution outlets (e.g. restaurants, grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks) for many residents. Finally, food is an integral part of cultural identity as a product of tradition, religion, climate, ethnicity, and art.”

Download Full Report: A Planner’s Guide to the Urban Food System

Chris Gielnik, President of NuAgri Inc. (“NuAgri”), today announced the completion of Phase II of the company’s 30 by 10 meter BioDome project at its farm site in Surrey, British Columbia. The BioDome’s ETFE pneumatic pillows have now been installed on the aluminum structure and have successfully been inflated with the specialized dehumidification fan system.

The BioDome’s hi-tech ETFE pillows provides a superior climate-controlled greenhouse environment that will provide ideal growing conditions. The ETFE pneumatic pillows will allow the transmission of more natural sunlight and utilize energy more efficiently than either glass or polyethylene used in traditional greenhouse structures. In addition, the ETFE pneumatic pillows will provide better insulation and loading capabilities (snow, wind, rain; and even human traffic).

NuAgri is currently raising capital to progress to Phase III of the BioDome construction project, which includes manufacturing plastic injection molds and components for the NuStax Growing System (vertical growing cabinets and columns), and installing the automated control systems (nutrient, air management, and supplemental lighting systems).

During Phase IV, NuAgri will operationalize a polyculture aimed at providing a diverse selection of fruit, herbs, and vegetable varieties.

For periodically updated construction images, please visit: Building a Biodome

For more information regarding Biodomes, Vertical Farming, or investment opportunities direct your inquiries to sales@nuagri.com

Novel lighting technology offers the possibility of improved arthropod integrated pest management (IPM) in artificially lighted crops. This review compiles the current knowledge on how greenhouse pest and beneficial arthropods are directly affected by light, with the focus on whiteflies. The effect of ultraviolet depletion on orientation and colour-coded phototaxis are to some extent studied and utilised for control of the flying adult stage of some pest species, but far less is known about the visual ecology of commercially used biological control agents and pollinators, and about how light affects arthropod biology in different life stages. Four approaches for utilisation of artificial light in IPM of whiteflies are suggested: (a) use of attractive visual stimuli incorporated into traps for monitoring and direct control, (b) use of visual stimuli that disrupt the host-detection process, (c) radiation with harmful or inhibitory wavelengths to kill or suppress pest populations and (d) use of time cues to manipulate daily rhythms and photoperiodic responses. Knowledge gaps are identified to design a road map for research on IPM in crops lighted with high-pressure sodium lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photoselective films. LEDs are concluded to offer possibilities for behavioural manipulation of arthropods, but the extent of such possibilities depends in practice on which wavelength combinations are determined to be optimal for plant production. Furthermore, the direct effects of artificial lighting on IPM must be studied in the context of plant-mediated effects of artificial light on arthropods, as both types of manipulations are possible, particularly with LEDs.

Authors: (N.S. Johansen, I. Va¨nninen, D.M. Pinto, A.I. Nissinen & L. Shipp)

Full Article: Click Here

Location

The greenhouse should be located where it gets maximum sunlight. The first choice of location is the south or southeast side of a building or shade trees. Sunlight all day is best, but morning sunlight on the east side is sufficient for plants. Morning sunlight is most desirable because it allows the plant’s food production process to begin early; thus growth is maximized. An east side location captures the most November to February sunlight. The next best sites are southwest and west of major structures, where plants receive sunlight later in the day. North of major structures is the least desirable location and is good only for plants that require little light.

Deciduous trees, such as maple and oak, can effectively shade the greenhouse from the intense late afternoon summer sun; however, they should not shade the greenhouse in the morning. Deciduous trees also allow maximum exposure to the winter sun because they shed their leaves in the fall. Evergreen trees that have foliage year round should not be located where they will shade the greenhouse because they will block the less intense winter sun. You should aim to maximize winter sun exposure, particularly if the greenhouse is used all year. Remember that the sun is lower in the southern sky in winter causing long shadows to be cast by buildings and evergreen trees (Figure 1).

Good drainage is another requirement for the site. When necessary, build the greenhouse above the surrounding ground so rainwater and irrigation water will drain away. Other site considerations include the light requirements of the plants to be grown; locations of sources of heat, water, and electricity; and shelter from winter wind. Access to the greenhouse should be convenient for both people and utilities. A workplace for potting plants and a storage area for supplies should be nearby.

Types of Greenhouses

A home greenhouse can be attached to a house or garage, or it can be a freestanding structure. The chosen site and personal preference can dictate the choices to be considered. An attached greenhouse can be a half greenhouse, a full-size structure, or an extended window structure. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type.

Attached Greenhouses

Lean-to. A lean-to greenhouse is a half greenhouse, split along the peak of the roof, or ridge line (Figure 2A), Lean-tos are useful where space is limited to a width of approximately seven to twelve feet, and they are the least expensive structures. The ridge of the lean-to is attached to a building using one side and an existing doorway, if available. Lean-tos are close to available electricity, water and heat. The disadvantages include some limitations on space, sunlight, ventilation, and temperature control. The height of the supporting wall limits the potential size of the lean-to. The wider the lean-to, the higher the supporting wall must be. Temperature control is more difficult because the wall that the greenhouse is built on may collect the sun’s heat while the translucent cover of the greenhouse may lose heat rapidly. The lean-to should face the best direction for adequate sun exposure. Finally, consider the location of windows and doors on the supporting structure and remember that snow, ice, or heavy rain might slide off the roof or the house onto the structure.

Even-span. An even-span is a full-size structure that has one gable end attached to another building (Figure 2B). It is usually the largest and most costly option, but it provides more usable space and can be lengthened. The even-span has a better shape than a lean-to for air circulation to maintain uniform temperatures during the winter heating season. An even-span can accommodate two to three benches for growing crops.

Freestanding Structures- Freestanding greenhouses are separate structures; they can be set apart from other buildings to get more sun and can be made as large or small as desired (Figure 2C). A separate heating system is needed, and electricity and water must be installed.

Window-mounted. A window-mounted greenhouse can be attached on the south or east side of a house. This glass enclosure gives space for conveniently growing a few plants at relatively low cost (Figure 2D). The special window extends outward from the house a foot or so and can contain two or three shelves.

The lowest cost per square foot of growing space is generally available in a freestanding or even-span greenhouse that is 17 to 18 feet wide. It can house a central bench, two side benches, and two walkways. The ratio of cost to the usable growing space is good.

When deciding on the type of structure, be sure to plan for adequate bench space, storage space, and room for future expansion. Large greenhouses are easier to manage because temperatures in small greenhouses fluctuate more rapidly. Small greenhouses have a large exposed area through which heat is lost or gained, and the air volume inside is relatively small; therefore, the air temperature changes quickly in a small greenhouse. Suggested minimum sizes are 6 feet wide by 12 feet long for an even-span or freestanding greenhouse.

Structural Materials

A good selection of commercial greenhouse frames and framing materials is available. The frames are made of wood, galvanized steel, or aluminum. Build-it-yourself greenhouse plans are usually for structures with wood or metal pipe frames. Plastic pipe materials generally are inadequate to meet snow and wind load requirements. Frames can be covered with glass, rigid fiberglass, rigid double-wall plastics, or plastic film. All have advantages and disadvantages. Each of these materials should be considered–it pays to shop around for ideas.

Frames

Greenhouse frames range from simple to complex, depending on the imagination of the designer and engineering requirements. The following are several common frames (Figure 3).

Quonset. The Quonset is a simple and efficient construction with an electrical conduit or galvanized steel pipe frame. The frame is circular and usually covered with plastic sheeting. Quonset sidewall height is low, which restricts storage space and headroom.

Gothic. The gothic frame construction is similar to that of the Quonset but it has a gothic shape (Figure 3). Wooden arches may be used and joined at the ridge. The gothic shape allows more headroom at the sidewall than does the Quonset.

Rigid-frame. The rigid-frame structure has vertical sidewalls and rafters for a clear-span construction. There are no columns or trusses to support the roof. Glued or nailed plywood gussets connect the sidewall supports to the rafters to make one rigid frame. The conventional gable roof and sidewalls allow maximum interior space and air circulation. A good foundation is required to support the lateral load on the sidewalls.

Post and rafter and A-frame. The post and rafter is a simple construction of an embedded post and rafters, but it requires more wood or metal than some other designs. Strong sidewall posts and deep post embedment are required to withstand outward rafter forces and wind pressures. Like the rigid frame, the post and rafter design allows more space along the sidewalls and efficient air circulation. The A-frame is similar to the post and rafter construction except that a collar beam ties the upper parts of the rafters together.

Biodome- A new greenhouse structure that incorporates more of a dome like shape. The frame is constructed from light weight aluminum. ETFE pneumatic pillows (covering) are attached with a keder tracking system. The combination of light weight aluminum and durable ETFE pillows makes for an incredibly strong but light weight structure. See www.nuagri.com for more details.

Coverings

Greenhouse coverings include glass, fiberglass, rigid double-wall plastics, film plastics, and ETFE. The type of frame and cover must be matched correctly.

Glass. Glass is the traditional covering. It has a pleasing appearance, is inexpensive to maintain, and has a high degree of permanency. An aluminum frame with a glass covering provides a maintenance-free, weather-tight structure that minimizes heat costs and retains humidity. Glass is available in many forms that would be suitable with almost any style or architecture. Tempered glass is frequently used because it is two or three times stronger than regular glass. Small prefabricated glass greenhouses are available for do-it-yourself installation, but most should be built by the manufacturer because they can be difficult to construct.

The disadvantages of glass are that it is easily broken, is initially expensive to build, and requires must better frame construction than fiberglass or plastic. A good foundation is required, and the frames must be strong and must fit well together to support heavy, rigid glass.

Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)- a fluorine based plastic, and was designed to have high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range. ETFE is a polymer, and its systematic name is poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene). ETFE has a very high melting temperature, excellent chemical, electrical and high energy radiation resistance properties. For greenhouse applications ETFE provides similar or superior light transmission to glass but is only 1% the weight. Constructed into pneumatic pillows (2, 3, 4 layers) ETFE provides excellent climate control capabilities. In addition, ETFE pillows provide structural stability (can bear 400x its own weight and stretch 3x original form without memory loss) and require lighter structural frames. See www.nuagri.com for more details.

Fiberglass. Fiberglass is lightweight, strong, and practically hailproof. A good grade of fiberglass should be used because poor grades discolor and reduce light penetration. Use only clear, transparent, or translucent grades for greenhouse construction. Tedlar-coated fiberglass lasts 15 to 20 years. The resin covering the glass fibers will eventually wear off, allowing dirt to be retained by exposed fibers. A new coat of resin is needed after 10 to 15 years. Light penetration is initially as good as glass but can drop off considerably over time with poor grades of fiberglass.

Double-wall plastic. Rigid double-layer plastic sheets of acrylic or polycarbonate are available to give long-life, heat-saving covers. These covers have two layers of rigid plastic separated by webs. The double-layer material retains more heat, so energy savings of 30 percent are common. The acrylic is a long-life, nonyellowing material; the polycarbonate normally yellows faster, but usually is protected by a UV-inhibitor coating on the exposed surface. Both materials carry warranties for 10 years on their light transmission qualities. Both can be used on curved surfaces; the polycarbonate material can be curved the most. As a general rule, each layer reduces light by about 10 percent. About 80 percent of the light filters through double-layer plastic, compared with 90 percent for glass.

Film plastic. Film-plastic coverings are available in several grades of quality and several different materials. Generally, these are replaced more frequently than other covers. Structural costs are very low because the frame can be lighter and plastic film is inexpensive. Light transmission of these film-plastic coverings is comparable to glass. The films are made of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), copolymers, and other materials. A utility grade of PE that will last about a year is available at local hardware stores. Commercial greenhouse grade PE has ultraviolet inhibitors in it to protect against ultraviolet rays; it lasts 12 to 18 months. Copolymers last 2 to 3 years. New additives have allowed the manufacture of film plastics that block and reflect radiated heat back into the greenhouse, as does glass which helps reduce heating costs. PVC or vinyl film costs two to five times as much as PE but lasts as long as five years. However, it is available only in sheets four to six feet wide. It attracts dust from the air, so it must be washed occasionally.

Foundations and Floors

Permanent foundations should be provided for glass, fiberglass, or the double-layer rigid-plastic sheet materials. The manufacturer should provide plans for the foundation construction. Most greenhouses require a poured concrete foundation similar to those in residential houses. Quonset greenhouses with pipe frames and a plastic cover use posts driven into the ground.

Permanent flooring is not recommended because it may stay wet and slippery from soil mix media. A concrete, gravel, or stone walkway 24 to 36 inches wide can be built for easy access to the plants. The rest of the floor should be covered by several inches of gravel for drainage of excess water. Water also can be sprayed on the gravel to produce humidity in the greenhouse.

Environmental Systems

Greenhouses provide a shelter in which a suitable environment is maintained for plants. Solar energy from the sun provides sunlight and some heat, but you must provide a system to regulate the environment in your greenhouse. This is done by using heaters, fans, thermostats, and other equipment.

Heating

The heating requirements of a greenhouse depend on the desired temperature for the plants grown, the location and construction of the greenhouse, and the total outside exposed area of the structure. As much as 25 percent of the daily heat requirement may come from the sun, but a lightly insulated greenhouse structure will need a great deal of heat on a cold winter night. The heating system must be adequate to maintain the desired day or night temperature.

Usually the home heating system is not adequate to heat an adjacent greenhouse. A 220-volt circuit electric heater, however, is clean, efficient, and works well. Small gas or oil heaters designed to be installed through a masonry wall also work well.

Solar-heater greenhouses were popular briefly during the energy crisis, but they did not prove to be economical to use. Separate solar collection and storage systems are large and require much space. However, greenhouse owners can experiment with heat-collecting methods to reduce fossil-fuel consumption. One method is to paint containers black to attract heat, and fill them with water to retain it. However, because the greenhouse air temperature must be kept at plant-growing temperatures, the greenhouse itself is not a good solar-heat collector.

Heating systems can be fueled by electricity, gas, oil, or wood. The heat can be distributed by forced hot air, radiant heat, hot water, or steam. The choice of a heating system and fuel depends on what is locally available, the production requirements of the plants, cost, and individual choice. For safety purposes, and to prevent harmful gases from contacting plants, all gas, oil, and woodburning systems must be properly vented to the outside. Use fresh-air vents to supply oxygen for burners for complete combustion. Safety controls, such as safety pilots and a gas shutoff switch, should be used as required. Portable kerosene heaters used in homes are risky because some plants are sensitive to gases formed when the fuel is burned.

Calculating heating system capacity. Heating systems are rated in British thermal units (Btu) per hour (h). The Btu capacity of the heating system, Q, can be estimated easily using three factors:

1. A is the total exposed (outside) area of the greenhouse sides, ends, and roof in square feet (ft²). On a Quonset, the sides and roof are one unit; measure the length of the curved rafter (ground to ground) and multiply by the length of the house. The curves end area is 2 (ends) X 2/3 X height X width. Add the sum of the first calculation with that of the second.
2. u is the heat loss factor that quantifies the rate at which heat energy flows out of the greenhouse. For example, a single cover of plastic or glass has a value of 1.2 Btu/h x ft² x ^oF (heat loss in Btu’s her hour per each square foot of area per degree in Fahrenheit); a double-layer cover has a value of 0.8 Btu/h x ft² x ^oF. The values allow for some air infiltration but are based on the assumption that the greenhouse is fairly airtight.
3. (Ti-To) is the maximum temperature difference between the lowest outside temperature (To) in your region and the temperature to be maintained in the greenhouse (Ti). For example, the maximum difference will usually occur in the early morning with the occurrence of a 0^oF to -5^oF outside temperature while a 60^oF inside temperature is maintained. Plan for a temperature differential of 60 to 65^oF. The following equation summarizes this description: Q = A x u x (Ti-To).

Example. If a rigid-frame or post and rafter freestanding greenhouse 16 feet wide by 24 feet long, 12 feet high at the ridge, with 6 feet sidewalls, is covered with single-layer glass from the ground to the ridge, what size gas heater would be needed to maintain 60^oF on the coldest winter night (0^oF)? Calculate the total outside area (Figure 4):

two long sides	2 x 6 ft x 24 ft = 288 ft2
two ends	2 x 6ft x 16 ft = 192 ft2
roof	2 x 10 ft x 24ft = 480 ft2
gable ends	2 x 6 ft x 8 ft = 96 ft2
	A = 1,056 ft2

 

Select the proper heat loss factor, u = 1.2 Btu/h x ft² x ^oF. The temperature differential is 60^oF – 0^oF = 60 ^oF.

Q = 1,056 x 1.2 x 60 = 76,032 Btu/h (furnace output).

Although this is a relatively small greenhouse, the furnace output is equivalent to that in a small residence such as a townhouse. The actual furnace rated capacity takes into account the efficiency of the furnace and is called the furnace input fuel rating.

This discussion is a bit technical, but these factors must be considered when choosing a greenhouse. Note the effect of each value on the outcome. When different materials are used in the construction of the walls or roof, heat loss must be calculated for each. For electrical heating, covert Btu/h to kilowatts by dividing Btu/h by 3,413. If a wood, gas, or oil burner is located in the greenhouse, a fresh-air inlet is recommended to maintain an oxygen supply to the burner. Place a piece of plastic pipe through the outside cover to ensure that oxygen gets to the burner combustion air intake. The inlet pipe should be the diameter of the flue pipe. This ensures adequate air for combustion in an airtight greenhouse. Unvented heaters (no chimney) using propane gas or kerosene are not recommended.

Air Circulation

Installing circulating fans in your greenhouse is a good investment. During the winter when the greenhouse is heated, you need to maintain air circulation so that temperatures remain uniform throughout the greenhouse. Without air-mixing fans, the warm air rises to the top and cool air settles around the plants on the floor.

Small fans with a cubic-foot-per-minute (ft³/min) air-moving capacity equal to one quarter of the air volume of the greenhouse are sufficient. For small greenhouses (less than 60 feet long), place the fans in diagonally opposite corners but out from the ends and sides. The goal is to develop a circular (oval) pattern of air movement. Operate the fans continuously during the winter. Turn these fans off during the summer when the greenhouse will need to be ventilated.

The fan in a forced-air heating system can sometimes be used to provide continuous air circulation. The fan must be wired to an on/off switch so it can run continuously, separate from the thermostatically controlled burner.

Ventilation

Ventilation is the exchange of inside air for outside air to control temperature, remove moisture, or replenish carbon dioxide (CO₂). Several ventilation systems can be used. Be careful when mixing parts of two systems.

Natural ventilation uses roof vents on the ridge line with side inlet vents (louvers). Warm air rises on convective currents to escape through the top, drawing cool air in through the sides.

Mechanical ventilation uses an exhaust fan to move air out one end of the greenhouse while outside air enters the other end through motorized inlet louvers. Exhaust fans should be sized to exchange the total volume of air in the greenhouse each minute.

The total volume of air in a medium to large greenhouse can be estimated by multiplying the floor area times 8.0 (the average height of a greenhouse). A small greenhouse (less than 5,000 ft³ in air volume) should have an exhaust-fan capacity estimated by multiplying the floor area by 12.

The capacity of the exhaust fan should be selected at one-eighth of an inch static water pressure. The static pressure rating accounts for air resistance through the louvers, fans, and greenhouse and is usually shown in the fan selection chart.

Ventilation requirements vary with the weather and season. One must decide how much the greenhouse will be used. In summer, 1 to 1� air volume changes per minute are needed. Small greenhouses need the larger amount. In winter, 20 to 30 percent of one air volume exchange per minute is sufficient for mixing in cool air without chilling the plants.

One single-speed fan cannot meet this criteria. Two single-speed fans are better. A combination of a single-speed fan and a two-speed fan allows three ventilation rates that best satisfy year round needs. A single-stage and a two-stage thermostat are needed to control the operation.

A two-speed motor on low speed delivers about 70 percent of its full capacity. If the two fans have the same capacity rating, then the low-speed fan supplies about 35 percent of the combined total. This rate of ventilation is reasonable for the winter. In spring, the fan operates on high speed. In summer, both fans operate on high speed.

Refer to the earlier example of a small greenhouse. A 16-foot wide by 24-foot long house would need an estimated ft³ per minute (cubic feet per minute; CFM) total capacity; that is, 16x24x12 ft³ per minute. For use all year, select two fans to deliver 2,300 ft³ per minute each, one fan to have two speeds so that the high speed is 2,300 ft³ per minute. Adding the second fan, the third ventilation rate is the sum of both fans on high speed, or 4,600 ft³ per minute.

Some glass greenhouses are sold with a manual ridge vent, even when a mechanical system is specified. The manual system can be a backup system, but it does not take the place of a motorized louver. Do not take shortcuts in developing an automatic control system.

Cooling

Air movement by ventilation alone may not be adequate in the middle of the summer; the air temperature may need to be lowered with evaporative cooling. Also, the light intensity may be too great for the plants. During the summer, evaporative cooling, shade cloth, or paint may be necessary. Shade materials include roll-up screens of wood or aluminum, vinyl netting, and paint.

Small package evaporative coolers have a fan and evaporative pad in one box to evaporate water, which cools air and increases humidity. Heat is removed from the air to change water from liquid to a vapor. Moist, cooler air enters the greenhouse while heated air passes out through roof vents or exhaust louvers. The evaporative cooler works best when the humidity of the outside air is low. The system can be used without water evaporation to provide the ventilation of the greenhouse. Size the evaporative cooler capacity at 1.0 to 1.5 times the volume of the greenhouse. An alternative system, used in commercial greenhouses, places the pads on the air inlets at one end of the greenhouse and uses the exhaust fans at the other end of the greenhouse to pull the air through the house.

Controllers/Automation

Automatic control is essential to maintain a reasonable environment in the greenhouse. On a winter day with varying amounts of sunlight and clouds, the temperature can fluctuate greatly; close supervision would be required if a manual ventilation system were in use. Therefore, unless close monitoring is possible, both hobbyists and commercial operators should have automated systems with thermostats or other sensors.

Thermostats can be used to control individual units, or a central controller with one temperature sensor can be used. In either case, the sensor or sensors should be shaded from the sun, located about plant height away from the sidewalls, and have constant airflow over them. An aspirated box is suggested; the box houses each sensor and has a small fan that moves greenhouse air through the box and over the sensor (Figure 5). The box should be painted white so it will reflect solar heat and allow accurate readings of the air temperature.

Watering Systems

A water supply is essential. Hand watering is acceptable for most greenhouse crops if someone is available when the task needs to be done; however, many hobbyists work away from home during the day. A variety of automatic watering systems is available to help to do the task over short periods of time. Bear in mind, the small greenhouse is likely to have a variety of plant materials, containers, and soil mixes that need different amounts of water.

Time clocks or mechanical evaporation sensors can be used to control automatic watering systems. Mist sprays can be used to create humidity or to moisten seedlings. Watering kits can be obtained to water plants in flats, benches, or pots.

CO₂ and Light

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and light are essential for plant growth. As the sun rises in the morning to provide light, the plants begin to produce food energy (photosynthesis). The level of CO₂ drops in the greenhouse as it is used by the plants. Ventilation replenishes the CO₂ in the greenhouse. Because CO₂ and light complement each other, electric lighting combined with CO₂ injection are used to increase yields of vegetable and flowering crops. Bottled CO₂, dry ice, and combustion of sulfur-free fuels can be used as CO₂ sources. Commercial greenhouses use such methods.

Alternative Growing Structures

A greenhouse is not always needed for growing plants. Plants can be germinated in one’s home in a warm place under fluorescent lamps. The lamps must be close together and not far above the plants. A cold frame or hotbed can be used outdoors to continue the growth of young seedlings until the weather allows planting in a garden. A hotbed is similar to the cold frame, but it has a source of heat to maintain proper temperatures.

The Biodome depicted below, The MicroDome, is NuAgri’s showcase facility located amongst rich farm land in Surrey, British Columbia. At 30,000 s.f. it is the smallest design to date and designed to develop NuAgri’s technologies in climate control, vertical farming, aeroponic feeding systems, and artificial lighting. In addition it will provide a facility for presentations to the surrounding farming community, various interest groups and investors interested in the progress and success of our food growing technologies. Phase II of the project, constructing the light weight aluminum frame and installation of ETFE pneumatic pillows, is now complete. Phase III involves manufacturing and installing the vertical growing columns (NuStax) and installing the various automated control systems. Phase IV involves filling the MicroDome with a polyculture of various plant species. For more detailed information, project inquiries, or investment opportunities contact NuAgri at sales@nuagri.com.

Biodome greenhouse incorporates ETFE pneumatic pillows on membrane architecture structure	Interior of NuAgri's Biodome greenhouse with high tech ETFE pneumatic pillow covering
Now the Biodome is taking shape. Next step, add ETFE pneumatic pillows.	The Biodome takes shape.
Keder tracking is an aluminum extrusion that is engineered to perfection. The 'C' must be both smooth on it's inner tube and along the lips to ensure ETFE does not snag upon installation, nor during its 50 year lifespan.	Keder tracking ready to be installed on the Biodome. It will run along the aluminum skeletal structure and hold the ETFE pneumatic pillows in place.
Hydronic thermal flooring heating (and cooling) pumps and regulator, high-tech stuff.	The aim in using a hydronic system is energy efficiency in creating a successful growing environment for a longer duration each year.
Aluminum structure starts looking like a building.	Aluminum structure starts looking like a Biodome, a little.
Aluminum skeletal frame is laid out before it is assemble together.	Construction of the Biodome's skeleton is a snap using prefabricated parts and pieces.
Hydronic thermal flooring isn't complete until it gets covered with concrete.	The foundation complete uses 32 mpa concrete to insure maximum strength and stability throughout the 50 year lifespan that it is expected to endure.
The hydronic system looks cool but unfortunately it has to be covered in concrete. The concrete will act as the thermal medium through which heat is emitted and withdrawn.	Hydronic thermal system gets a blanket of concrete (32 mpa).
Hydronic thermal floor heating (and cooling) more efficiently regulates the temperature of the Biodome to maintain a successful growing environment.	Hydronic thermal heating pipes are installed throughout the entire foundation for efficient heating and cooling of the Biodome.
Hydronic thermal floor heating (and cooling) will maintain ideal growing temperatures more efficiently than traditional methods.	Hydronic thermal floor heating (and cooling) to help regulate Biodome greenhouse temperature; high-tech.
Land is flattened and surveyed.	Add a layer of crushed rock for the concrete foundation to sit on.
Step 1: Get the bulldozer off the trailer, "Hey do you know how to drive one of these things? Ya me neither."	The land is cleared but it could use some work still.

The benefits of NuAgri’s Light-Chip are numerous. The Light-Chip boasts an average rated life span of 80,000 hours. It creates 100-110 lumens per watt; or 50-1500 micromoles for photosynthesis; and lamp lumen depreciation value of .96. For those in the agriculture industry, the Light-Chip can be customized to meet spectrum specific criteria needed for maximum photosynthesis (ideally 660nm and 440nm, 4-1 ratio). The operating temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit,  significantly lower than traditional HID and LED equivalencies; and is warm to the touch allowing plants within inches for maximum micromoles and without the chance of burning. With these benefits, commercial growers and indoor gardening enthusiasts alike can start to address issues in creating a successful growing climate (energy consumption, heating / cooling, maximum photosynthesis).

Check back often for updates, details, and product information.

Can you see the different programmed colors in each pixel? This is actually two pictures, both taken with heavy filter to capture the color potential of each pixel. This chip would be programmed for white light, applicable for residential, commercial, and industrial usages.	This picture magnifies on of the light chips pixels to show that it is not in fact an LED. Light chips are printed circuit boards with light emitting pixels.
The light chip in this picture is programmed for 660nm (red) and 440nm (blue) and is ideal for agricultural applications. Again, this picture was taken with heavy filter. Can you count the 4-to-1 ratio of red to blue?	Light chip programmed for optimal photosynthesis (660nm red, 440nm blue, at 4-1 ratio; alternative spectrums available).
Close up of the light chip and the wired pixels. Doesn't that look like a printed circuit board?	Cool picture of a magnified pixel.
Each of light chips pixels (number determined by desired wattage) is capable of being programmed to emit a desired spectrum.	Each of light chips pixels (number determined by desired wattage) is capable of being programmed to emit a desired spectrum.