Potato production requires high phosphorus (P) application with potential negative environmental or nutritional consequences for potato as well as for subsequent crops. Impacts of high available P on yield and plant nutrition of species in potato cropping rotations are inadequately understood, and could result in antagonistic interactions with cationic micronutrients such as zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn). Three hydroponic experiments were conducted with Russet Burbank potato to elucidate P and Zn relationships and associated interactions with other nutrients. In the first experiment, P solution concentration was constant at 256 µM while Zn concentration varied: 0.1, 2, 6, 18, 54, 162 and 456 µM Zn. In the second, Zn solution concentration was constant at 6 µM while P concentration varied: 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024 and 2048 µM P. In the third, three levels of P and Zn varied in all possible combinations: 32, 128 and 1024 µM P and 0.1, 54 and 486 µM Zn. As expected, Zn increased in all plant parts with increasing old shoots while root P increased. This suggests a P-Zn complex formation in roots preventing movement of P to the shoots of plants under high Zn. This was confirmed under variable P and Zn. Contrary to expectations, a direct impact of increased solution P on Zn uptake or distribution in potato was not observed except at 486 µM Zn in the third experiment. Increased solution P at low Zn levels resulted in a steep increase of P in new and old shoot growth and an accumulation of Mn in potato roots—factors that might indirectly impact Zn nutrition in potato. Although high P levels in potato did not directly reduce Zn content or cause Zn deficiency, excessive P accumulation with insufficient Zn may reduce the activity of Zn by interacting with other micronutrients such as Mn.

Greenhouse cultivation is a growing industry, especially in mild climates, much due to the ability toadjust the growing conditions and increased water utilization efficiency. The most important aspect onthe cultivation is the indoor temperature. The variation in temperature is due to the Swedish climatewhere the highest and lowest outdoor temperature respectively varies greatly during the year. To enableoptimal indoor climate additional heating is required during colder periods. Presently, most of theexisting greenhouses utilizes combustion of fossil fuels for heating, which contributes to the climatechange through the emissions of greenhouse gases. One way to circumvent this impact is to exchangethe fossil fuels with biogas. Combining biogas production and greenhouse cultivation enables synergiesand a more closed cycle of material flow can be achieved. However, this combination is rather immaturedue to lacking previous research, giving this report its main purpose, to examine the synergies andsustainability of combining a greenhouse with small-scale biogas production. Initially, an extensive literature study was carried out followed by a simulation based on the obtainedknowledge. The simulation was comprised of two greenhouses with different geometries, one with theshape of an arch with polyethylene-film cladding and the other with a sawtooth roof with glass cladding,both with two layers. The other properties such as internal area and volume are more or less the samefor the simulated greenhouses. Useful data such as outdoor temperature, rainfall and solar irradiationetc. was obtained for the city of Enköping, Sweden. The calculations for the models were carried out inthe program Microsoft Excel. In order to evaluate the feasibility of these models a reference greenhousewas studied, which had similar properties and conditions. The optimal temperature for tomato cultivation is 20° C, and to maintain this level over the entire yearit was found that the heat requirements were 89 500 kWh for the arched greenhouse and 94 400 kWhfor the sawtooth greenhouse. In comparison with the reference greenhouse, the heat requirement wasaround 200 kWh per m2 and year less in the simulated greenhouses. Furthermore, it was found thataround 31 800 kWh of cooling is required over the year (249 kWh per m2 and year) for the archedgreenhouse and 30 900 kWh per year (241 kWh per m2 and year) for the sawtooth greenhouse, to keepthe indoor temperature at 20 °C. Moreover, two to three possible harvests annually gives the yield of 3456-5184 kg tomatoes per year. Both the simulated greenhouses are feasible concepts, however thesawtooth greenhouse is a better option due to its increased longevity and lower contribution ofgreenhouse gas emissions over time. Furthermore, more research needs to obtain a fully closed cycle.

This thesis project aims to repurpose an abandoned railway tunnel in Eriksdalslunden, Stockholm into an experimental activity/farming center for the purpose of teaching people of all ages different farming methods. The learning center implements exciting farming techniques such as aquaponics, where plants get their nutrients from live fish.  This center also teaches about the new technologies that make it possible to grow plants beneath the earth´s surface. These technologies harness the benefits of the sun into a concentrated form and then leads it deep underground. Repurposing unused underground spaces such as this can help develop our cities in a more efficient way. / Detta avhandlingsprojekt syftar till att omarbeta enövergiven järnvägstunnel i Eriksdalslunden,Stockholm till en experimentell verksamhet / jordbrukscentrum för att undervisa människor i alla åldrar olika odlingsmetoder. Inlärningscentralen implementerar spännande odlingstekniker som aquaponics, där växter får sinanäringsämnen från levande fisk.Detta centrum lär också om den nya tekniken som gör det möjligt att växa växter under jordens yta. Dessa tekniker utnyttjar solens fördelar i en koncentrerad form och leder sedan den djupt under jorden. Repurposing oanvända underjordiska utrymmen som detta kan hjälpa till att utveckla våra städer på ett mer effektivt sätt.

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Vertical hydroponic farming is a developing sector that has the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of conventional farming while also meeting the demands of rapidly urbanizing populations. The global food system is responsible for up to 30% of anthropogenic GHG emissions, with primary production accounting for the majority of these emissions. Hydroponic farming is a type of crop production in which the plants grow without the use of soil. It is mainly done indoors. Hydroponic production has various advantages for the food system, including water efficiency, space efficiency, year-round production, and system productivity. Despite many advantages mentioned in the literature, hydroponic farming has certain drawbacks, including a reliance on electricity to grow, a limited choice of crops appropriate for hydroponic cultivation, and a higher product price.This paper examines the obstacles and describes how integrated modular farms might be implemented in Sweden to improve urban food resilience. This project aims to design a modular solution for a closed hydroponic farm using various data gathering and design methodologies. In one year, the designed hydroponic system generates about one ton of lettuce in a one-square-meter area while saving 91.27% of water compared to conventional farming methods. The secondary goal was to assess the designed system's long -term viability interms of social, environmental, and economic sustainability indicators and study the structure from an engineering standpoint.

Sustainable agriculture is a crucial factor to be considered in order to meet the growing demand for food production. The need for low cost and highly functional materials to provide the most efficient cultivation process has led the agriculture industry to consume petrochemical and mineral based material in an enormous amount. Thus, disposal of the used mulch materials has become a serious environmental issue. In this work, the possibility of using wood pulp fibre in two distinct applications in agriculture is investigated. First, agricultural mulching is the subject of the study and second, we focus on using wood pulp fibre as growing medium in greenhouses. Mulching in agriculture is an essential practice in order to have high crop yield, healthy products, and more efficient cultivation process. Over the years, agricultural mulch has been made out of a variety of materials. The most common of all is plastic mulch due to its low price and high functionality. However, the problems associated with applying and removing the enormous load of plastic and their disposal have made it an option far from ideal. Therefore, there is a need to develop mulches based on biodegradable materials. Paper-based mulch is one of the candidates, In the first chapter of this work, with a review of previous works in this area, we attempt to develop a new spray-able mulch based on wood pulp fibre. A novel foam forming method is utilised to deposit wood pulp fibres in combination with other chemicals as an evenly distributed fibre network on a porous bed. Currently available paper based-mulch is of a very high basis weight. In first part of this work, application of a foam formed low basis weight paper-based mulch is investigated. Whereas, in the second chapter, the use of wood pulp fibres in a similar function as “rockwool” in soilless greenhouse farming is investigated. Rockwool is named after fibres made of melted minerals at temperatures as high as 2000°C. Rockwool is used as blocks for seeds growth and propagation and as an alternative for soil in greenhouses. The feasibility of microenvironment control of the rockwool blocks in crop production plus its low cost have made is popular. However, their disposal has always been an environmental issue. The biodegradability of wood pulp fibres is a great advantage over mineral fibres used in rockwool. In the second chapter of current work, we study the possibility of using wood pulp fibres as carriers for agriculturally beneficial chemicals. Specifically, we focus on binding and release properties of small organic molecules from wood pulp fibres. The goal is to achieve an understanding of the capability of wood pulp fibres to be used in building biodegradable growing medium blocks in greenhouses. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Through the re-programming of an old parking garage and disused central water heating facility in Kärrtorp, a southern suburb in Stockholm, Sweden. Långe Jan is a spatial design concept for a new type of indoor allotment garden, a space to socialize, eat, learn, experiment and develop conventional and hopefully unconventional types of indoor gardening. A place to connect people and spread wider knowledge about gardening and food production.  The concept is rooted in the historical context of allotment gardens, which have transformed from their 19th-century origins to meet modern needs for local food production and social interaction. Långe Jan transforms the building’s existing structure into a contemporary community hub, promoting social gatherings, sustainability and self-sufficiency.   The design process includes background research, a search for the hearth, investigations to understand the building and the area around it, the reprogramming of the house, a design proposal, documentation of the final exhibition and conclusions of the project.  The reprogrammed building features different floors dedicated to semi-public conservatories, professional farming areas, a restaurant and social spaces. Each floor combines conservation, demolition, and new additions according to its function.  I have produced this architectural proposal with a social and ecological foundation that hopefully can be used to develop the site, the city, and in the best of worlds somebody's life for the better in the future.

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Architecture

Thesis (MScAgric (Agronomy))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Little is known about the nutrient requirements of broccoli grown for seed production. During 2006 and 2007 broccoli were grown for seed production in sand bags in a net structure, using a drain to waste hydroponic system. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with seven treatments replicated in four blocks. In 2006 seven nutrient solution treatments were tested. The Standard solution based on Steiner’s universal solution was compared with different levels of N, S, K and Ca with regard to the effect on total biomass, nutrient concentration, nutrient assimilation, seed yield and quality. No significant differences in total biomass produced were found. Total dry mass increased by 225% from the mature head stage until harvest of seed. Nutrient concentration in plant samples were not influenced by treatments except where low levels of K and S in nutrient solutions led to significantly lower levels of K and S concentrations. The total assimilation of elements were calculated to determine the effect of the much longer growth period needed for seed production in comparison to normal head production on nutrient requirements. Major elements assimilated ha-1 was: N 173.0 kg, P 35.5 kg, K 348.4 kg, Ca 114.7 kg, Mg 30.5 kg, S 42.2 kg. The seven treatments used during 2007 included three of the treatments which were used in 2006 as well as treatments with foliar sprays containing Ammonium Nitrate and Calcium Metalosate. The standard solution treatment was also used in 2007 to compare results with 2006. Plant analysis done on plants from the standard solution (2006 & 2007) showed similar trends. As the plants developed towards maturity there was a relative increase in concentration in the top plant parts (pods, flowers and stems) for Ca, Mg and S. Contrary, N and P concentration declined. The minor elements, Fe, Mn and B also increased in concentration in the top plant parts at harvest indicating a strong relative flow of these elements to the top plant parts towards maturation. Concentration values of major elements in plant samples were generally different when the two years were compared. Element concentrations in the seed pods were in general higher than in the rest of the plant indicating the pods as a strong sink on the plants. During both years the two best nutrient solutions for yield were the same, namely the Standard solution and Standard - K which contain low levels of K. During 2006 no significant differences in seed quality were found. During 2007 no significant differences were found for seed quality measurements, except for size (of the cotyledons). The results indicate that no special adjustments need to be made to the Standard solution in order to produce good broccoli seed yield of good quality. As substantial differences in nutrient solution composition did not significantly affect the quality of broccoli seed produced. Seed yield was however significantly affected by nutrient solution composition. Key words: Brassica seed, broccoli seed, seed production, broccoli nutrition, hydroponic production, broccoli production, nutrient assimilation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Min inligting is bekend rakende die voedingsbehoeftes van brokkoli wat gekweek word vir saadproduksie. Gedurende 2006 en 2007 is brokkoli gekweek vir saadproduksie in sakke sand in ‘n net struktuur met ‘n oop hidroponiese besproeiingstelsel. Die proefontwerp was ‘n ewekanisige geheel blok met sewe behandelings wat ewekansig binne bloke toegeken is en herhaal is in vier blokke. Sewe voedingsmengsel behandelings is gedurende 2006 toegepas. Die Standaard mengsel is geskoei op Steiner se universele mengsel en dit is vergelyk met verskillende vlakke van N, S, K en Ca t.o.v. die invloed daarvan op biomassa produksie, voedingselement konsentrasie, voedingselement assimilasie, saad opbrengs en saad kwaliteit. Biomassa geproduseer het nie wesenlik verskil nie. Totale droë massa het met 225% toegeneem vanaf die volwasse kop tot die oes stadium. Die konsentrasie van voedings elemente in plant monsters is nie beïnvloed deur behandelings nie behalwe in gevalle waar lae konsentrasies van K en S in die voedingsmengsels gelei het tot lae konsentrasies van K en S in plantontledings. Die totale opname van voedingselemente is bereken om die effek van die veel langer groeiperiode wat benodig word vir saadproduksie in vergelyking met normale kop produksie te bepaal t.o.v. voedingselement behoefte. Makro element opname per hektaar was as volg: N 173.0 kg, P 35.5 kg, K 348.4 kg, Ca 114.7 kg, Mg 30.5 kg, S 42.2 kg. Die sewe behandelings van 2007 het drie behandelings van 2006 ingesluit asook behandelings van blaarbespuitings met Ammonium Nitraat en Kalsium Metalosaat. Die Standaard voedingsmengsel is weer gebruik ten einde die resultate van 2006 en 2007 te vergelyk. Voedingselement ontledings op plante van die Standaard mengsel (2006 & 2007) is vergelyk en het soortgelyke tendense aangedui. Soos wat plante ontwikkel het na volwassenheid was daar ‘n relatiewe toename in konsentrasie in die boonste plant dele (peule, blomme en stele) van Ca, Mg en S. In teenstelling hiermee het die konsentrasies van N en P afgeneem. Die mikro elemente Fe, Mn en B het ook in konsentrasie toegeneem in die boonste plant dele teen oes wat daarop dui dat daar ‘n sterk relatiewe vloei van hiedie elemente na die boonste plant dele plaasvind met volwasse wording. Die konsentrasie vlakke van makro elemente in plantontledings het in die algemeen wesenlik verskil tussen die twee jare. Die voedingselement konsentrasies was in die algemeen hoër in die saad peule as in die res van die plant wat daarop dui dat die peule as ‘n sterk sink op die plant funksioneer. In beide jare was die hoogste opbrengs afkomstig van die Standaard voedingsmengsel en die Standaard – K mengsel wat lae vlakke van K bevat het. Gedurende 2006 is geen wesenlike verskille in saadkwaliteitsnorme gevind nie. Soortgelyke resultate is gevind in 2007 behalwe vir grootte van die kiemblare. Die resultate dui daarop dat dit nie nodig is om die Standaard voedingsmengsel samestelling te verander ten einde goeie opbrengs saad van goeie gehalte te produseer nie. Wesenlike verskille in voedingsmengsels het geen invloed op die kwaliteit van brokkoli saad gehad nie. Saad opbrengs is egter wesenlik beïnvloed deur die samestelling van die voedingsmengsels. Sleutel woorde: brassica saad, brokkoli saad, saad produksie, brokkoli voeding, hidroponiese produksie, brokkoli produksie, voedingstof assimilasie.

<p>Conventional end-of-pipe solutions for wastewater treatment have been criticized from a sustainable view-point, in particular regarding recycling of nutrients. The integration of hydroponic cultivation into a wastewater treatment system has been proposed as an ecological alternative, where nutrients can be removed from the wastewater through plant uptake; however, cultivation of plants in a temperate climate, such as Sweden, implies that additional energy is needed during the colder and darker period. Thus, treatment capacity, additional energy usage and potential value of products are important aspects considering the applicability of hydroponic wastewater treatment in Sweden.</p><p>To enable the investigation of hydroponic wastewater treatment, a pilot plant was constructed in a greenhouse located at Överjärva gård, Solna, Sweden. The pilot plant consisted of several steps, including conventional biological processes, hydroponics, algal treatment and sand filters. The system treated around 0.56-0.85 m3 domestic wastewater from the Överjärva gård area per day. The experimental protocol, performed in an average of twice per week over a period of three years, included analysis and measurements of water quality and physical parameters. In addition, two studies were performed when daily samples were analysed during a period of two-three weeks. Furthermore, the removal of pathogens in the system, and the microbial composition in the first hydroponic tank were investigated.</p><p>Inflow concentrations were in an average of around 475 mg COD/L, 100 mg Tot-N/L and 12 mg Tot-P/L. The results show that 85-90% of COD was removed in the system. Complete nitrification was achieved in the hydroponic tanks. Denitrification, by means of pre-denitrification, occurred in the first anoxic tank. With a recycle ratio of 2.26, the achieved nitrogen removal in the system was around 72%. Approximately 4% of the removed amount of nitrogen was credited to plant uptake during the active growth period. Phosphorus was removed by adsorption in the anoxic tank and sand filters, natural chemical precipitation in the algal step induced by the high pH, and assimilation in plants, bacteria and algae. The main removal occurred in the algal step. In total, 47% of the amount of phosphorus was removed. Significant recycling of nitrogen and phosphorus through harvested biomass has not been shown. The indicators analysed for pathogen removal showed an achieved effluent quality comparable to, or better than, for conventional secondary treatment. The microbial composition was comparable to other nitrifying biological systems. The most abundant phyla were Betaproteobacteria and Planctomycetes.</p><p>In Sweden, a hydroponic system is restricted to greenhouse applications, and the necessary amount of additional energy is related to geographic location. In conclusion, hydroponic systems are not recommended too far north, unless products are identified that will justify the increased energy usage. The potential for hydroponic treatment systems in Sweden lies in small decentralized systems where the greenness of the system and the possible products are considered as advantages for the users.</p>