Research: Feeding a community through Hydroponics on the science barge
Mentor: Joel Rodriguez
Research Location: The Science Barge
Abstract:
The science barge is a floating environmental education center on the Hudson River that has been in Yonkers since 2008. Fresh vegetables are grown on the Science Barge: including tomatoes, melons, peppers, eggplants, and lettuce. These plants are grown hydroponically. Hydroponics is the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil. This study will be conducted to find out how many people could our harvest in the science barge feed based on the recommended percentage daily value for each nutrient. Nutrients are needed for the body to function properly. Humans get their nutrients from foods such as vegetables and fruits. The study's main focus is, how many people can a hydroponic system feed based on the recommended daily value for each nutrient. Fruits and vegetables will be grown in a “Dutch Bucket” hydroponic system and nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system. The nutrients that we will focus on are calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, nitrogen and phosphorus. The recommended Percentage daily value for each of those nutrients will be collected. Measurements such as height and mass of each plant will be recorded weekly. The results are expected to find the amount of plants grown in the science barge, as well as how many people we were able to feed based on the recommended % daily value for each nutrient. This research is important because other scientists are going to be able to conduct more studies using the information we will already have. Anyone who wants to grow plants hydroponically will also get an idea of how many people they can feed with the amount they’re growing. This research will outline plants grown hydroponically and the amount of people the science barge can feed.
Video
this is a whole new way to think about the idea of community gardens! so cool.
Hi Malak! What a great topic that is connected with community. Looking forward to seeing how your work progresses
Hi Malak! This is amazing and so cool to watch you be a scientist! What made you choose this topic? -Genevieve
Hi, Malak! Your project is so inspiring! I loved learning about your work on the barge. I can't wait to see how your research progresses!