Our research focuses on a variety of topics related to urban agriculture, including:

  1. Hydroponics and aeroponics: Optimizing soilless farming techniques for higher yield and resource efficiency.
  2. Vertical farming: Exploring multi-layer growing systems to maximize production in limited spaces. In our state-of-the-art indoor vertical farm, we are cultivating a variety of leafy greens, including multiple lettuce varieties, herbs and microgreens. Our research focuses on optimizing plant growth in controlled environments (‘plant factory’) to produce nutrient-dense, highly functional fresh foods that meet the growing demand for healthy and sustainable options in urban areas.
  3. Sustainable resource management: Efficient water, nutrient and energy use to minimize waste.
  4. Smart agriculture and "Internet of Things" (IoT) integration: Utilizing sensors, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance urban farming efficiency.
  5. Nutrient-rich food: We aim to produce crops that are rich in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants using a hydroponic system. Nutrient-rich foods support better human health.
  6. Energy efficiency: Energy consumption is a major concern in indoor farming. We are developing strategies to reduce energy usage through LED lighting optimization, temperature regulation, AI integration and smart environmental controls. This not only lowers operational costs but also makes the farming process more sustainable.
  7. Climate resilience and urban green spaces: Investigating ways to mitigate climate change through urban agricultural solutions.
  8. Food security and community engagement: Promoting local food production and accessibility in urban areas and fresh food donation.

Projects 

lettuce growing under UV lights.

Multistate - NE2335: A novel strategy for antioxidant-rich vegetable production in an indoor vertical farming system

Example of vertical farming.

Multistate - WERA1053: Evaluate high-value crops for urban indoor hydroponic vertical farming systems

Grapes being grown in Las Vegas.

USDA SCBGP - Grape resilience production in Nevada