Clemson University is aiming to transform indoor crop production using high-tech methods. Javad Velni, a professor of mechanical engineering, is at the forefront of this change. He is working on new techniques in controlled-environment agriculture.
This type of agriculture involves growing crops in greenhouses and other structures. It uses advanced engineering and horticulture techniques instead of traditional outdoor farming. It has many benefits, such as moving food production closer to cities, increasing efficiency, reducing supply chain issues, and protecting against extreme weather.
However, it also has high costs for artificial lighting and climate control. Velni and his team are trying to reduce these costs. They are using renewable energy sources, advanced sensing, computing systems, and innovative networked sensing and control systems.
The goal is to decrease energy use and optimize crop growth by continuously adjusting the greenhouse's conditions, such as lighting, temperature, and carbon dioxide levels. They want to create fully autonomous greenhouses that produce as much energy as they consume. "We need more efficient agricultural practices to feed growing urban populations around the world," Velni said.
Read more at Baseline.