Short Description of Project
AgroPonics aims to build an autonomous Aquaponics grow system to improve the efficiency of regular Aquaponics system and allow for its easy implementation and upkeep. Aquaponics is an efficient way to grow crops that can help address global food insecurities aligning with UBCs idea of campus as a living lab.
Amount of funding awarded
3865.09
Budget Report
View budget report.
How the program has supported you
PAF funding supported the AgroPonics project to build hydroponic systems on top of the AMS Nest which grew food for the UBC Food Bank. PAF funding mad it possible to purchase all of the pumps, buckets, and piping needed to make the project possible. Although the automated systems for the hydroponic garden are not complete, the initial prototypes have been built using PAF funding and are planned to be complete by the end of this year. Over the past year, PAF funding made prototyping and testing possible through the purchase of sensors, microcontrollers and a HomeAssistant subscription.
Outcomes
For Agroponics, the outcome was four vertical towers on the AMS Nest green roof that provided a small crop for the UBC Foodbank. The project gave students the opportunity to practice hands on skills such as machining and apply software skills with IoT devices and C. The direct short-term benefits are newly learned, applicable skills for students and support for the UBC Foodbank. These benefits were applicable this year but will continue to apply into next year as we reach the next phase of our project with newly acquired skills and a system to do testing on. Sustainable benefits are increased education on hydroponic farming and contributions to sustainable on campus food production. This year has given us a solid foundation to continue our work to make efficient and practical hydroponic systems for use around campus.