At the Celebrate Gannon Conference, Adeoluwa Olasehinde showcased groundbreaking environmental science research on sustainable hydroponic agriculture and an innovative method aimed at improving crop yields while reducing agriculture's carbon footprint.
The study, titled "Greenhouse Gas to Green Growth: Carbon Dioxide Supplementation in Hydroponics Cultivation," explores how controlled CO₂ enrichment can enhance plant growth in indoor farming systems, offering a promising solution to global food security challenges, economic sustainability, and environmental conservation.
Bridging Sustainability and Agriculture: Hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil, has gained significant traction as a viable alternative to traditional farming, particularly in regions with scarce arable land. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), hydroponics has been increasingly adopted due to its efficient water use and ability to yield crops in non-traditional agricultural environments.
However, one of the critical limitations of indoor hydroponic farming is CO₂ availability—a fundamental factor for photosynthesis and plant development. The research addresses this issue by introducing a closed-loop hydroponic system that uses CO₂ derived from composting and anaerobic digestion.
Adeoluwa explained that, "In developing countries and food deserts, access to fresh produce is limited. Hydroponic farming, if made sustainable, could be a game-changer for food security. By using organic waste as a source of CO₂ and fertilizers, this system not only boosts plant growth but also reduces agricultural waste and emissions."
Scientific approach
Under the guidance of Dr. Liu Cao, Dr. Hwidong Kim, and Dr. Varun Kasareni, Adeoliwa and his research team constructed a lab-scale hydroponic greenhouse, equipped with a CO₂-enriched environment to compare plant growth under a controlled (no CO₂) and experimental (CO₂-supplemented) conditions.
The team hypothesized that controlled CO₂ enrichment would enhance photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and overall crop yield. According to preliminary findings, plants exposed to CO₂ supplementation demonstrated significantly higher growth rates, supporting the viability of CO₂-enriched hydroponics as a scalable and sustainable agricultural method.
© Adeoluwa OlasehindeAdeoluwa Olasehinde
Implications for sustainable agriculture
This research aligns with global sustainability goals, particularly in addressing climate change, food security, and resource efficiency. By integrating CO₂ capture from waste processes with hydroponic systems, my model presents a low-carbon alternative to conventional farming methods.
"The beauty of this approach is its self-sufficiency—CO₂ from plant waste feeds new plant growth, composted material enriches the soil, and methane from anaerobic digestion can be used as an energy source," says Olasehinde. "It's a step towards climate-resilient urban agriculture."
Enhancing food security
Hydroponic farming plays a critical role in strengthening food security by providing local, fresh produce to urban populations. As reported by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, hydroponic farming has been successfully implemented in underserved communities to combat food deserts and malnutrition.
By reducing reliance on external food sources and shortening supply chains, cities can become more self-sufficient and resilient to supply chain disruptions. This localized food production ensures a stable supply of nutritious food, particularly for low-income populations.
Economic impact and sustainability
Hydroponic farming, especially when combined with CO₂ supplementation, can significantly boost agricultural productivity. As reported by Agronomy Journal 2023 report, CO₂ supplementation increased the yield of leafy greens by up to 30% in hydroponic environments. This suggests that such practices could revolutionize urban agriculture and food production efficiency.
By enabling year-round cultivation and increasing crop yields, hydroponic farming reduces the need for expansive farmland, thereby conserving natural ecosystems and mitigating deforestation. Additionally, studies from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture indicate that hydroponic farms use up to 90% less water than traditional farms, further reducing operational costs and increasing profitability for urban farmers.
Public policy implications
The advancement of CO₂-supplemented hydroponic farming has significant implications for public policy. Policymakers are encouraged to support urban agriculture initiatives that promote sustainable practices, resource efficiency, and local food production.
According to a report by the United Nations Development Program, investment in hydroponic infrastructure and training programs could enhance food sovereignty in urban settings, reducing dependence on imports and increasing local resilience to global food supply chain disruptions.
Environmental benefits
Integrating CO₂ supplementation into hydroponic systems aligns with environmental conservation efforts. According to a study published in Hydroponics: Current Trends in Sustainable Crop Production, hydroponic agriculture is recognized as a highly efficient farming method that reduces contamination risks associated with soil-borne diseases, minimizes water and nutrient waste, supporting resource sustainability, and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, leading to less soil and water pollution.
Source: Gannon Knight