#fullcircle26inc

[fullcircle26inc]

Hydroponics - the future of farming or a passing trend?

In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, hydroponics has emerged as a buzzword. But is it truly the future of farming, or just another fleeting trend? Let’s dive into the debate.

The Promise of Hydroponics

Hydroponics, the method of growing plants without soil, promises a revolution in agriculture.

Hydroponics:

Light – constant control of the requirements in light that is needed for each type of crop

Water- conservation of water, reduces water usage up to 70-90% less than traditional farming

Nutrients- adding specific nutrient mixtures and water will spread the nutrients to the crops’ vs traditional farming use of soil

Imagine a world where crops are grown in nutrient-rich water, stacked vertically in urban centers, and harvested year-round. This isn’t science fiction; it’s happening now. Proponents argue that hydroponics can solve many of our agricultural woes:

Efficiency: Hydroponics uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming. In a world where water scarcity is a growing concern, this is a game-changer.

Space Utilization: Vertical farming allows for high-density crop production in urban areas, reducing the need for vast tracts of farmland.

Climate Resilience: With controlled environments, hydroponics can produce consistent yields regardless of whether conditions.

Allows crops to be grown closer to cities, offering the same or next day delivery of fresh produce, that currently take 1-2 weeks to get from farm to store/restaurant. This also allows for a longer shelf life (crops can last for up to 3 weeks in a refrigerator).

An indirect benefit from commercial hydroponic farming is the increase in new green jobs – expanding the opportunity for our next generations to take farming to a whole new level!

The Skeptics’ View

However, not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that hydroponics is more hype than substance:

High Initial Costs: Setting up a hydroponic system requires significant investment in technology and infrastructure.

Energy Consumption: Maintaining controlled environments and artificial lighting can lead to high energy usage, potentially offsetting the environmental benefits.

Nutrient Management: The reliance on synthetic nutrient solutions raises questions about sustainability and long-term soil health.

The Organic Debate

One of the most contentious issues is whether hydroponically grown produce can be considered organic. Traditional organic farmers argue that true organic farming requires soil to build fertility and ecological balance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, however, has allowed hydroponic produce to be certified as organic, sparking heated debates.

The Verdict

So, is hydroponics the future of farming or just a fad? The answer isn’t black and white. Hydroponics offers innovative solutions to some of agriculture’s biggest challenges, but it also comes with its own set of problems. Whether it will become a staple of our food system or fade into obscurity depends on how these challenges are addressed.

Conclusion

Hydroponics is at a crossroads. It has the potential to revolutionize agriculture, but only if we can overcome the hurdles of cost, energy use, and sustainability. As with any innovation, its success will depend on continuous improvement and adaptation. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, one thing is certain: hydroponics is a topic worth discussing.

I’ve given you some small pointers to start - now it’s time for you to chime in…

What do you think?

Is hydroponics the future of farming, or just another passing trend?

Share your thoughts by commenting below and join the conversation!  

[fullcircle26inc]

It isn’t the quantity but the quality of an experience.

Every day I learn a new lesson. Message of the Week:  

 It isn’t the quantity but the quality of an experience. Who shows up does NOT measure the scale of your purpose.

 First week we began a training program, which required an 80-mile drive plus 4 hours of time, over two days with the expectation of 10 attendees. As we waited for class to begin, there were two people (Jazmine - a young woman with her son- Tajah) eager to attend and begin learning our 3D Model of Sustainability™, using plants for Education (STEM), Food, Health and Mental Wellness and Enterprise.

 At first, the son Tajah was immersed in his tablet with his earbuds, not paying much attention to us. Once we started the presentation describing the class, he put down his earbuds/tablet, pulled up a chair next to his mom Jazmine and was “All on Board” . He not only offered information to Ms. Stinson, his mom and I about plants, environments and more, he asked if he could miss school to attend the next day’s class. When asked how he got so smart, he said, “his mother” and then proceeded to ask for a weekend class to learn about growing plants, STEM and even enterprise!

 Now we are into Week 2, Tajah and Jazmine are going strong and have strengthened my belief that there are confirmations when you are on the right path. It may not always be easy, however the scale of the contribution to generational education and life skills is unmeasurable.

 Stay tuned for more information about our non-profit organization, Next Generation Harvest move to the Dominican Center, Milwaukee, WI. The Dominican Center was previously my elementary school - St. Leo’s and where we began our mission to provide hydroponics as a tool of learning, sustainable food, and income possibilities. We are looking forward to 2023 for exciting new adventures and changes for the future.

 Shelley Mathews, CEO FullCircle26 Inc.

[fullcircle26inc]

Wednesday STEM/STEAM: Check out something fun from Chibitronics @Chibitronics @chibitronics #FullCircle26inc, #FC26ISTEM, #fullcircle26incSTEM, #FC26ISTEAM, #fullcircle26incSTEAM, #urbanfarmingforeducation, #arteducation, #ArtandScience, #STEMprojects, #STEAMeducation, #steameducationforkids, #stem-education, #ArtVentureLLC, #growingcommunity, #BlackOwnedBusiness, #MinorityOwnedBusiness, #BlackWomanOwnedBusiness, #BlackFemaleCEO, #Artventurellc, #woodenmodels, #woodentoys, #sustainability, #onepercentfortheplanet, #ecofriendly,#artmaterials, #EWA-Eco-wood-art, #FC26I, #steamideawednesday, #nextgenerationharvest, #agtech https://www.instagram.com/p/CqXtCtONenx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

Flower Friday 🌸 Tulips are a genus of spring-blooming perennial herbaceous bulbiferous geophytes. The flowers are usually large, showy and brightly coloured, generally red, pink, yellow, or white. They often have a different colored blotch at the base of the tepals, internally. #flowerfriday, #birthmonthflowers, #FullCircle26inc, #FC26I, #FC26ISTEM, #FullCircle26Grow #growingcommunity, #womenrising, #nextgenharvest, #growyourgarden, #flower_friday, #nextgenerationharvest https://www.instagram.com/p/CqK1DzasYg0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

Thursday TBT: One of the best things to grow in the OPCOM O2Light are Microgreens. Today I picked up seeds at my local store (for $1.99) and reset my OPCOM O2Light to start a new crop... And please remember to support your local food banks: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank #FullCircle26inc, #agtech, #fullcircle26incSTEM, #3DModelofSustainability, #urbanfarmingforeducation, #foodsustainability, #growfood4life, #hydroponics, #growathome, #STEMprojects, #STEAMeducation, #steameducationforkids, #stem-education, #learningfromnature, #jannieshydroponicsexplorersclub, #growingcommunity, #Cool_NewGreen_CEO, #freshtotable, #weteachhydroponics, #learnhydroponics, #hydroteaching, #learntogrow, #FC26I, #tbt, #throwbackthursday, #nextgenerationharvest, #agtech https://www.instagram.com/p/CqIQRZFvuEZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

Wednesday STEM/STEAM: Check out our latest from ArtVenture LLC. @artventurellc ArtVenture LLC #FullCircle26inc, #FC26ISTEM, #fullcircle26incSTEM, #FC26ISTEAM, #fullcircle26incSTEAM, #urbanfarmingforeducation, #arteducation, #ArtandScience, #STEMprojects, #STEAMeducation, #steameducationforkids, #stem-education, #ArtVentureLLC, #growingcommunity, #BlackOwnedBusiness, #MinorityOwnedBusiness, #BlackWomanOwnedBusiness, #BlackFemaleCEO, #Artventurellc, #woodenmodels, #woodentoys, #sustainability, #onepercentfortheplanet, #ecofriendly,#artmaterials, #EWA-Eco-wood-art, #FC26I, #steamideawednesday, #nextgenerationharvest, #agtech https://www.instagram.com/p/CqFreHPPusb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

Tuesday Planting Tips🌱: Four Tips to Success in Hydroponic Growing: The absence of soil in a hydroponic system means there must be something that the plants can be propagated in and supported by for the nutrient solution to flow effectively through. The determination of a good growing medium is one that allows a good balance of oxygen and moisture to be absorbed by the roots of the plants. #FullCircle26inc, #agtech, #fullcircle26incSTEM, #3DModelofSustainability, #urbanfarmingforeducation, #foodsustainability, #growfood4life, #hydroponics, #growathome, #STEMprojects, #STEAMeducation, #steameducationforkids, #stem-education, #learningfromnature, #jannieshydroponicsexplorersclub, #growingcommunity, #Cool_NewGreen_CEO, #freshtotable, #weteachhydroponics, #learnhydroponics, #hydroteaching, #learntogrow, #FC26I, #nextgenharvest, #tuesdayplantingtips, #nextgenerationharvest, #agtech https://www.instagram.com/p/CqDGrKbLD6I/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

Franklin was a chemist, molecular biologist, and one of the key figures behind unlocking the structure of human DNA. She also helped find the molecular structure of RNA, viruses, coal, and graphite. (Ref: 25 Inspiring Quotes From Groundbreaking Women In Science By Emily Blackwood — Written on Feb 11, 2022) #FullCircle26inc, #growingcommunity, #BlackOwnedBusiness, #MinorityOwnedBusiness, #BlackWomanOwnedBusiness, #BlackFemaleCEO, #Cool_NewGreen_CEO, #weteachhydroponics, #learnhydroponics, #hydroteaching, #learntogrow, #Hydroponics, #nextgenerationharvest, #MondayMotivation https://www.instagram.com/p/CqAh4vDNlhN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

OPCOM Farm Grow Cube is suitable for both Soil and DFT Hydroponic planting. With the stackable design, it can be freely expanded with your choice of Farm, Garden, Aquarium, Green Walls or Garden partitions for any room! #FullCircle26inc, #growingcommunity, #BlackOwnedBusiness, #MinorityOwnedBusiness, #BlackWomanOwnedBusiness, #BlackFemaleCEO, #Cool_NewGreen_CEO, #weteachhydroponics, #learnhydroponics, #hydroteaching, #learntogrow, #Hydroponics, #nextgenerationharvest, #agtech https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp99FtwLMKz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

Ready to start Growing Hydroponically? Purchase our pre-sprouted seedlings. #FullCircle26inc, #3DModelofSustainability, #foodsustainability #growfood4life, #hydroponics, #growathome, #jannieshydroponicsexplorersclub, #growingcommunity, #Cool_NewGreen_CEO, #freshtotable, #weteachhydroponics, #learnhydroponics, #hydroteaching, #learntogrow, #Dittofoods, #Farmerlife, #sprouts, #hydroponicstok, #Liveplants, #seedlings, #Nurseryplants https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp7YSeANyVP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

Thursday TBT: February 4, 2021 Continuing our week of peppers, check out these beauties that were grown in our OPCOM GrowBox. Imagine growing your own full size peppers right at home... And please remember to support your local food banks: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank #FullCircle26inc, #agtech, #fullcircle26incSTEM, #3DModelofSustainability, #urbanfarmingforeducation, #foodsustainability, #growfood4life, #hydroponics, #growathome, #STEMprojects, #STEAMeducation, #steameducationforkids, #stem-education, #learningfromnature, #jannieshydroponicsexplorersclub, #growingcommunity, #Cool_NewGreen_CEO, #freshtotable, #weteachhydroponics, #learnhydroponics, #hydroteaching, #learntogrow, #FC26I, #tbt, #throwbackthursday, #nextgenerationharvest, #agtech https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp2OtK8PkdY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

Flower Friday 🌸 Water lilies mean many things in different areas of the world, but they have special significance in Buddhism and Hinduism. For these religions, the water lily symbolizes resurrection, because these flowers close up at night and reopen in the morning, similar to a spiritual rebirth #flowerfriday, #birthmonthflowers, #FullCircle26inc, #FC26I, #FC26ISTEM, #FullCircle26Grow #growingcommunity, #womenrising, #nextgenharvest, #growyourgarden, #flower_friday, #nextgenerationharvest https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp4zfjVMli4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

Wednesday STEM/STEAM: Germination activities for you to try at home. #FullCircle26inc, #FC26ISTEM, #fullcircle26incSTEM, #FC26ISTEAM, #fullcircle26incSTEAM, #urbanfarmingforeducation, #arteducation, #ArtandScience, #STEMprojects, #STEAMeducation, #steameducationforkids, #stem-education, #ArtVentureLLC, #growingcommunity, #BlackOwnedBusiness, #MinorityOwnedBusiness, #BlackWomanOwnedBusiness, #BlackFemaleCEO, #Artventurellc, #woodenmodels, #woodentoys, #sustainability, #onepercentfortheplanet, #ecofriendly,#artmaterials, #EWA-Eco-wood-art, #FC26I, #steamideawednesday, #nextgenerationharvest, #agtech https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpzp597ulys/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

Tuesday Planting Tips🌱: Four Tips to Success in Hydroponic Growing: Applying the right amount of fertilizer can be challenging because when the nutrients are mixed into the water supply, the pH levels must still be at the right levels for the plants to absorb the right amount of the nutrient solution. #FullCircle26inc, #agtech, #fullcircle26incSTEM, #3DModelofSustainability, #urbanfarmingforeducation, #foodsustainability, #growfood4life, #hydroponics, #growathome, #STEMprojects, #STEAMeducation, #steameducationforkids, #stem-education, #learningfromnature, #jannieshydroponicsexplorersclub, #growingcommunity, #Cool_NewGreen_CEO, #freshtotable, #weteachhydroponics, #learnhydroponics, #hydroteaching, #learntogrow, #FC26I, #nextgenharvest, #tuesdayplantingtips, #nextgenerationharvest, #agtech https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxFHOILlpR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

Barbara McClintock was a scientist and cytogeneticist who was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. She discovered a chromosome-breaking locus that could change its position within a chromosome; it is now known as genetic transposition. She termed these “jumping genes”. (Ref: 25 Inspiring Quotes From Groundbreaking Women In Science By Emily Blackwood — Written on Feb 11, 2022) #FullCircle26inc, #growingcommunity, #BlackOwnedBusiness, #MinorityOwnedBusiness, #BlackWomanOwnedBusiness, #BlackFemaleCEO, #Cool_NewGreen_CEO, #weteachhydroponics, #learnhydroponics, #hydroteaching, #learntogrow, #Hydroponics, #nextgenerationharvest, #MondayMotivation https://www.instagram.com/p/CpugVH5NruY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fullcircle26inc]

ADAPT.AG: We grow food where most think we can’t. Ask us how? #FullCircle26inc, #agtech, #adaptag, #adaptagtech, #local, #anywhere, #mushrooms, #justmushrooms, #containerfarming, #sustainable, #futureoffarming, #nextgenerationharvest, #hyper-local, #hyperlocal, #urbanfarming, #chefsdream, #hydroponics, #freshtotable, #growfood4life, #growingcommunity, #Coolnewgreenceo @adaptagtech IG https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpr7hcCNRjw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=