How are fishes and plants grown together in the same environment? How are plants grown without soil? How can both of these horticultural techniques be optimized and made profitable, even in a challenging environment?

For the answers to these questions and more, tune in and explore:

• The main tradeoffs between greenhouses and field-grown crops
• Different hydroponic systems and how to determine the best for different purposes
• Which four vegetables are grown in greenhouses worldwide
• The benefits of decoupled aquaponics (and how it works)

As an associate professor and researcher at Auburn University in Alabama, Daniel Wells’ work revolves primarily around controlled environment agriculture like hydroponics (greenhouses) and aquaponics in the Southeastern U.S., where the hot and humid climate poses unique challenges.

He discusses the ins and outs of his most recent research projects, leading to a discussion about the factors to control for in hydroponic systems, the biggest challenge in aquaponics, ways to develop sustainable and profitable aquaponics technology, why it’s essential to separate certain species in greenhouse operations (e.g., salmon separate from lettuce), the nutritional quality of local crops, and how to get a backyard aquaponics system up and running.

Press play and learn more at https://agriculture.auburn.edu/.

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

In this episode, we are joined by Desmond Layne, an expert in tree fruit horticulture extension. As the Department Head and Professor at Auburn University Horticulture, Desmond is currently fulfilling an administrative position directing research pertaining to sustainable orchard management practices.

Fruit orchards contribute much to our overall food production – but how are farmers ensuring that this can continue to happen? Desmond and his research team play a critical role in uncovering answers to this question and others like it…

Tune in now to learn more about:

• The advancements being made in fruit harvesting techniques.
• The development of new types of fruit that are resistant to disease.
• How researchers are preventing fruit from getting sunburns.

Join this episode to discover the many components involved in fruit production!

To Learn more about Desmond Layne and his work visit agriculture.auburn.edu now.

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

In this episode, we connect with Sean M. Smukler, the Principal Investigator of the SAL lab, and Associate Professor and Chair of Agriculture and Environment in Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia.

Sean joins the podcast today to educate us on soil health and sustainable agriculture. In an “over farming” age, our soil is being threatened. Sean is committed to ensuring that we are stewards of the natural resources we have access to – so that we can continue to utilize them for generations to come…

Tune in now to discover:

• What “cover crops” are, and how they can benefit soil health.
• The metrics that are agreed upon when it comes to healthy soil.
• How the nutrients in soil affect plant health and growth.

What will it take to consistently regenerate soil so that agriculture can be done sustainably and efficiently? Join us now to find out!

Want to learn more about Sean and his research? Click here now!

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q