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Scientists Harvest First Vegetables in Antarctic Greenhouse (apnews.com)
Scientists in Antarctica have harvested their first crop of vegetables grown without earth, daylight or pesticides as part of a project designed to help astronauts cultivate fresh food on other planets. From a report: Researchers at Germany's Neumayer Station III say they've picked 3.6 kilograms (8 pounds) of salad greens, 18 cucumbers and 70 radishes grown inside a high-tech greenhouse as temperatures outside dropped below -20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit). The German Aerospace Center DLR, which coordinates the project, said Thursday that by May scientists hope to harvest 4-5 kilograms of fruit and vegetables a week.
" by May scientists hope to harvest 4-5 kilograms of fruit and vegetables a week
Could you do that?"
Yes. I grew up on a small farm that produced several truckloads of vegetables every week. And yes, we started them under grow lights and greenhouses while there was snow on the ground. My father did this with only an 8th grade education.
Given enough space, heat, and lighting, 10 pounds of vegetables isn't very much. Looking at TFA, the scientist didn't look like he was working in a crammed environment, compared to any other greenhouse. Forgive me for being dismissive, but it's been done before.
I think that what has happened here is that a fluff piece was written about a greenhouse that is performing actual science, but the science part was lost as it went over the head of the reporter.
It looks like they're testing various aeroponic setups, and might even be testing different strains of various plants.
Plus, while we know how to do it, they may be going for more exact numbers. How many days and hours? How much artificial light? What temperature? How much water? Etc...
The fact that it gives the scientists and workers down there fresh produce is a bonus.
I don't read AC A human right