This project expands the work of the NEXUS team to pilot a root zone heating design with a cooperating farm in the High Country. The NEXUS is a sustainable, closed-loop production system that uses agricultural wastes to generate energy to heat greenhouses and produce soil amendments. The proposed low-cost biomass greenhouse heating systems will help resource-limited farmers extend the growing season and reduce energy costs, resulting in a more profitable and environmentally beneficial small farm operation. The root zone heating system will direct waste heat from a co-located biochar kiln to a grow bench, and the team will evaluate its performance and the energy and cost performance during cold-season production activities.
Sponsor: USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program - Southern region via University of Georgia
Amount: $14,883
Who
- Ok-Youn Yu
- Jeremy Ferrell
- Jim Houser
- Hei-young Kim
Contact Email
Plants on heating bench at the NEXUS
