Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Researchers Explore Container Farming as an Eco-Friendly Alternative for Agriculture

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New Mexico State University (NMSU) has launched an innovative indoor agriculture initiative with its 40-foot container farm located at the Grants campus, which serves as a vital educational resource for students and researchers. Since its establishment in early 2021 through a partnership with Tri-State Generation and Transmission and the Electric Power Research Institute, the container farm has allowed for sustainable crop production, utilizing advanced technology like vertical growing systems and a closed-loop plumbing system that recycles water. Instructor Gabriel Garcia oversees this hands-on learning experience, where students grow kale and other leafy greens, gaining knowledge about agricultural practices, resource management, and technology. Building on this success, a similar container farm is currently under construction at NMSU’s Las Cruces campus, designed by mechanical and electrical engineering students to accommodate larger crops and further enhance interdisciplinary collaboration. Both projects highlight the university’s commitment to addressing sustainability in agriculture and preparing students for future challenges in the field.

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