Solar Thermal Research Project to Take Place at Cerridwen Farm
BY TODD MARTIN
A high-tunnel greenhouse similar to the ones being considered for the solar-thermal root zone heating research project. Source: http://www.ledgewoodfarm.com
Green Mountain College’s Cerridwen Farm recently received a grant for $15,000 from the Windham Foundation, as well as matching funds from the college, in order to conduct research into the integration of solar thermal (hot water) systems into high tunnel vegetable production. The three-year research project will test the cost-effectiveness of solar thermal root-zone heating in season extension structures, i.e. high tunnel greenhouses. Farmers in the Northeast have been experimenting with season extension structures for years in hopes of extending their growing season, maximizing annual production, and minimizing pests. It is hoped that this research project undertaken by the College’s Cerridwen Farm will provide key information for regional farmers by taking on the economic risks associated with testing solar thermal root-zone heating methods. The study will test the hypothesis that in-ground solar heating of soils will provide a cost-effective way of extending the growing season.
The project consists of the construction of two new greenhouses on the upper acre of the campus farm, immediately west of the animal corral. The greenhouses will be 26’ x 48’ gothic arch high tunnels, divided by a vertical, insulated barrier. This will provide four research plots for the research to take place. In one half of each greenhouse, a raised bed will be planted while in the other half, typical in-ground cultivation methods will be used. One greenhouse will be heated only by available sunlight. The other greenhouse will be equipped with a solar-thermal system and in-ground radiant tubing to allow for root-zone heating. A meeting of Philip Ackerman-Leist’s Season Extension class and Lucas Brown’s Ecological Design/Build class was scheduled to take place on Sunday November 15, 2009 to develop a comprehensive plan for the infrastructural design of the greenhouses and the solar thermal system. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2010 by Green Mountain College students and faculty, while research will be conducted during the 2010, 2011, and 2012 growing season.
After sitting down with Philip Ackerman-Leist, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies here at Green Mountain College who wrote and submitted the grant proposal to the Windham Foundation, I learned that this is a major research opportunity for the institution, specifically the college farm. Ackerman-Leist said that the research project will benefit Green Mountain College in three major ways.
First, it is hoped that the solar thermal root-zone heating process will increase crop production on Cerridwen Farm by prolonging the growing season. Veggies slated for growth in the new greenhouses include warm season crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers and cool season crops including a variety of greens. Second, the project will provide the college with an excellent research opportunity. Concerning the research project as a whole, Ackerman-Leist says, “This research into the economic-feasibility of solar thermal root-zone heating in high tunnel farming applications offers students the opportunity to participate in ecological design, farm planning and on-farm economics.” Thirdly, the project will allow the college to reach out and serve the greater community. Researchers will present two public conference presentations and provide on-site tours, in addition to online posts regarding the project, hopefully including live data streaming of the energy generated by the solar-thermal panels.
The three-year research projected is expected to cost approximately $36,000. The two greenhouses will cost $5,500 each, while the solar thermal root-zone heating system will cost approximately $7,000. GMC alum Garrison Riegel, a renewable energy systems designer and consultant, will help design the solar thermal system. Other expenses of the project include insulation for the greenhouses, construction labor and oversight costs, crop production and data analysis, the funding of an undergraduate research assistant, and media and public outreach. The Windham Foundation awarded the college with $15,000 for the infrastructure costs of the project. Green Mountain College will match these funds with faculty and student time and labor, additional construction materials, media and public outreach. Approximately $1,800 of the project will be funded through other grants and donations.
It is hoped that these efforts undertaken by Green Mountain College’s Cerridwen Farm will provide vital information to Vermont and regional farmers regarding the use of renewable energy in season extension structures. By conducting this research project in an academic setting, the project will provide ample learning opportunities for students and the greater community. It is hoped that the data analysis from the project will provide key information to regional farmers to improve their farming methods, thereby strengthening Vermont’s food system. With prolonged crop production, farmers can expect larger harvests and higher profits and we, as consumers, can expect fresh local produce at our farmers markets and co-ops longer into the season.
Short URL: http://www.themountaineer.org/?p=1056
Posted by editor_green
on Nov 24, 2009 Filed under Green @ Green.
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