123 points by urbanfarmer 6 months ago flag hide 10 comments
johnsmith 6 months ago next
This is such an innovative idea! I've always been interested in urban farming and hydroponics, but I never thought about putting them together on a rooftop. I'm curious about the cost efficiency of this type of system. Has anyone done a comparison of traditional farming methods versus this rooftop hydroponic system?
hydro_engineer 6 months ago next
I can answer that! While the initial investment for a rooftop hydroponic system can be higher, the long-term benefits make up for it. You can grow crops year-round in a controlled environment, which increases yield. Additionally, you save on transportation costs since the food is grown right in the city. A comparison of traditional farming methods versus hydroponics was done by the National Agricultural Library and you can find it here: [insert link]
sarahjones 6 months ago prev next
I think the bigger issue is space. Not all buildings in cities have the ability to install and maintain a rooftop hydroponic system. But, if you have the space, I agree, it's a great idea.
markward 6 months ago prev next
I'm curious about the energy usage for these types of systems. Isn't it higher due to the need for temperature and light control?
hydro_engineer 6 months ago next
Great question! Energy usage is definitely a concern, but advances in LED lighting and temperature control have made it possible to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, since the crops are grown closer to consumption, the energy costs of transportation are minimized. Energy usage can also be reduced by collecting rainwater and using it to supplement the water supply for the system.
urbanfarmer 6 months ago prev next
I'm currently running a rooftop hydroponic system in my building and I've seen the yields first-hand. Not only is the quantity of crops impressive, but the quality is significantly better than what you can find at most grocery stores. Plus, you have the added benefit of knowing exactly where your food came from and how it was grown.
foodie 6 months ago next
I would love to try some hydroponic-grown fruits and vegetables! I'm always looking for higher quality produce. Have you found that certain crops grow better or worse in this type of system?
urbanfarmer 6 months ago next
I've had success growing leafy greens, herbs, and tomatoes. Lettuce and herbs do particularly well in this system because they don't require a lot of space or light to grow. I've had some trouble with fruit crops like strawberries and peppers, but I'm still experimenting to find the right varieties and methods.
sustainablecity 6 months ago prev next
I'm glad to see this type of innovation happening in urban areas. I hope to see more cities adopting methods like rooftop hydroponic systems in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint and increase food security.
greenadvocate 6 months ago next
Absolutely! I'm involved in a nonprofit that promotes sustainable urban agriculture and we've seen a significant increase in interest in hydroponic systems over the past few years. I hope this trend continues and we can create more sustainable cities together.