Clearing the Air for Indoor Grow Facilities

Growing crops indoors allows farmers to control many production variables, including water, nutrients, lighting, and climate. Keeping the air free and clear of contaminants also improves crop quality and yield and helps to ensure consumer and food safety. Many indoor farmers use a combination of air filters, air purification systems, and good sanitation practices to avoid and eliminate mold spores, bacteria, VOCs, chemicals, and other potential sources of contamination in their facilities. In this presentation, Dr. Sabeh will review the efficacy and necessity of using various technologies that are commonly used and sometimes misused in indoor plant environments, including cannabis. Download Dr. Nadia's slide deck: https://amped.egnyte.com/dl/EPQJLlrXJ7 For detailed show notes, read below and use the timestamps to navigate the episode: [6:03] Dr Nadia begins with an introduction to the indoor farm and what defines it; she describes the many types that exist to date and the many names it goes by. She showcases the array of crops possible with indoor farms, including but not limited to leafy greens, herbs, microgreens, and even certain fruits and vegetables. [9:43] Indoor farming has numerous benefits. It allows for a high crop density, conserves water, reduces waste, and enables eco-friendly pest management. Evolving technology maintains an ideal indoor space, maximizing profitability while minimizing risk and ensuring consumer safety. This has sparked a new era of sustainable and efficient farming. [11:41] Dr. Nadia defines a controlled environment as variables such as pests, climate, and irrigation that can be controlled. [12:09] Dr. Nadia explores the critical role of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems in indoor farming. Firstly, these systems maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and air movement, which is crucial for plant growth. Secondly, HVAC systems play a vital role in controlling air quality. Plants require specific levels of carbon dioxide and other gases to grow, and some gases like ethylene and formaldehyde can be harmful to plants in particular doses and at different times of the year. Additionally, plant-emitted gases such as Cannabis odor can be challenging to measure, but they can be filtered out at low concentrations to improve air quality. Particulates such as dust and smoke can also harm crops, mainly if neighboring facilities do not filter their air. Finally, Dr. Nadia describes how insect pests and plant pathogens can threaten crops and how they can be transmitted. [25:26] Dr. Nadia breaks down the technologies and techniques for providing clean air to crops based on the plants' needs. The top priorities are managing CO2 levels to provide for crops and sustain worker health exposure to CO2. Dilute infected air is essential. Particle filtration is possible due to variances in screen sizes and MERV filters. HEPA is only useful for people because plant viruses are transmitted by contact, not air. Dr. Nadia discusses irradiation, ozonation, odor control, and room pressurization. She highlights the importance of sanitation and maintaining a clean environment for good air quality. [39:02] Q & A session with Dr. Nadia.