A vertical farming setup has been implemented to optimize the building space already available. Vertical farming enables growers to make use of total building height, and not just horizontal space, which means more crops can be grown in the same space.
The water will flow from the fish tank to the biofilter, where good nitrifying bacteria will convert the wastewater into nutrients the plants can use. The water will then flow to the areas where the plants are growing. Here, the plants will take up nutrients from the waste. After the water passes through these grow areas, water is returned back to the fish tank.
The first stage of production will include triton radish microgreens, rambo radish microgreens, kale microgreens, and speckled pea microgreens. Growth trials for salads and herbs are ongoing.
The goal for Ísponica isn’t to just be a farm – it’s to also be an active member of the community. Ísponica aims to give back by encouraging nutrition, agriculture education, research, and partnering with other organizations to reduce food waste and increase access to healthy food.
She loves Iceland – and especially Hólar – so as she graduates in 2021, she is looking forward to seeing how Ísponica grows in the village.
Amber has wanted to be an aquaponic farmer since childhood. She first was introduced to hydroponics and aquaponics on a trip to Epcot at Disney World. Since then, she knew it was her dream career and has worked towards making it a reality over the years.
