This Greenhouse Invention from Purdue Could Help Address the Global Food Crisis

Recently, researchers at Purdue University have been working on creating an automated conveyor-belt type system for their 1,000-square-foot, on-campus greenhouse that's designed to keep plants within the structure constantly moving. The team hopes that developing this technology will pave the way for options to address the looming global food crisis, as the world's population is expected to grow to over nine billion by 2050.

The conveyor system will ensure all plants receive consistent growing conditions within a greenhouse; plus the researchers are working to determine the best possible seeds to use to create the highest crop yields, based on the uniform conditions created inside. The team is also hoping to discover which seeds are the most drought- and climate-resistant.

Here's How You Can Better Utilize a Greenhouse Too

As more and more people focus on how to solve the food crisis, as well as how to limit the environmental damage done by farmers, corporations, and general over-population, individuals can also take steps to grow more of their own food and limit their carbon footprint.

If you want to increase your self-sufficiency, and help the planet at the same time, using a greenhouse can be a great step.

If you've never used one before, or haven't had the results you've expected, it's important to understand some of the best ways to use the structure effectively. Whether you choose a small basic greenhouse or one of the larger hoop greenhouses which are on the market, the basics stay the same. Read on for some tips to follow today.

Choose the Best Greenhouse for Your Needs

For starters, it's important to purchase the best greenhouse for your specific needs. There are lots of different designs and styles of greenhouses to choose from these days, from traditional to more modern products, and from the smallest of structures up to large ones. There are custom-designed options too.

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To choose one, think about what's necessary for you, specifically. For example, are you interested in growing mostly fresh produce, or do you have a love of cacti and succulents too, or orchids, or some other particular type of plant? You need to select a greenhouse that will cater to the needs of these choices effectively. In particular, look at heating, insulation, artificial lighting, humidifying, dehumidifying, and ventilation when making your decision.