V.2 Beyond Monoculture Greenhouses are a very interesting framework for developing sustainable agricultural solutions. They offer many benefits over traditional outdoor farming, including: • • • environmental control for light, temperature, water, and gas concentrations. structural framework for logistical and support systems (robots, railings, etc). growing season extension or year-round growing capability Polycultures offer the environmental and economic benefits of reducing damaging and costly chemical inputs. When crops are mixed together, or intercropped, not only do they draw different nutrients from the soil and attract different beneficial soil microorganisms, but they also interrupt the easy spread of pests, in a phenomenon known as pattern disruption. Growing multiple crops also allows the capture of multiple “high-value” product niches and the ability to more flexibly respond to changes in demand. The Polydome concept illustrates the foundation for an efficient and modern polyculture system, and provides many opportunities for economic, environmental, and social advancement. Though such a system may be unusual compared to present-day greenhouse designs, we believe it represents a promising direction for long-term, sustainable innovation. 16 Pagina 15

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