AC/DC technology is revolutionizing controlled environment agriculture in desert ecosystems

Abstract

Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is a cornerstone in the soil-water-food nexus of the desert ecosystem-dominated Arabian Peninsula (AP) region. Through protected cultivation, the harsh abiotic constraints for desert farming are managed. ICARDA and national implementing partners in AP tested and optimized a combination of solar energy powered-AC/D.C. water cooling and irrigation, closed hydroponics, net-house, root zone area cooling, and ultra-low-pressure drippers. The combination reduced energy consumption by up to 95% and water by up to 80%, mainly by eliminating the pad and fan cooling system. No quantitative or qualitative yield penalties were observed. The system operates with sensors attached to the automatic controller for cooling, irrigation, and fertigation management, which is the first step towards CEA's precision climate-smart agriculture technology. This paper aims to share the additive impacts demonstrated by incorporating five greenhouse technologies on the water- and energy-use efficiency, cost-effectiveness, environmental health, and the approach's potential on CEA in desert ecosystems. 
Keywords: AD/DC hybrid solar system, soilless production system, net-house, Ultra low pressure dripper, Root zone area cooling 
Ajman 6th International Environment Conference