After many months of construction, the Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre team has begun moving into the new highly anticipated state-of-the-art research and plant growth facility.

Some of the greenhouse’s unique features include five advanced research bays, each equipped with cutting-edge technology to replicate real-world commercial greenhouse environments. These bays are meticulously designed to meet the specific needs of various crops, featuring individually controlled systems for irrigation, temperature, humidity, CO₂, and spectrum-adjustable lighting to ensure optimal growing conditions. This precision control allows for in-depth studies on how different environmental variables impact plant health and yield.

1. Expanded Metal Mesh Benches: These benches provide a sturdy, elevated platform with excellent air circulation and drainage, making them ideal for crops like lettuce, microgreens, and herbs, as well as floriculture crops such as orchids and chrysanthemums. The enhanced airflow and drainage help prevent waterlogging and reduce the risk of root diseases, ensuring healthy, robust plant growth.
2. Ebb and Flood Tables: Utilizing a flood-and-drain method, these tables periodically immerse plants in a nutrient solution before draining it away, promoting efficient nutrient uptake and oxygenation. This system is particularly effective for crops like basil, kale, and cherry tomatoes, as well as various floriculture crops.
3. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Systems: NFT systems involve a continuous flow of nutrient-rich water over plant roots housed in channels, making them highly effective for crops such as lettuce, basil, and strawberries. The system maximizes growth and productivity by providing a constant nutrient supply and maintaining high oxygen levels at the roots.
4. Highwire Bay: Designed for vining crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, this bay supports vertical growth along wires or trellises, optimizing space utilization and improving light exposure and air circulation. This method not only enhances yield per square foot but also facilitates easier pest management.

In addition to the greenhouse bays, the facility includes an indoor vertical grow room dedicated to exploring vertical farming innovations. Vertical farming systems are known for their resource efficiency, maximizing space, and maintaining controlled environments for light, temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels. This setup enables year-round cultivation of crops such as leafy greens and strawberries, with benefits including higher water and nutrient use efficiency, reduced pesticide use, and minimized environmental impact. Vertical farms, often located in urban areas, also reduce transportation costs and carbon footprints by bringing production closer to consumers.

An official opening is planned for later this year. This state-of-the-art facility has been made possible by investments from Niagara College, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Niagara Region Economic Development, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund.

HESIC is actively seeking technology, innovation and product validation and development projects to fill the new state-of-the-art research greenhouse and plant growth facility. Have a project idea? We want to hear from you! Contact David DiPietro, Manager, Business Development today to see if our service streams are a match for your innovation needs