Organic, zero waste hydroponic system

In our Gelponic system, we utilize our own liquid microbial bio-fertilizers, which we cultivate from organic ingredients such as soybeans and oyster shells. They contain living microrganisms that contribute to plant health.

Controlling bacteria growth in water is a challenge. While some bacteria can be good for plant health, other bacteria can be bad. We studied the affects of different bacteria on plant health and found that plants need aerobic, as opposed to anaerobic bacteria.

As the water temperature rises, the oxygen level in the water is depleted and anaerobic bacteria grow, producing algae and moss that are harmful to plant health. When the water is well oxygenated, however, aerobic bacteria flourish, helping the plant’s roots to absorb nutrients.

Led by our Chief Technology Advisor, Professor Wang-Nang Wang, our team developed an ultra-fine bubble aeration system, which effectively increases the oxygen level in the water, promoting good bacteria for healthy plants with superior appearance, taste and texture.

Our edible, plant-based gel substrate solves the waste problem in hydroponics, and reduces cost...

While water is the plant’s growth medium, the roots also require a soil substitute, or medium for suspension. This usually takes the form of a sponge, cloth, or fibrous substrate, which the plant’s roots can interweave and bind with, providing a firm base for growth.

We see two major issues with the majority of substrate materials used in hydroponic agriculture. Some materials are prone to disintegration, contaminating water in the system. Other materials remain intact and become waste, which could be non-biodegradable in many cases.

That’s why we developed our own, unique substrate, made from an edible, plant-based gel. Initially, the gel provides a firm base for growth, suspending the plant during its infancy. We add microbial nutrients to the gel, which help seeds to germinate and grow into a healthy seedling. As the plant grows, the gel is absorbed by the plant, leaving the plant fully intact with clean, edible roots.

The gel does not contaminate the water after dissolution, and therefore it has no negative impact on the irrigation system. Its main benefit is waste reduction. The gel's application and seeding process is fully automated, and the gel itself comes at a fraction of the cost, compared to other substrate materials such as sponge.

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Photos by Alastair Philip Wiper.