Commercial GS-V Aeroponic System

Using the NASA R&D grants to develop high performance food production systems for earth and space I expanded upon the true aeroponic techniques.  First a little more history, in the mid-1980’s I developed a concept known as WaterCycle to replace the tap water pressure true aeroponic system.  While the tap water driven aeroponic method conserved a heck of a lot of energy, because no pump was required, it consumed a tremendous amount of water.   A pressurized water delivery system was devised using high-pressure pumps. 

The real key to a closed-looped aeroponics is a method that reduces the number of pumping cycles by implementing well defined long-term tightly controlled spray intervals /durations.  I received an aeroponic pine tree research grant from Weyerhaeuser Company to further define the spray interval/duration relationship (1990).  

After the NASA sponsored biocontrol experiments about the space shuttle and Mir space I received NASA funding to R&D the next generation true aeroponic system (1998).  The system is known today as CLAS Technology (closed-looped aeroponic system) and marketed by AgriHouse as the Genesis Series V (five) Aeroponic System.  It’s a true aeroponic system robust enough to grow corn from seed to maturity (2004).

I have been asked about what is the definition of ’ True Aeroponics’?  If we look at the general definition of aeroponics – it is the process and method of growing plants in air without soil.  So true aeroponics is the method of growing plants entirely in air.  In this manner the air grown plant has complete uninterrupted access to 100% of the oxygen and CO2 in the air 24/7. Of course, until such a time that a short burst of nutrient enriched hydro-atomized water is sprayed onto the stem and roots of the suspended plant.   

The micro-environment of a true aeroponic system all depends on a repeatable apparatus. How is this accomplished?  In the early days of the internet I posted an animation that shows how it’s done.  It is now found on Wikipedia, I still think it fairly well demonstrates the principal of true aeroponics.  My first aeroponic device – connected to a hose and operated by standard tap water pressure.  It was patented in 1983,  the aeorponic plants are sprayed intermediately and the effluent is drained away.  The true aeroponic method is still in practice today by AgriHouse.

Click on the drawing to begin air-rooting a virtual vegetative cutting.

True Aeroponics in action - click to activate

I’m growing with the GS-V Aeroponic System – Dual Pak for rapid production of potato mini tubers. 
The system’s  reservoir contains 7 gallons of water, 1 oz of  Universal Nutrient Formula and 1 oz of BEYOND All Natural Plant Amendment.  These are AgriHouse’s technologies for growing plants in air (without soil or media).
Instead of using potato vegetative cuttings, I decided to start with second generation mini tubers.  These daughter mini tubers where harvested from last year’s test plot at the University of Colorado .  They were held in cold storage until I planted them in the aeroponic system.  I am able to produce third generation mini tubers within weeks and there’s plenty of room for expansion.
Copyright – all rights reserved Richard Stoner 2009