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Alberta Research Greenhouse Update | |
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From the Nov 9, 2009 Issue of Agri-News | |
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| | Since the ground breaking ceremony in the summer of 2008 for the re-construction of a new research greenhouse at the Crop Diversification Centre South in Brooks, building has progressed on all three of the new buildings in the complex. The buildings in the facility design include a 10,000 square foot research greenhouse, a larger 40,000 square foot production greenhouse and an 8,000 square foot header-house.
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The compartmentalized research greenhouse is where scientists will access bench space for small research projects. The larger greenhouse, on the scale of a commercial greenhouse, is where research projects will be tested for production capability and secondary, larger scale testing will be completed. The third building houses all of the mechanical systems, training rooms, offices, storage areas, and other support requirements for the greenhouses.
"Some glass still has to be installed, but installation of many of the mechanical systems is complete or nearly complete," says Dr. Ron Howard, research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. "Construction on the facility is about 75 per cent finished and should be finalized in December 2009. After that, the commissioning begins on all of the systems and equipment that need to be up and running and thoroughly checked before work can begin in the greenhouses on or about March 1, 2010.
"2010 is a very momentous year for this area as the City of Brooks will be celebrating its 100th anniversary and the Crop Diversification Centre South and the Eastern Irrigation District will be celebrating their 75th anniversaries. It will be a great to include the grand opening and ribbon cutting for this new facility that same summer."
The facility is on the scale of a commercial operation, giving staff and Alberta scientists the space to test crops and the newest technology on a commercial scale. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development staff members are anxious to get back into greenhouse space that will enable them to carry out their research projects throughout the winter. Members of the greenhouse industry in Alberta and across Canada view this facility as an asset for the entire Canadian greenhouse industry.
"This facility will make it possible to collaborate with scientists doing greenhouse research in Canada and internationally," says Howard. "We also hope to see graduate students and post-doctorate fellows coming here to advance their training. This facility will open up another avenue for Alberta scientists to supplement their regular field programs with some added greenhouse projects."
The new research greenhouse complex will also be used for demonstration and technology transfer. Plans are to bring students, industry representatives and producers to the facility for training and show-and-tell sessions. Using this facility in this way means that the work being done will get communicated to and benefit producers in the greenhouse industry and in the crop industry in general.
Contact:
Dr. Ron Howard
403-362-1328 |
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For more information about the content of this document, contact Ron Howard.
This document is maintained by Rita Splawinski.
This information published to the web on November 3, 2009.
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