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UM Biosystems Engineering Bulletin
Vol. 24:CO01
Build Your Own Aeroponic System
Prof. Sri Ranjan and Dr. Uduak Edet
What is an Aeroponic System?
An aeroponic system is a soilless cultivation method where the plants are positioned in “pockets” in a vertical pipe with the roots
hanging inside the pipe which are intermittently wetted throughout the growth cycle.
They can be used in commercial agriculture, urban farming, home gardening, and food production in extreme environments to
grow herbs, leafy greens, strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
In the aeroponic system, the roots are suspended in air and periodically wetted and it differs from the hydroponic system where
the roots are suspended in circulating water.
Benefits include faster growth rates, higher yields, efficient water use, space-saving design, and reduced risk of soil-borne
diseases and pests.
The setup is conducive for “vertical farming” where the “grow towers” can be mounted on a wall or a frame.
In the aeroponic system the roots are suspended in air and periodically wetted and it differs from the hydroponic system where
the roots are suspended in circulating water.
LED lighting is also provided with periodicity and the space is enclosed in a polythene enclosure to maintain high humidity.
How to Design an Aeroponic System
1. Parts needed:
4” diameter PVC pipe and cap 207L Plastic storage tote Water pump Short cycle timer
Download
1/2" black drip tubing LED light with timer
Parts Information
1/2" connectors, valves, and bulkhead fitting
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https://umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/make
Vol. 24:RU01
2. Tools Needed
Workbench, saw, heat gun, coned-shaped bottle, zip tie, tape, marker/pencil, ruler, silicon sealant, and perforator.
3. Design Instructions
Follow all environment, health, and safety guidelines.
Preparing the parts:
Cut the 4-inch diameter x 10-ft PVC sewer pipe in half to create multiple columns of 5-ft grow towers (which can be mounted
vertically on a frame or wall).
Use the marker/pencil to draw three lines lengthwise from the top to the bottom of the PVC pipe spaced 60 degrees apart from the
centre of the pipe.
On the outer two lines, mark off seven 2-inch lines that are 8 inches apart starting at 6-in from the top. Repeat the same process for
the middle line but with six 2-inch lines starting with the first line 10-inch offset from the top. (This will form the ‘pockets” in which the
plants will grow).
Cut the 2-inch line across the PVC pipes holding the saw at a 45 degree angle towards the top. For better results, position your saw
at a 45 degree angle guide.
Set the heat gun (1500 W) at medium high and heat the PVC pipe surrounding the 2-inch cut gently to soften that section.
Insert the cone-shaped bottle, coming from the the top side, through the 2-inch cut to open the “pocket.” Be careful when inserting
the bottle to avoid extending the length of the cut.
Cut twenty 1.5-inch long rings from the 2-inch diameter PVC central vacuum pipe.
Insert each ring into the 2-inch cut pockets of the 4-inch diameter PVC. (Ideally, the ring should fit nicely into the 2-inch cut pocket.
Use silicone sealant to seal any gaps between the ring and pocket).
Drill a 2-inch diameter hole through the side wall near the top edge of the storage tote to bring out the water supply line.
Cut six 1-inch diameter holes on the side wall of the tote near the top edge to accommodate the return flow from the grow towers.
Perforate the 2-inch circular area of the bottom of the plastic cup with pin-holes to act like a showerhead.
Make a0.5 inch diameter hole the centre of the cover of the cup to let the water supply line into the cup.
Place the cups at the top of the grow tower (4-inch PVC pipe) to sprinkle water through the bottom of the cup to the plant roots
located vertically below.
Cut the drip tubing to appropriate lengths. This will be used for water distribution through the aeroponic system.
Cut slots from bottom of each of the paper cups and insert it into the grow tower pocket. (This will allow the sprinkled water entering
the PVC pipe to wet the plant roots).
Cup with perforated
bottom and 0.5' hole cover
1.5-inch long ring
2-inch mark-offs and pockets The location of holes on the
on the 4-inch PVC pipes storage tote cover/lid
Aeroponic system
Assembling the parts:
Mount the 4" diameter grow towers (PVC) on the frame and insert the perforated cups into the top of each grow tower.
Connect the tubing to the PVC cap and use it to cover the bottom of the grow tower.
Connect the tubing to the valves and filter (via connectors). Insert each valve into the opening on top of each perforated cup.
Place the pump inside the storage tote and position the tote (with its cover) under the frame. Ensure the pump is placed in a
manner that allows its pipe to pass through the hole in the side wall
Connect the pump with the water supply line to the inline water filter and the water distribution pipe.
Position the LED lights vertically in front of each grow tower and plug into a timer for 16 hours ON and 8 hours OFF cycle.
Connect the short cycle timer and set it for 10 seconds “ON” followed by 3 to 5 minutes of “OFF” to operate the pump intermittently.
Fill the storage tote with water (up to 3/4 of its capacity), connect the pump to the short cycle timer which is plugged into a power
source
For more details of the design instructions. visit our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/me0fkN4IOd4
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Contact: https://umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/make
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