Operational Outline

1. Project Overview:

The SolarHarvest Garden will transform the Power Family Home’s backyard into a sustainable, energy-efficient garden that integrates solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and precision farming techniques. By utilizing the Three Sisters Method, the garden will maximize space and plant health by growing complementary crops in specific sections.

The project will use non-permanent solar racking systems to power irrigation and electroculture systems, while integrating soil sensors, weather stations, and biogas liquid fertilizer to create an environmentally sustainable farming model.

2. Objectives:

• Implement the Three Sisters Method for planting, utilizing ground vines, mounding crops, and tall plants.

• Set up a non-permanent solar racking system to generate energy for the garden.

• Install soil sensors and weather stations for real-time monitoring and efficient farming.

• Enhance soil health with biochar, biogas liquid fertilizer, and compost.

• Use rainwater collection, treated with cold plasma, and delivered via Clay Ollas for irrigation.

3. Project Components:

Energy and Irrigation Systems:

• Non-Permanent Solar Racking System:

  • Solar panels mounted on a flexible non-permanent racking system, providing energy for garden irrigation and electroculture systems.

• Earth Batteries:

  • Installed underground to store excess solar energy for use at night.

• Rainwater Collection:

  • Rainwater collected from the rain tank, treated with cold plasma technology, and stored for irrigation through Clay Ollas.

4. Soil and Environmental Sensors:

• Soil Sensors:

  • Monitor soil moisture, temperature, pH, and nutrient levels in real time for precise watering and fertilization.

• Weather Stations:

  • Collect local weather data to guide irrigation and predict frost events.

5. Soil Health and Fertilization:

• Biochar and Soil Amendments:

  • Biochar applied to improve soil structure, increase water retention, and boost nutrient availability.

  • Compost and organic matter added to enhance fertility.

• Biogas Liquid Fertilizer:

  • Nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer produced through the biogas digester process to nourish plants.

6. Three Sisters Method:

The garden will be divided into three sections, following the Three Sisters Method with complementary crops grouped based on their growing habits: tall plants, mounding crops, and ground vines.

Section 1: Ground Vines, Mounding Crops, and Tall Plants

• Ground Vines (Watermelon): Watermelon vines will spread along the ground, creating shade and ground cover for other crops.

• Mounding Crops (Sweet Potatoes): Sweet potatoes will be grown in mounds to maximize space and root growth, benefiting from the shade and protection provided by watermelon vines.

• Tall Plants (Sunflowers): Tall sunflowers will provide vertical space and natural support for the sweet potato vines while attracting pollinators.

Section 2: Ground Vines, Mounding Crops, and Tall Plants

• Ground Vines (Melons): Melons will spread on the ground, helping control weeds and providing a ground cover that conserves moisture.

• Mounding Crops (Corn): Corn will grow tall and provide vertical support for climbing plants like beans.

• Tall Plants (Beans): Beans will climb up the corn stalks, benefiting from the height and providing nitrogen fixation for the soil.

Section 3: Ground Vines, Mounding Crops, and Tall Plants

• Ground Vines (Hemp): Hemp will serve as a multipurpose crop, providing support for beans and enriching the soil.

• Mounding Crops (Beans): Beans will grow near the hemp, climbing the tall plants and fixing nitrogen in the soil.

• Tall Plants (Strawberries): Strawberries will be planted at the base of the hemp and beans, benefiting from the shade and ground cover.

7. Cold Plasma Technology and Electroculture:

• Cold Plasma Water Treatment:

  • Rainwater will be treated with cold plasma technology to neutralize pathogens and enhance nutrient uptake.

• Cold Plasma Seed Treatment:

  • Seeds will be exposed to cold plasma to improve germination and disease resistance.

• Electroculture System:

  • Copper electrodes in the soil emit mild electrical currents, stimulating plant growth and nutrient absorption.

8. Soil Monitoring and Optimization:

• Continuous Soil Monitoring:

  • Soil sensors will provide real-time data to adjust irrigation and fertilization practices.

• Data Utilization:

  • Information from sensors and weather stations will optimize soil health and crop yields.

9. Environmental Impact and Sustainability:

• Energy Efficiency: The non-permanent solar racking system will power all essential garden functions.

• Water Conservation: Clay Ollas and treated rainwater ensure efficient water use.

• Soil Health: The garden’s closed-loop system, incorporating biochar, compost, and biogas liquid fertilizer, supports sustainable soil practices.

• Carbon Sequestration: Hemp will contribute to carbon sequestration, helping reduce the overall carbon footprint.