Recirculating our most important resource.

Drinkable water is a valuable resource, one we don’t want to waste. Irresponsible use of water in agriculture often leads to ecological damage, which is why we decided to grow our plants hydroponically (aka without soil), recirculating all of our irrigation water in our closed loop system. We collect rainwater and melted snow in freshwater tanks, and only supplement city water when needed. We then add in a special mixture of necessary nutrients to help our plants grow big and strong - and whatever water doesn't get absorbed is sent back to our return tanks for the cycle to start again. 

By growing hydroponically, we’re able to cut water consumption by nearly half compared to a conventional ag system. All the while preventing runoff, leaching, and overall water pollution along the way. 

Our team walked around the Ahuntsic greenhouse to capture what recirculation looks like in action:

This is one of our two irrigation systems called NFT (no, not that NFT), nutrient film technique. Water is frequently circulated through the channels you see above.

For the plants that grow in coco coir (a very absorbent fibre made from coconut husk), we use drip irrigation - periodically watering instead of a constant stream.

Here’s filtered water from our freshwater tanks about to run through a parsley channel for them to absorb what they need. 

Any water that isn’t absorbed heads back down to the return tank, where we filter it, add the necessary nutrients, and send it right back up. Ta-dah! Closed loop.