USDA-under Research Explores Innovative Strawberry Cultivation Techniques to Boost Efficiency, Sustainability, and Urban Food Access
Urban agriculture is advancing through a USDA-funded project led by Dr. Xin Zhao, merging hydroponic techniques with organic practices. Scientists from UF/IFAS, FAMU, and UGA are researching strawberry cultivars in a tabletop hydroponic organic system under high tunnels, aiming to boost sustainability and efficiency.
The research involves testing recycled growing media to increase resource circularity. This innovative approach aligns with urban farming needs, offering fresh produce closer to consumers while addressing space and water constraints.
The project features two outreach events. The Hydroponic Organic Tabletop Strawberry Research Field Day (February 13, 2025, in Citra, FL) provides an overview of the research and a farm tour. The On-Farm Workshop (February 20, 2025, in Orlando, FL) focuses on community engagement and farmer feedback.
Hydroponics enables efficient nutrient and water use, making it ideal for urban settings. Meanwhile, organic farming emphasizes biodiversity and soil health. Combining these methods presents challenges, such as nitrogen compatibility and reliance on plastics, but researchers are seeking innovative solutions, including renewable growing media.
According to the USDA, “Organic is a label that indicates that a food or agricultural product has been produced according to the USDA organic standards, which require operations to use practices that cycle resources, conserve biodiversity, and preserve ecological balance.”
Dr. Zhao's team aims to blend hydroponic efficiency with organic integrity. Join the events or explore this groundbreaking project online to learn more about the future of sustainable agriculture.