Film Farming: Difference between revisions

Film farming refers to an alternative method of organic farming that uses a hydromembrane composed of a water-soluble polymer (hydrophillic booster, SkyGel) and a hydrogel-based IMEC film as opposed to traditional soil. SkyGel acts as a reservoir and fertilizer for the plant, holding water up to 1,000 times its weight. The IMEC film and the SkyGel work together to reduce the plant's water intake by 90% while increasing crop yield and plant productivity. The produce grown with the hydrophillic booster is exceptionally nutritious and rich in sugars, GABA and Lycopene. Additionally, crops grown using film farming technology are resistant to pathogens. The hydromembrane absorbs the water and nutrients provided by the culture medium but it does not release any to the plant side.[16] The surface of the hydromembrane cannot be penetrated by bacteria or viruses so pesticides become unnecessary. Plants grown with a hydrophillic booster have proven to be more resilient with enhanced seed germination and an improved plant survival rate.[17]

This unique method of farming was invented in 2009 by Dubai-based company Agricel, founded by Yalman A. Khan and Kunal G. Wadhwani. The Agricel network is primarily based in Japan but it has extended to China and Australia. Agricel's vision seeks to feed the future by promoting film farming and the use of hydrophillic boosters in an effort to limit the use of water and to fight world hunger. With the addition of a greenhouse, agriculture can be utilized anywhere in the world with film farming and hydrophillic technology.[18]

How it Works[edit | edit source]

In order for this system to work, it is only possible through the use of this system created by Agricel.

Plants are grown on a hydromembrane, created from a water-soluble polymer as well as a hydrogel, which is part of a larger agricultural system. This system, called IMEC, is composed of many parts of which are created by Agricel. There is the IMEC controller, as well as the IMEC water and fertilizer supply unit. It also consists of a waterproof sheet, a drip tube, a non-woven fabric, the hydromembrane.[19]

In order from the ground up, there is the waterproof sheet, a drip tube beneath the hydromembrane, next layer the non-woven fabrics, on top of which comes the hydromembrane itself, with a drip tube on top of the membrane.[20]

The IMEC water and fertilizers supply nutrients as well as water to the plants above and below the hydromembrane at different fertilizer concentrations which are preset with the IMEC controller. The controller also automatically controls with amount of water which is dispersed throughout the tubes (upper and lower) one at a time.[21]

The hydromembrane film absorbs the nutrients released from the lower drip tube, where it is held by the film. It does not penetrate the through to the plant side, until the plant's extremely thin yet very dense roots induce osmotic shift which allows the absorption of nutrients and water. This creates high nutrient produce using minimal water and space.[22]

The nutrients released from the upper drip tube assist in the growth of plants. The controlled nutrient supply provides sustainable production while maintaining the quality of the crop.[23]

Benefits[edit | edit source]

While the initial system cost of the hydromembrane is similar to the cost of traditional soil culture systems and hydroponics, the long-term cost of film farming is significantly lower because the the IMEC costs of water, seedlings, fertilizers and labor are much cheaper than the current house soil culture. Beyond that, the film membrane can only absorb water, meaning viruses and other threats to plants cannot be absorbed, creating a much safer plant environment when compared to traditional pesticide techniques. It also requires less soil as the roots of the IMEC system grow in a thin and flat sheet on the hydromembrane requiring a small amount of soil or culture medium.

Price[edit | edit source]

The hydrogel film can be bought at a price of around $2,000/ acre with a professional installation of about $2 Million.

Build Your Own Farm[edit | edit source]

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  Step 1: Build a greenhouse.[1]

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  Step 2: Install water device of IMEC system.[2]

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  Step 3: Install the mixing device.[3]

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  Step 4: Install the mixing adjuster.[4]

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  Step 5: Set the bedframe with polyvinyl chloride pipes inside greenhouse.[5]

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  Step 6: Lay a waterproof sheet.[6]

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  Step 7: Set the drip tube on lower side.[7]

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  Step 8: Set the non-woven fabric.[8]

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  Step 9: Lay the IMEC film.[9]

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  Step 10: Lay the peat moss.[10]

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  Step 11: Set the IMEC planting panel.[11]

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  Step 12: Set the drip tube on upper side.[12]

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  Step 13: Cover the multi-film.[13]

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  Step 14: Plant seedlings.[14]

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  Step 15: Grow crops.[15]

External links[edit | edit source]

• Agricel
• Hydrate Life
• DigInfo TV
• Khaleej Times
• Why Film Farming

Page data

Part of	JMC116
Keywords	agriculture
Authors	Isabellav, jane matthews, Sydney.morrone
License	CC-BY-SA-3.0
Language	English (en)
Translations	Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Hungarian, Jw, Ukrainian
Related	6 subpages, 14 pages link here
Impact	16,656 page views
Created	November 19, 2013 by Isabellav
Modified	October 23, 2023 by Maintenance script
Cite as	Isabellav, jane matthews, Sydney.morrone (2013–2023). "Film Farming". Appropedia. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
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