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Off the coast of Noli, Italy there is a garden growing 25 feet below the ocean. Nemo’s Garden is an experiment is sustainable agriculture. They have six plastic biospheres that are testing aquaculture by growing basil, strawberries, lettuce, and other leafy greens, which have a team scuba divers that service them. All of the plants farmed there are for human consumption and have tested with higher levels of antioxidants and essential oils. These tests also suggest possible uses for pharmaceutical applications. A positive side effect to aquaculture, the plants have a stronger, purer taste.
Nemo’s Garden is the brain child of Sergio Gamberini, a chemical engineer, who founded it in 2012 because of his passions for scuba diving and gardening. The current goal is to create a sustainable method to grow food in a world affected by climate change.
Aquaponics are crops grown without soil, think hydroponics, but in the ocean. Without soil, there is no need for pesticides as there are no parasites. The irrigation comes from the ocean water that evaporates on the walls, which then condenses on interior walls of the domes.
Luca Gamerini, Sergio’s son and project manager, said,
What I’m describing is nothing different than when we were in elementary school, and they explain how rain works.
Depth and consistent ocean temperature provide the biospheres a stable environment. All the tech within the spheres receive their power form solar panels on the surface. Nemo’s Garden is a completely self-sustaining aquaculture system that removes the need for freshwater resources by using condensation for irrigation.
The polycarbonate half domes are sunk into position and chained down, which makes them easy to install. Once in position they get turned right-side up and filled with air from scuba tanks. This displaces the water and allows it to float into position.
Nemo’s Garden’s aim is to be accessible for all people and provide a sustainable method for areas where soil isn’t suitable.
You can also check out the Undecided video on this topic here.
Source: The Washington Post
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