a project on ecology case studies

Course Code: 15GN1001

Case Studies for Ecology

Case Studies submitted to

K L University under the partial fulfillment of

B.Tech (1I Year) during 2016-17

By

S.V.Rohith

150031000

Under the guidance of

Dr.M.Sujatha

K.L. UNIVERSITY

Green fields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur Dist.522502

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DECLARATION

We declare that the Case Studies entitled

“1. Swatch Bharath program by Government of India.

2. Medicinal plants in KLUniversity campus.

3. Pollution from pesticide and chemicals on plants.

4. Vertical farming

5. Preparation and application of vermin compost at KLUniversity gardening.”

was carried out by us during July to November 2016, and this work is not the same as that of

any other and has not been submitted for award of any other degree/diploma

Place: KLU Signature of the Student

Date:

Signature of the Faculty

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We express my sincere gratitude to Sri Koneru Satyanarayana garu for

encouraging and guiding us to undertake this Case Studies work.

We express my deep sense of gratitude to Dr.M.Sujatha our beloved course

professor of department for their encouragement.

Place: KLU

Date:

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1.A CASE STUDY ON SWACHH BHARAT BY INDIAN GOVERNMENT

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Objectives

3. Discussion on Case Study

4. Conclusion [Advantages and Disadvantages]

5. Your suggestions

4


INTRODUCTION

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Can India make the tag

line “India has more cell phones than toilets” obsolete? With Prime Minister Narendra

Modi’s appeal to the nation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, there has been an overzealous

positive sentiment in organizations and individuals both. After a long prevailing dilemma

while many organizations have found a direction to put their CSR budgets in the area,

many are still in contemplation mode. Can the PM’s call turn the wheels around so as

India is not identified with the tag line – “More cell phones than toilets”? Bachan Singh

explores the possibilities.

In his first media interaction recently after he became the Prime Minister of India in May

2014, the Hon’ble premier Narendra Modi said that only the Prime Minister wielding a

broom will change nothing if the entire nation doesn’t come together to take inclusive

responsibility. Though the context of his conversation with the journos had a larger meani

ng, but primarily he was talking in context of the smaller version of cleanliness the Clean

India Drive. Taking further the mission of Mahatma Gandhi, the PM launched Swatch Bh

arat Abhiyan on Gandhi’s birth anniversary, October 2.The drive initiated by Modi

could be an answer to various reports which put India as a nation having more cell phone

s than toilets. One might be hearing such reports sporadically over the years,

yet nobody applied their head to think what could be done in that area. It needs a strong

sense ofresponsibility accompanied with profound contemplation. The formation of the n

ewgovernment in May carried the tool to herald a new ear. While one can just anticipate

a new era,

making claims that it will truly turn out to be a new ear which will change many aspects o

f the nation, will be an exaggeration at this point of time.

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Yet no one can say that the Clean India Drive was not in sync with the country’s require

ment or was just another initiative which appeared out of the blue. Initiatin the Swachh B

harat Campaign, the Prime Minister appealed to every citizen to devote at least 100 hours

voluntarily in a year to clean India. The drive aims at eliminating open defecation, buildin

g toilets all over the country, municipal solid waste management, managing and maintena

nce of toilets, cleaning roads and pavements, offices and their vicinities etc. But on top of

everything, the most imperative aim of this initiative is to change the perspective of the ci

tizens towards hygienic conditions and cleanliness. On one hand the government hasearm

arked Rs 2 lakh crore for the next 5 years for the initiative while there are many compani

es that have put their foot forward to be a part of the cleanliness drive. Not only this, the

government has set up Swachh Bharat Kosh (SBK) which will be responsible for collecti

ng funds and donations from organisations/ individuals who would want to contribute to

wards this initiative. The funds public and private companies will contribute in the kosh

will be a part of their corporate social responsibility. The PM’s appeal has witnessed an o

verwhelming exuberance form the public and private sector while employees and individ

uals across various sections of the society have also shown theirincreased interest and sup

port for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

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ADVANTAGES AND OBJECTIVES:

1) If ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ becomes reality we can improve health of Indians.

2) If ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ becomes reality we can enhance our tourism.

3) If ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ becomes reality we can prevent many diseases.

4) If ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ becomes reality we can have a happy & healthy society.

5) If ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ becomes reality we can attract global players to invest in

India.

6) If ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ becomes reality we can give better life to our upcoming

generations.

7) If ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ becomes reality we can build a better eco-friendly

environment.

8) If ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ becomes reality we can reduce cost of maintenance.

9) If ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ becomes reality we can give back to society.

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DISADVANTAGES:

The distrust of people on Modi Government in some areas of railways, petrol prices etc

have impacted to be disadvantageous for the nation.

The myth revolves still around Modi Government that being a Guajarati, Modi could

work only on Gujarat with full power and confidence.

The rumor of Modi Government’s disrespect to the Muslim People shows some signs of

negativity to the nation.

The so called “Flight Mode” of Modi, as he mostly visits different nations for deals and

partnerships for the development on India, still people question Modi Government on

grounds of wealth and ban of foreign investment in India.

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MEDIA COLLECTION ABOUT SWACHH BHARAT

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Suggestions

There are very few simple things that we need to do to clean India as a part of this

mission.

1. Don't Litter, throw waste in dustbin only.

2. Don't encourage spitting, immediately condemn people if found doing so.

3. Avoid usage of Plastic covers, plastic disposables. Carry a bag with you when you

go for shopping; teach the people around you the same.

4. Teach Children about Cleanliness and Sanitation.

5. Plant trees around your house.

6. Separate Dry waste and wet waste in your house; ease the work of municipality

workers.

7. If possible join any of the NGOs working in your area towards cleaning of India. If

not at least contribute to it in some way.

8. Avoid personal transport whenever possible. Encourage Car Pooling if you can't

avoid. Much better you can use Public transportation.

9. Pool money along with your area mates and install large sized dustbins in the

places where littering is done on the road or open place.

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2.A case study on medicinal plants in KLUniversity

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Objectives



5. Your suggestions

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Introduction:

Medicinal plants have been identified and used

throughout kl university campus Plants have the ability to synthesize a wide variety of

chemical compounds that are used to perform important biological functions, and to

defend against attack from predators such as insects, fungi and herbivorous mammals. At

least 12,000 such compounds have been isolated so far; a number estimated to be less

than 10% of the total. Chemical compounds in plants mediate their effect on the human

body through processes identical to those already well understood for the chemical

compounds in conventional drugs; thus herbal medicines do not differ greatly from

conventional drugs in terms of how they work. This enables herbal medicines to have

beneficial pharmacology, but also gives them the same potential as conventional

pharmaceutical drugs to cause harmful side effects

The use of plants as medicines are very useful, the study of traditional human uses of

plants, is recognized as an effective way to discover future medicines. In 2001,

researchers identified 122 compounds used in modern medicine which were derived from

"ethno medical" plant sources; 80% of these have had an ethno medical use identical or

related to the current use of the active elements of the plant

12

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammal

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insect

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predator


OBJECTIVES and ADVANTAGES:

1. Herbal medicines are very cheap in comparison to the conventional form of

medication. It’s something which every pocket can afford, unlike other forms of

medication which can create a big hole in your wallet

2. Herbal medicines can be consumed without the aid of any kind of prescription.

They can be found very easily from a local drug store

3. Herbal medicines are known to be more productive in comparison to other forms

of medication in curing certain conditions. Unless mixed with other chemical

components, they are known to be all natural.

4. One of the greatest benefits associated with herbal medicine is the non existence of

side effects. Also, they tend to offer long lasting benefits in terms of overall

wellness

5. Obesity is a growing problem which is known to have hazardous issues on an

individual’s health. Herbal medicine can help one deal with the problem of obesity

very effectively without consuming much time and efforts.

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DIS-ADVANTAGES:

1. Herbal medicines are known to be ineffective against serious ailments. Herbal

medication cannot cure a broken hand, nor is it able to deal with heart attack

related issues as effectively as an conventional doctor.

2. Some instances, individuals switch to herbal medication without realizing that the

symptoms can be linked to a different ailment. Unlike, conventional medication

which involves constant monitoring of your health, herbal medicines are taken

without prescription which means that in some cases, individual might be

undergoing a trial and error process with their medication.

3. Herbal medicines can cause allergic reactions in some cases. Before resorting to

herbal medication you need to ensure that you are not allergic to the particular herb

that you will be consuming. Conventional medication can also cause allergic

reactions, but they are usually taken upon prescriptions which is why the chances

of allergic reactions are less.

4. The government does not approve of any kind of herbal medication. It’s usually

consumed upon the person’s own risk, and when it comes to branded herbal

supplements one can’t expect any kind of quality assurance.

5. Although herbal medicines have the potential to cure many ailments, the curing

period is usually longer in comparison to conventional medication. One needs to

have immense patience while undergoing herbal treatment.

6. People across the world have been using herbal medicines since ages. Although

there is no scientific backing associated with the use of herbal medicines,

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individuals have been able to sustain full faith on this remedy which has a history

of more than 5000 years for curing various ailments

THE BASIL TREE WHICH IS A GOOD MEDICINAL PLANT FOR CURING

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SUGGESTIONS:

A number of herbs are thought to be likely to cause adverse

effects. Furthermore, “adulteration, inappropriate formulation, or lack of understanding

of plant and drug interactions have led to adverse reactions that are sometimes life

threatening or lethal." Proper double-blind clinical trials are needed to determine the

safety and efficacy of each plant before it can be recommended for medical use.

Although many consumers believe that herbal medicines are safe because they are

"natural", herbal medicines and synthetic drugs may interact, causing toxicity to the

patient. Herbal remedies can also be dangerously contaminated, and herbal medicines

without established efficacy may unknowingly be used to replace medicines that do have

corroborated efficacy.

There is also concern with respect to the numerous well-established interactions of herbs

and drugs. In consultation with a physician, usage of herbal remedies should be clarified,

as some herbal remedies have the potential to cause adverse drug interactions when used

in combination with various prescription and counter pharmaceuticals, just as a patient

should inform an herbalist of their consumption of orthodox prescription and other

medication.

For example, dangerously low blood pressure may result from the combination of an

herbal remedy that lowers blood pressure together with prescription medicine that has the

same effect. Some herbs may amplify the effects of anticoagulants. Certain herbs as well

as common fruit interfere with cytochrome P450, an enzyme critical to much drug

metabolism

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CONCLUSION:

Because some new prescription drugs are derived from

chemicals first identified in plants, a 2008 report from the Botanic Gardens Conservation

International (representing botanic in 120 countries) warned that "cures for things such as

cancer and HIV may become 'extinct before they are ever found'. They identified 400

medicinal plants at risk of extinction from over-collection and deforestation, threatening

the discovery of future cures for disease. The results of monitoring by TRAFFIC of

selected species at high risk show few signs of recovery. As a result the Fairfield was

established in 2008 to promote the sustainable use of wild-collected plant ingredients,

with a fair deal for all those involved throughout the supply chain.

There is a high demand for medicinal and aromatic herbs.

Harvesting from the spontaneous flora is dangerous for the biodiversity. Intensive

cultures and traditional agriculture is difficult in actual context. Soilless cultures and

protected environment facilities land be implemented everywhere and are not dependent

on climatic factors. Hydroponic cultures represent the most intensive method of

cultivation. Hydroponic cultures have higher yields than traditional agriculture

There is an ascendant trend in popularity and implementation of hydroponic

cultures worldwide. Substrate used in hydroponic systems is sterile, neutral and have a

high capability of holding moist and nutrient solution, and good drainage of solution

excess. There are different hydroponic systems by the way the nutrient solution is

delivered. Growing medicinal and aromatic plants in hydroponic systems need a rigorous

monitoring and good knowledge on plants biology and cultivation technology in order to

have the best relation between the type of the system and plant. Medicinal plants

17

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRAFFIC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botanic_Gardens_Conservation_International

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botanic_Gardens_Conservation_International


cultivated in hydroponic systems resulted in higher concentrations of bioactive

substances than those cultivated in soil. The aromatic herbs grown in hydroponic systems

have signifently more flavor and aroma than those cultivated in soil.

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3.A CASE STUDY ON POLLUTION FROM PESTICIDES AND CHEMICALS ON PLANTS

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Objectives



5. Your suggestions

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INTRODUCTION

A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended

for: preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. While they can be extremely

useful in protecting plants from disease-carrying insects and pests, most pesticides are

risky by nature. The term pesticide also applies to herbicides, fungicides, and various

other substances used to control pests. Under United States law, a pesticide is a plant

regulator, defoliant, or desiccant. To be effective, pesticides must be able to kill some

living organisms, and this can pose risks to humans, pet or the environment. Pesticides

can cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to bill

or otherwise adversely affect living organisms.

At the same time, they are useful to society-pesticides can kill

potential disease-causing organisms and control insects, weeds and other pests. First

identify the pest which is trying to get rid of, they check the risks and benefits of specific

products, observe the ingredients, as well as the risks and the intended outcome of using

it. Natural pesticides are quite safe. They derived from plants, but they can be toxic as

their synthetic counterparts. Biologically based pesticides, such as pheromones and

microbial pesticides are becoming increasingly popular and often are safer than

traditional chemical pesticides. Pesticides should always be evaluated on an individual

basis for both effectiveness and toxicity. One common organic pesticide is insecticidal

soap. Insecticidal soap is made up of potassium or sodium salt in combination with fatty

acids. Although this is one of the safest pesticides, its effectiveness is limited. In order to

be effective, the insecticidal soap must directly touch the insect while it is wet. Once it is

dry it is in effective. The fatty acids present in insecticidal soap are able to penetrate the

insects exoskeletons and cause the cells inside to collapse. This is a popular pesticide

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because it is one of the safest, causing no problem for humans or pets when used on

garden plants and vegetables. Neem oil is a new type of natural pesticide which is rapidly

gaining popularity. The tropical neem tree produces seeds which contain oil that has been

found to negatively affect insect development and feeding. Neem has low toxicity for

humans and pets and is very effective against a variety of insects, including some types of

moths, beetles, and caterpillars. Extract from the Pyrethrum daisy can be used as a

pesticide. This natural pesticide is not highly toxic to mammals but is effective against

some types of beetles, caterpillars, and leafhoppers. Pyrethrum does not last long, and

must be applied frequently.

BT or Bacillus thuringiensis is a pesticide that is sold in

powdered form and sprinkled on a plant. The targeted insect must eat the powder for it to

be effective. The many kinds of BT available are very safe for birds, humans, and

mammals, but may also kill butterflies. In addition, this pesticide quickly becomes

ineffective because sunlight cause it to break down. Antimicrobial Pesticides are

substances or mixtures of substances used to destroy or suppress the growth of harmful

microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and fungi. More than 5000 antimicrobial products

are currently registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and sold

in the marketplace. Antimicrobial products are divided into two categories based on the

type of microbial pest against which the product works : Non public health products –

They are used to control growth of algae, odor causing bacteria, bacteria which cause

spoilage, deterioration or fouling of material and microorganisms infectious only to

animals. Public health products - They are intended to control microorganism’s infections

to humans in an inanimate environment. The more commonly used public health

antimicrobial.

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DISCUSSION ON THE OBJECTIVES AND EFFECTS:

Organisms are essential to healthy soil. There are

literally hundreds of pesticides that have been manufactured and applied to soil in the

past. In places where the chemicals are used extensively, plants will no longer grow at all

or will fail to thrive. Unfortunately, many pesticides can kill more than just their intended

targets, namely the necessary microorganisms in the soil. When chemicals are used for a

period of time on plants in an area, they will eventually leach into the soil. Once in the

soil they can kill the micro-organisms living in the soil that break down organic material

and aid in plant growth.

Short exposures to some pesticides may kill or sicken wildlife.

Examples of acute wildlife poisoning include fish kills that are caused by pesticide

residues carried to ponds, streams, or rivers by surface runoff or spray drift, and bird die-

off caused by foraging on pesticide-treated vegetation or insects, or by consumption of

pesticide treated granules, baits, or seeds. In general acute poisoning to wildlife takes

place over a relatively short time, impacts a much localized geographical area, and is

linked to a single pesticide. Chronic Poisoning Exposure of wildlife over an extended

period of time to pesticide levels not immediately lethal may result in chronic poisoning.

The most well-known example of a chronic effect in wildlife is that of the organ chlorine

insecticide DDT (via the metabolic DDE) on reproduction in certain birds of prey. DDT

and other organ chorine pesticides such as dihedron, endrin and chlordane have been

implicated in bird mortality, resulting from chronic exposure. Organ chlorine pesticides

used in some foreign countries may pose risk to migratory birds which overwinter there.

C. By Secondary Poisoning Pesticides may impact wild life through secondary poisoning

when an animal consumes prey species that contain pesticide residues. Examples of

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secondary poisoning are birds of prey becoming sick after feeding on an animal that is

dead or dying from acute exposure to a pesticide, and (2) the accumulation and

movement of persistent chemicals in wildlife food chains. D. Indirect Effects A pesticide

may affect wildlife in ways other than direct or secondary poisoning. Pesticides may

impact wildlife indirectly when a part of its habitat or food supply is modified. For

instance, herbicides may reduce food, cover and vesting sites needed by insect, bird, and

mammal populations; insecticides may diminish insects.

WATER Pesticides are commonly found in water

consumed by both rural and urban populations. Groundwater was found to have residues

of 39 pesticides and their degradation products in a study of U.S. states and Canadian

provinces. Allowable pesticides levels for water are calculated on the basis of adult

exposure and toxicity but again the pediatric population is exposed to a considerably

greater total amount of residues that are potentially toxic because they are consuming on

overage 4 times the amount of water per kg of body weight. Residues of pesticides that

are "severely restricted" because of their serious effects on human health were also found

in significant quantities in the water sources. Residues enter the water supply as they are

leached from soil into ground water after home, lawn, roadway and agriculture spraying.

Insect repellents and pediculocides are concentrated exposures that are absorbed through

the intact skin. There are reports of children developing behavioral changes,

encephalopathy, ataxia, seizures and coma following coetaneous exposure and

neurobehavioral correlations have been found between coetaneous exposure and affective

symptoms, insomnia, muscle cramps and urinary hesitation. Farmers exposed to

herbicides, through spraying and predominantly skin absorption for more than 20 year

have been found to have a six fold increase of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

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ALTERNATIVE TO HARMFUL CHEMICAL PESTICIDES

For the average gardener, the use of organic

pesticides can keep a healthy balance in the soil. Many organic pesticides are made of

minerals or other plant materials that will keep pests at bay and break down quickly in the

soil. Examples of some common organic pesticides include the following: Cayenne

pepper spray – Can be sprayed on the leaves of plants to deter harmful insect. Soap Spray

– Also sprayed on plants to get rid of aphids. Tobacco powder – A spray can be made

from the finely ground tobacco leaves and water. It is use to kill sucking insects on plants

such as aphids, trips and spider mites. Pyrethrum – Made from chrysanthemum plant.

This organic pesticide is used to knock out and flying insects and ground pests such as

grubs. Neem – Derived from the neem tree. Used to control Gypsy moths, leaf miners,

mealy bugs, whiteflies and caterpillars. Sapodilla – Derived from the sapodilla lily. Used

to control caterpillars, leaf hoppers, stink bugs and squash bugs.

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CONCLUSION

For decades people have believed that harmful chemical

pesticides were the only true way to rid gardens and crop fields from pests. Soil pollution,

Air pollution has occurred from the use of pesticides and it takes years and sometimes

decades for some of these chemicals to break down. These pesticides are also harmful to

animal plants as well as human health. Luckily there are many organic chemicals that are

just as effective. The effects of pesticides on soil micro-organisms are less invasive when

organic pesticides are used. People need to break the habit of using harmful pesticides

and switch to rising organic ones that break down quickly in the sunlight and in the soil.

The faster a chemical breaks down, the sooner the soil can return to a healthy state. Most

organic pesticides are also safe to use around people and pets. They can easily be washed

from fruits and vegetables making them healthier for us and our family to eat.

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4.A CASE STUDY ON VERTICAL FARMING

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Objectives



5. Your suggestions

26


INTRODUCTION:

Vertical farming is the urban farming of fruits,

vegetables, and grains, inside a building in a city or urban centre, in which floors are

designed to accommodate certain crops. These heights will acts as the future farms land

and as architects we can shape these high-rises to sow the seeds for the future. The

objective of this dissertation was to investigate the feasibility and plausibility of the

vertical farming concept in three specific and interrelated research domains. The first

research question was to investigate whether enough energy can be generated onsite to

meet the needs of the building. The second research question was to investigate the

carbon footprint of produce grown vertically and compare that to produce grown

conventionally (greenhouse and outdoors). The final research question was to investigate

how relevant stakeholders perceive the concept of vertical farming and what they believe

are current barriers and opportunities towards uptake of the technology. The purpose of

this investigation was to determine ways to supply food to cities in an energy efficient

and sustainable manner from both a quantitative and qualitative approach.

What is a vertical farm?

As the world‘s population grows, so does the land required to produce the needed

food. The concept of a vertical farm was developed to remedy this crisis. A vertical farm

is farms stacked on top of one another, instead of branching out horizontally. Developed

in 1999 by Professor Dickson Despommier, the farm uses conventional farming methods

such as hydroponics and geoponics to produce more yields faster. It is predicted that the

world population will reach 9 billion by 2050, of which 70% will live in urban centers.

27


This change, alongside a changing climate, will strain Earth‘s resources, specifically the

ability to supply food. A valuable investigation would be to determine other ways to

supply food to cities alongside current agricultural practices in a sustainable manner.

One idea is the concept of vertical farming. Vertical farming can be defined as farming

fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. in the middle of a city inside of a building where different

floors have different purposes (one floor for a certain crop, another floor for a vegetable,

etc.) using hydroponics[1](water with nutrients). The concept of supplying food in cities

is not a new one as the history of urban agriculture goes back to many ancient

civilizations, including the Mayans, the city of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City today), etc.

There are many developments taking place today that apply the concept of urban

agriculture, and the concept of vertical farming is a large scale extension of urban

agriculture.

It is becoming increasingly understood that both our forms of

settlement and methods of sustenance are functionally incompatible with a planet of

limited natural resources. Modern cities exhibit decisively ―linear‖ resource metabolisms

where food, fresh water, energy, and other resource demands are imported from great

distances, consumed, and then swiftly dispensed as sewage or rubbish that the natural

world cannot easily process. Likewise, the high-yield farming methods that support our

immense population are characterized by their insatiable consumption of our limited

reserves of freshwater, fossil-fuel energy, and soil.

A glimpse of humanity‘s predictable future indicates that

the way cities and agriculture consume the Earth‘s precious natural capital will only

worsen with the passage of time. The projected addition of 2.25 billion people to the

global population by 2050 and another 2 billion by the end of the century forces us to

consider what our world will be like with nearly twice as many consumers. Considering

humanity‘s current population is already effectively degrading the ecological conditions

28


we require to thrive, it appears the only way to avoid both a global ecological tragedy and

widespread famine in the next century is to significantly transform the way cities and

agriculture utilize natural resources. This dissertation presents an argument for the

implementation of an emerging building typology, the vertical farm, as potential solution

to the conflict between ecological stability and humanity‘s persistent and economic

growth.

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OBJECTIVES

Vertical farming is the urban farming of fruits, vegetables, and grains, inside a building

in a city or urban centre, in which floors are designed to accommodate certain crops. The

objective of this dissertation was to investigate the feasibility and plausibilityof the

vertical farming concept in three specific and interrelated research domains.

1. The first research question was to investigate whether enough energy can be

generated onsite to meet the needs of the building.

2. The second research question was to investigate the carbon footprint of produce

grown vertically and compare that to produce grown conventionally (greenhouse

and outdoors).

3. The final research question was to investigate how relevant stakeholders perceive

the concept of vertical farming and what they believe are current barriers and

opportunities towards uptake of the technology.

4. The purpose of this investigation was to determine ways to supply food to cities in

an energy efficient and sustainable manner from both a quantitative and qualitative

approach.

30


ADVANTAGES

1. Literature reviews to examine the current agricultural practices were exhausting

our natural resources, and whether it was sensible to explore other farming options.

2. Knowing the history and overview of urban agriculture. The history of urban

agriculture was provided because it offered a sense of the history and development

of the concept, its applications in the past and today, and the advantages and

disadvantages associated.

3. To quantify the energy flows in the building. Also to study how much energy can

be generated on site and how much energy will be used on site. The energy

generation source was from photovoltaic’s, and the energy was used to pump the

water, light the building (for indoor cultivation), and ventilate the building.

4. Conduct the carbon foot print analysis for horizontal conventional and vertical

farming methods.

5. Conduct life cycle analysis of leafy veggies grown vertically.

6. An exploration of social perceptions of relevant stakeholders, and this includes

architects, engineers, and the general public.

7. Conduct semi structured interviews to explore the concept.

8. Conduct the experiments and study to find out the crop growing condition at

different levels of atmosphere.

9. Detailed case study on vertical framing and bio climatic sky scrapers to know the

design process and approach.

31


DIS-ADVANTAGES:

1. The initial phase will be cost intensive, and certain flaws integrated in the system that

may appear during its initial run can still dampen efforts for its full maximization.

2. There will be fewer varieties of foods to choose from because not all plants and

vegetables are suitable in a controlled and limited environment.

3. The public will find it hard to reconcile with the idea of using black water for food

production.

4. Backwater,‖ or the wastewater and sludge from soils, from the vertical farms need an

additional costly filtration system in order to be recycled and conservative of the water

resources.

5. Displacement of agricultural societies, potential loss or displacement of traditional

farming jobs.

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SCOPE AND SUGGESTIONS

1. Reduction in vehicular transport is also foreseen; there will be less demand for delivery

trucks, garbage trucks and other utilities.

2. Overall wellness because city wastes will be channeled directly into the farm building's

recycling system, hence, less bacteria can find its way in the environment and the

atmosphere.

3. Abandoned or unused properties will be used productively.

4. Water can be used more efficiently in a vertical farm.

5. The grey water from office etc can be used efficiently.

6. Crops will be protected from harsh weather conditions and disturbances like typhoons,

hurricanes, floods, droughts, snow and the likes. Food production as well as food

transport will not be affected.

7. Crops will be consumed immediately upon harvest since there is no need to transport

them to far-off places. Spoilage will also be lessened.

8. The use of chemicals as pesticides will be eliminated; hence, even vector borne

diseases can be prevented.

9. Less deforestation and land use, this means less erosion and less flooding.

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CONCLUSION

Vertical farming (i.e., faming in three dimensions) promises to eliminate external natural processes as confounding elements in the production of food, since crops will be grown indoors under carefully selected and well-monitored conditions, insuring an optimal growth rate for each species of plant and animal year round. It is estimated that one acre of vertical farm could be equivalent to as many as ten to twenty traditional soil-based acres, depending upon which crop species is considered. Growing food close to home will lower significantly the amount of fossil fuels needed to deliver them to the consumer, and will eliminate forever the need for fossil fuels during the act of farming.

34


5.A CASE STUDY ON PREPARATION AND APPLICATION ON VERMICOMPOST AT

KLUNIVERSITY

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Objectives



5. Your suggestions

35


INTRODUCTION

In vermi culture, earthworms are effectively used

for maximizing the growth of aerobic bacteria for waste stabilization. When organic

waste applied to a soil containing earthworms, simple compounds are readily degraded

by bacteria, while complex wastes are first broken down to simpler ones by enzymes

produced by earthworms and are then degraded by the bacteria. Since earthworms have

an aerobic gut, the predominance of' aerobic bacteria harbored by earthworms ensures

maximum energy utilization resulting in more biomass production, which in turn speeds

up waste decomposition to a higher rate. Plants and bio-soil also play important role in

vermiculture. While plants absorb the metabolites of earthworms and bacteria, biosoil is

the medium for activities of bacterial earthworms and plants. Soil particles serve as the

grinding medium for earthworm and supply plant nutrients. Vermicastings are the excreta

of earthworms, rich in bacteria and plant nutrients. Vermicastings have beneficial effect

on plant growth due to presence of micro and macro nutrients. Thus all the components

are interdependent. With the above understanding the vermiculture ecosystem can be

assumed to consist of earthworms, bacteria, organic matter, plants, soil and rock particles,

pests, and vermicastings, each performing a distinct function. Vermiculture is rightly

considered as a self-designed, self-regulated, and self-improve! And self-powered

ecosystem.

VERMICASTINGS

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Cine excreta of earthworm are called the vermicasting. Vermicastngs are characterized

by the presence of nutrients, finely ground/partially processed organic matter mixed with

soil and very high microbial density the chemical composition of vermicasting is given in

Table 1. For in-situ vermiprocessing, application of 5 kg/ ml of vermicastings below a

tree is suggested (Bhawalkar, 1995). This is expected to rejuvenate the soil such that it

can take an organic loading of 100 g/ m2d and over a year organic loading could be

stepped up to 1000 g/m2d. The above concepts can be extended to organic wastewater

too, except that hydraulic loading has to be considered additionally. It was observed that

for strong wastewater, organic loading is to be controlled while for dilute wastewater

hydraulic loading is controlling (Bhawalkar, 1995). At present, vermiculture is being

used successfully for solid waste management and its applicability for treatment of liquid

wastes is under investigation. Interestingly, vermiculture can be used for waste

processing by harnessing the entire ecosystem or a part of it that is just by introducing the

vermicastings containing the desired microbial culture. Theoretically, all biodegradable

organic wastes can be stabilized in the presence of a suitable microbial culture.

Vermiculture can also be used for treating toxic wastes by initially applying low organic

loading rates within the tolerance limit of the earthworms till they develop a microbial

culture to crack the recalcitrant molecules.

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OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES:

1. Organic wastes can be broken down and fragmented rapidly by earthworms,

resulting in a stable nontoxic material with good structure, which has a potentially

high economic value and also act as soil conditioner for plant growth.

2. Vermicompost supplies a suitable mineral balance, improves nutrient availability

and could act as complex-fertilizer granules.

3. Vermicomposting involves great reduction in populations of pathogenic

microorganisms, thus not differing from composting from this point of view.

4. Vermicomposting also leads to decrease the environmental problems arising from

their disposal, without needing in many cases to complete the process.

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5. It should be realized that vermicomposting can be a useful cottage industry for the

underprivileged and the economically weak as it can provide them with a

supplementary income.

6. If every village can formulate a cooperative society of unemployed youth/women

group, it could be a wise venture for them to produce vermicompost and sell it

back to the village at a recommended price. The youth will not only earn money,

but also aid society by providing excellent quality organic manure for sustainable

agro-practices.

7. The compost will be ready in 60 to 90 days and the material becomes moderately loose, crumbly with dark brown colour. It will be black, granular, lightweight and

humus-rich.8. Presence of earthworm castings (vermicompost) on the top of the bed is also an

indicator and vermicompost can be harvested.9. Stop watering two to three days before emptying the beds to facilitate separating

the worms from the compost (80 per cent of the worms will move to the bottom of the bed).

10.The harvested material should be placed in a heap in the sun so that most of the worms move down to the cool base of the heap.

11.In the two or four pit system, watering should be stopped in the first chamber so that worms will automatically move to another chamber where the required

environment for the worms are maintained in a cyclic manner and harvesting can be done continuously in cycles.

Disadvantage of Vermicomposting

1. Not all food is suitable for earthworm. Esp. acidic or high salty food, digesting meat, dairy and greasy foods which earthworm does not like it.

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2. High or low temperature, highly may affect survival & performance of earthworm. (Not all placements are suitable.)

3. It is very time consuming on harvesting.

SUGGESTIONS:

1. Vermiculture technology has good potential for application in wastewater treatment in

developing countries. However, this technology is still in its inception stages and further

research needs to be done before it can be commercially used. It has been realized that

this method have several advantages over the conventional wastewater treatment

processes.

2. The treatment plants are simple to construct with no mechanical or electrical

equipment and require minimal maintenance which reduces the operating and

maintenance cost. These plants also exhibit high process stability and extensive

elimination of pathogenic organisms. However, huge land requirements, lack of adequate

understanding and the uncertainties associated with these processes are some of the major

constraints.

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3. Based on the gaps identified in the available literature and experience gained while

conducting the research, following suggestions are offered for future research. Bacteria

seem to be the ultimate workforce for waste processing. So emphasis should be laid on a

detailed understanding of the microbiological aspects of the vermiculture ecosystem.

4. Studies are required to identify the microorganisms which survive in a vermiculture

ecosystem and those which are finally out competed by the faster growing ones. The

ultimate fate of the fungi, yeasts, and pathogenic organisms should be determined

CONCLUSION

1. Vermicomposting involves harnessing the services of epigamic earthworm species

which consume the surface litter for the conversion of organic wastes into vermicompost,

excellent organic manure.

2. Earthworms consume all types of organic waste under conducive conditions; these

include kitchen waste, animal waste, agricultural residues and even paper.

3. Vermicomposting which harnesses these surface dwellers is a faster way of organic

decomposition than pure vermiculture technique using deep burrowing earthworms.

4. But vermicomposting is a wasteful alternative for organic processing as the surface

5. Vermicastings have a wide variety of applications such as management of solid wastes,

liquid wastes, as a bio-sanitation agent, etc.

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6. In this process no technical persons required, it is one of the best way to solid waste

management as well as eco re-functioning to the nature

7. In situ vermifilter containing a layer of vermicastings has been advocated for ground

water recharge, but whether the effluent discharged to the ground is able to satisfy the

disposal standards and its other implications should be investigated.

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