What started as an effort to control the primary variables of plant growth (light, temperature, and humidity) for student experiments in plant science, has become the Grow Smart Grow Space, a small room with large south and west facing windows overlooking the Swiss Alps, that is controllable using microcontroller technology (Arduino), sensors (light, temperature, soil moisture, humidity, etc.), and actuators (water pumps, fans, lights, heaters, humidifiers, etc.). Currently the control is limited to water pumps and fans, but the goal is to provide a testing chamber that will more completely control plant growth conditions and allow for research grade experimentation.
If ANYONE has any leads on other groups working on building climate controlled growing spaces, especially in conjunction with schools and education, or if you would like to learn more about the project please write to [email protected] or leave a comment below.