Project to grow onions without soil

Onions could be grown commercially without soil following a ground-breaking partnership between Essex University and major supplier Stourgarden.

Tracy Lawson, of Essex’s School of Life Sciences, is using innovative techniques to grow onions aeroponically and help Stourgarden explore ways to make the production process more environmentally friendly.

Based in Great Horkesley, north of Colchester, Sourgarden is one of the UK’s biggest onion growers. The company supplies supermarkets, global restaurant chains and food manufacturers.

Air and mist

Professor Lawson believes growing onions aeroponically in an air and mist environment could be more sustainable that growing them in fields. She hopes it could reduce the carbon footprint of the crop and reduce disease outbreaks.

“This project is extremely exciting as it expands on our ongoing research focused on manipulating light within controlled environments and vertical farms. We’re now channelling this expertise towards a crop with diverse growth stages.”

The research partnership using aeroponic equipment supplied by LettUsGrow could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, speed up growth and prevent disease which can leave soil unusable for future crops.

Stourgarden project lead Jonathan Bell says putting onion growing under the microscope will allow the company to better understand the crop’s growth and how environmental conditions affect plant development.

“We will be looking at how Controlled Environment Agriculture can play a part in the supply of onions to UK consumers. To wholly replace traditional field production is not the aim, but [it could have] a role in improving current growing and supply.”

The onions are grown in air and irrigated using a nutrient-dense mist. This benefits the plant by increasing access to oxygen and boosting plant health, resulting in increased growth rates and yields. This method is resource efficient because it reduces use of fertiliser and water.

The experiment is being undertaken in a shipping container. Results so far have shown onion plants respond well in a controlled environment.

Prof Lawson says the plan now is to build on that knowledge and take the research further.

Have your say on future of livestock market

Eastern region farmers are being urged to have their say on plans to secure the future of Norwich livestock market.

Norwich City Council is holding a public consultation on proposals to move the market to a new location, close to major transport links outside the city. The plan will require parliamentary approval, which the council plans to seek later this year.

The current market has operated from a small site off Hall Road in Norwich since 1960. The council is asking for comments on the proposal to move location before it is discussed by councillors in the autumn.

It said: “The new market will meet the need to provide superior welfare facilities for livestock, help the industry meet the growing calls for greater food security and, food provenance and reduce food miles.”

Investment needed

Norwich Livestock Market has been a feature of the city for hundreds of years. One of the region’s last remaining markets, it requires investment to improve the site facilities and broaden its business activities.

The NFU says it supports the provision of a livestock market in a suitable location for farmers. In evidence to the council, the union highlighted the key role played by livestock farming across East Anglia.

NFU regional director Zoe Leach said: “It’s vital that farmers can access a successful, vibrant livestock market. It’s important for farm businesses, the rural economy and a landscape shaped by grazing livestock.”

Ms Leach added: “After prolonged uncertainty, we welcome this consultation, and we hope members will take this opportunity to get involved.”

The consultation runs until 26th August at gettalking.norwich.gov.uk.