The First School Hydroponics Laboratory in Ukraine Opens in Zhytomyr Region
The first school hydroponics laboratory in Ukraine, named “Green Laboratory — GreenLab,” has been opened at the Reyskyi Lyceum in the Hryshkivtsi territorial community in the Zhytomyr region. The project was implemented thanks to the school’s victory in a competition that provided funding of 300,000 hryvnias.
This is reported by AgroReview
Laboratory Equipment and Operational Features
According to the lyceum’s director, Iryna Komarova, these funds were used to purchase modern hydroponic equipment, which was delivered from Portugal. They waited two months for its arrival. Additionally, a 3D printer was purchased for the laboratory, which was used to create stands for test tubes, pipette tips, and plant pots. New microscopes were also added to the equipment.
“Such systems exist in private institutions and universities, but we are currently the first and only ones in schools. With the prize money we received from the competition, we acquired a system that arrived from Portugal. We waited for it for 2 months. We also bought a 3D printer, which has become an indispensable assistant. We made stands for test tubes, pipette tips, and pots. We also purchased microscopes. The laboratory combines physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science. We not only grow but also learn and research how everything happens,” she said.
Advantages of Hydroponics and Future Plans
The head of the laboratory, Oleksii Bohdanets, emphasized the innovative nature of the system: it operates automatically and fully adheres to the principles of a “smart home.” Irrigation and lighting of the plants can be controlled remotely via a mobile phone. The system allows for the cultivation of up to 240 plants simultaneously in an area of 4.2 square meters, which is significantly more efficient compared to traditional soil methods. Hydroponics helps avoid diseases, weeds, and pests, as well as reduces growing time due to optimized conditions.
Currently, the lyceum students are cultivating six different varieties of lettuce. Today, October 13, the collection of the first harvest begins, which they plan to sell. According to Iryna Komarova, the price for 100 grams of lettuce will range from 25 hryvnias depending on the variety. Entrepreneurs have already been found with whom they plan to sign a contract for further cooperation. Additionally, by the New Year, the students plan to grow the first batch of strawberries.