Greenhouse
Overview of the considerations for the development of a greenhouse with a capacity to grow up to 2,000,000 seedlings per year for reforestation.
Development Phases
A typical gutter-connected greenhouse range is composed of modular sections that can be added or reconfigured as needed, making it suitable for phased development and future expansion.
The design features a high roof and tall walls, both of which contribute to the creation of a substantial contained air mass within the structure. This large volume of air helps to stabilize the internal temperature, facilitating effective and consistent heat control throughout the facility.
In the first phase, a four-bay, gutter-connected range structure will be erected. Each bay will measure 30 feet in width and 120 feet in length. In accordance with standard greenhouse installation practices, the gables of the structure will be oriented to face north and south. Of the four bays, three will be dedicated to crop production, while the fourth bay, located on the west side, will be reserved for supporting equipment. This includes facilities for sowing, irrigation, harvesting, and storage.
The second phase will focus on expanding the facility by adding three additional crop production bays to the west side of the existing structure. This will double the crop output, with the equipment bay centralized for efficient material handling.
The third phase of development will involve the addition of three bays to the west side of the facility. Total cavities sown 2,138,400, with estimated yield of 1,800,000 seedlings
Location
When assessing the suitability of a location for a greenhouse installation, several critical factors must be considered.
Site Suitability Criteria
Additional Site Considerations
Site Suggestions
Two sites have been suggested for the greenhouse facilities.
- One is directly south of Edzo town site, across the highway from the firehall and near the shores of Great Slave Lake.
- The second is ~12 km west of Edzo, south of the main highway at Mosquito Creek.
Both sites are in areas known to have “ discontinuous Perma Frost” and additionally both sites have suitability large areas cleared of vegetation which has been shown to further reduce Perma frost, which will ease some of the challenges of site preparation.
Comparison
Using the criteria from above to evaluate the two sites
| Criteria | Edzo | Mosquito Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Water Availability and Quality | Test well required, see Water Supply below. | Test well required |
| Electrical Supply | Three phase available | No power available |
| Climate Considerations | Similar climate, see Crop Cycle below | Similar climate, see Crop Cycle below |
| Proximity to Workforce | Less than 1 Km | 12 Km |
| Snow and Wind Loads | Low risk | Low risk |
| Pest Presence | Mice and Voles | Mice and Voles |
| Drainage / Environmental Risks | Treatment ponds due south of site | No ponds available |
Providing grid supplied electricity to the Mosquito Creek site will be quite cost prohibitive, unless there were other projects the Tłı̨chǫ Government are considering for the future along that section of the highway, the Edzo site, from this analysis, is the best choice for the greenhouse installation.
Water Supply
Discussions with a local well driller and studies of similar areas near Whati show that drilling a well is the most practical option for supplying irrigation water to this project. As a backup, the Edzo water delivery truck system could be used. Using water from Great Slave Lake was considered, but high sediment, long pipe runs, and deep trenching required to prevent freezing make it too costly.
If the Tłı̨chǫ Government approves the Edzo site as the location for the greenhouse, a Land Use Permit will be necessary before drilling the water well and analyzing water samples. This permit will also include the bore holes needed for the required geotechnical survey prior to installing the greenhouse footings.
Crop Propagation Cycle
Nursery To Forest Solutions, a forestry seedling consultancy, evaluated the growing conditions of a greenhouse in Edzo, NWT. Their report concludes that Black Spruce seedlings can be successfully grown from March to October in a Styroblock 309A without the need for supplemental or photo period extension lighting. However, photo period extension lighting is highly recommended and included in the greenhouse supplier's quote to equip grow staff with crop control options.
Cold Storage and Offices
Seedlings harvested in October need to be kept in cold storage. Storing palletized boxes efficiently can be done using multi-tiered racks inside a specialized, climate-controlled warehouse. The facility also accommodates an office area, lunchroom, washrooms, and space for seed processing.
Production Equipment
A full array of seeding, material handling, harvesting, irrigation and crop moving equipment is required. Also a Production Bay needs to be set up with water storage tanks, fertilizer storage and modular configuration for a sow line and harvest line with block washing system.
Investment
Phase One
Initial Structure
Phase Two
Expansion
Phase Three
Final Expansion