DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE COMPOST-BASED HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS TO DIVERSIFY PRODUCTION OF FLAVORFUL AND NUTRIENT-DENSE STRAWBERRIES IN URBAN AGRICULTURE

Specific research, Extension, and teaching objectives include: 1). Examine major types of composts and other recycled organic waste products for their suitability as growing media in protected tabletop hydroponic strawberry systems; 2). Evaluate strawberry genotypic adaptation to compost-based tabletop hydroponic systems; 3). Determine the effectiveness of applying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for enhancing production efficiency of tabletop strawberry systems; 4). Identify economically feasible compost-based hydroponic systems and market opportunities for urban farms; 5). Develop integrated Extension programs and assessment approaches to improve project performance and outcomes for advancing sustainable urban production systems; and 6). Establish experiential-learning opportunities for engaging students in urban agriculture research and outreach.