Additional Researches

Annex

Additional researches

01 “Embracing Nature”

Symasya

02 03 Index

01 Material 07

02 Plants 17

03 Combinations 43

04 Lights 69

04 05 Research on the material

Design opportunity of the material and feasibility for growing plants

06 07 Paper Can we use paper for growing plants?

From the research made, it appears that paper pulp itself has never been used as a soil for growing plants in agriculture. However exi- sting researches and case studies have con- firmend that it is possible and feasible, on a technological point of view, and it has also benefits for plants and soil.

Paper pulp is an organic material, since it is a raw material for paper manufacture that contains vegetable, mineral, or man-made fibres. So, since it is organic, plants can grow in it. Despite it has never been used as soil itself, there are plenty of case studies sugge- sting that paper sludges coming from paper wastes, moixtured, can be used as compost and as a revitalising material for fields in agriculture.

From an article of the Agriculture Research Service of the U.S. department of agriculture (Avant, S., 2019), it is shown how the ARS helped the U.S. military to solve the problem of reve- getating damaged training grounds through the usage of classified paper that has been pulverized, so unrecyclable. The research showed how placing this paper waste on the damaged fields helped soil restoration and increased the growth of grass again.

08 09 A research from the Internatio- gh paper sludges and their com- nal Journal of Agronomy (2010) posts are largely available, their written by Adrien N’Dayegamiye use in agriculture is still low due has showed the opportunities of to the high cost associated to using paper sludge in agricultu- their acquisition and their appli- re. The research includes a ini- cation to the soils. However, the tial deinking process for making use of these organic materials the paper completely organic. may sustain crop yields and soil Fine debris are initially separated productivity in intensive cropping from the mixture in a sedimenta- systems. The utilization of paper tion basin to produce the primary sludges as source of both plant sludge, followed by extraction in nutrients and organic matter to a second basin where the water improve soil structure is of high in- soluble fibers are digested by the terest to maintain soil productivi- microorganisms to produce the ty particularly in low carbon input secondary sludge. Mineral fer- rotation systems (N’Dayegamiye, tilizers (N, P, and K) are generally A., Drapeau, A. and Nduwamungu, added in the second basin to C., 2010). stimulate microorganism growth and activity. From these data we can under- stand that creating a soil with This paper sludges are used as paper pulp is not just possible, compost and also for revitali- but has huge opportunities of sing soil. The benefits for soil and development and benefits for plants are plenty: for example plants and the environment. paper sludges are known as li- gnin-rich organic material that resist against mineralization and therefore contribute to increase the soil organic matter content. Secondly applications of paper sludges and vegetable residues with high Nitrogen contents and C:N ratios of 12–25 have shown a net Nitrogen mineralization and this contributed to better whe- at and corn nutrition and yields. (N’Dayegamiye, A., Drapeau, A. and Nduwamungu, C., 2010)

According to the source althou-

10 11 First test Germination in paper pulp

During the phase of the research a first expe- per pulp. We have planted seeds (in this case, riment to test the feasibility of the material as using vegetables seeds because easier to a growin soil has been conducted. The aim of find on the market). The test has -been wa this first prototypation was to test the phase tered through a spray daily. After one week of germination of plants in paper pulp and to seeds started to inflate and after two weeks test if a plant can actually grow in a shallow those were completely germinated. The test soil. This test was first made preparing the ma- was successful because it proved that paper terial. For making the material as more similar pulp can be esaily used as a soil, since in this to our product, so using the soft paper pulp, case no nutrients were added. Secondly the we have blended toilet paper (100% celulose) depth ended up to be sufficient for the phase and created a 1 cm layer of compressed pa- of germination of the plants.

12 13 Soil ingredients Most common ingredients for soil

The primary ingredient in most Vermiculite is a mined mineral potting soils is sphagnum peat that is conditioned by heating moss. It is well-draining and until it expands into light particles. well-aerated, but it’s very low in It’s used to increase the porosity available nutrients and it has of potting soil mixes. In potting soil, an acidic pH, typically ranging vermiculite also adds calcium between 3.5 and 4.5. Limestone and magnesium, and increases is added to peat-based potting the mix’s water-holding capacity. mixes to help balance the pH. Coarse sand improves draina- An alternative to peat moss is a ge and adds weight to potting by-product of the coconut indu- mixes. Mixes formulated for cacti stry, coir, which looks and acts a and other succulents tend to lot like sphagnum peat moss in have a higher percentage of co- both commercial and DIY pot- arse sand in their composition to ting soil blends. It has more nu- ensure ample drainage. trients than peat moss and lasts even longer. Coir fiber’s pH is clo- Pulverized calcitic limestone is se to neutral, so it does not need added to peat-based potting to add limestone to balance. It soils to neutralize their pH. is also more sustainable than sphagnum peat moss. Fertilizers are usually added to peat-based potting soils becau- Perlite is a mined, volcanic rock. se these mixes don’t naturally When it’s heated, it expands, contain enough nutrients to sup- making perlite particles look like port optimum plant growth. The small, white balls of Styrofoam. main nutrients fundamental for It is a lightweight, sterile addition the growth of the plants are N (ni- to potting mixes. It holds three to trogen), P (phosohorus), K (potas- four times its weight in water, in- sium), better if in a ratius of N-P-K creases pore space, and impro- 1-2-1. (Welliser, J., 2019 ) ves drainage.

14 15 Research on plants

Selection of plants based on the dimension of roots and feasibility

16 17 Blue Pearl Blue Giant Graptoveria Graptosedum Hybrid

Moon Silver Golden Glow Succulents Pachyphytum Sedum Hybrid Absorbation of electroma- gnetic radiations

Chocolate Soldier Zebra Cactus Kalanchoe Tomentosa Haworthia

Hen and Chicks “Living Stone” Plant Sempervivum Lithops

18 19 Features

Timing Roots Care Water Light Soil

Succulents can last The selected species They need very litt- Little: 3 times a week Resist to direct light. Need a well drena- years. Germination is are shallow-rooted, le care, only water when germinating, Preferes enlighted ged soil, otherwise slow, it can last up to with a maximum oh once in a while and then once. places. the roots rot. 6 months. 1,5/2 inches depth. pruning.

Sources: - Daniels, E. (2018) - Andrychowicz, A. ‘How to make your own succulent soil’ - Getbusygardening.com Succulentbox ‘How to stimulate root growth in succulents’

20 21 Filmy fern Fern Hymenophyllaceae Asplenium ruta-muraria

Ferns Air purification and absorbation of Silver lace fern Rabbit foot fern elecrtomagnetic radiations Pteris ensiformis Humata tyermannii

Maidenhair Fern Fern Adiantum Pteris Cretica

22 23 Features

Timing Roots Care Water Light Soil

2 to 6 months for Variable size (ran- Need a lot of humidi- 1 to 2 inch of water No direct sun, but not Poor soil condition germinating. Very ging from minute ty, which means that per week too shaded. For ar- are better. Well dre- long lasting (up to filmy plants only 1–1.2 the user needs to tificial light is better naged soil is needed. 100 years). cm tall to huge tree moisture constantly. a LED or fluorescent ferns 10 to 25 metres strip, not a light bulb. in height), the selected species are shallow-rooted.

Sources: - Schwartz, M. (2018) - Yatskievych, G. et Al. (2020) - Wallington, J.(2016)

24 25 Bryophyte Bryophyta Sphagnum Takakia lepidozioides

Moss Acoustic isolation, control temperature, air purification, Polytrichum com- absorbe moisture mune Funaria hygrometrica Dicranum Scoparium

Hookeria Lucens Bartramia halleriana Bryopsida

26 27 Features

Timing Roots Care Water Light Soil

Fast growth, betwe- It has no roots but If some pieces are Water frequently but No direct light The soil is better to en 7 to 28 days to rhizoids, very small dying you need to not too much. Since be a bit acid, with a germinate. Long la- and shallow. remove the part they don’t have ro- Ph between 5 and 6 sting. to facilitate the re- ots they don’t need growth. water in the soil but int he leaves... it’s indi- cate to water it in the afternoon, at least once a day.

Sources: - Rahoumi, T. (2016) - Mosslovers ‘Does moss have roots? Are rhizoids roots?’ - Mountainmoss ‘Watering your moss garden’

28 29 Tall Fescue Bermudagrass Festuca arundinacea Cynodon dactylon

Grass Air cleaning, traps dust, re- duces heating, reduced stress Buffalograss and improve wellness Zoysia Bouteloua dactyloides

Centipede Grass Carpet Grass Eremochloa ophiuroides Axonopus

30 31 Features

Timing Roots Care Water Light Soil

5 to 10 days (not in Roots grow down It can reach the total Better to spray water Grasses need four to soil must be proper- winter as it won’t ger- into the earth. Typi- height of 6’-12”. Once (two or three times six hours of direct sun ly drainaged and full minate). Lasts up to cally, grass roots are the grass reaches 3 a day for five to 10 to survive. Fine fe- of nutrients. It is sel- 7-10 years. fibrous, or threadlike. to 4 inches, it’s time minutes for the first scues have the gre- f-sustaining, which They extend into the for the first mow. week). When it grows atest shade toleran- means that does not soil like fingers, col- high enough to mow, ce among common need external nu- lecting nutrients, so- water it 1 to 1.5 inches cool-season gras- trients. aking up water and per week, so that the ses, while tall fescues securing the plant to soil is moist but not do well in moderate the ground. soggy. Better water shade. grass before 10 a.m., or between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Sources: - Stma.org ‘Eight benefits of natural grass’ - Harris, T. ‘How Grass Works’ - This old house ‘How to Grow Grass Fast’

32 33 Thymus Coriander Thymus praecox Coriandrum sativum

Herbs Culinary and medical use. Smells and essences Blue Boy Rosemary Golden Rain Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis Rosmarinus officinalis

Mint Mentha piperita

34 35 Features

Timing Roots Care/Water Light Soil

Thyme Germination from 14 6 inches total hei- Little water, needs It prefers partial sha- Well drenaged soil to 28 days. Long la- ght roots and plants, pruning to grow thi- de to perform best makes it last longer. sting shallow roots. cker

Rosemary 3/4 weeks to germi- 3 to 5 inches to- Spray water and pla- Needs full sun. Prefers a well drena- nate. Long lasting. tal height roots and ce in a enlighted pla- It resist in hot climate, ged soil. plants, shallow roots. ce very suitable for cali- fornia

Coriander 7 to 20 days to ger- Shallow roots, those Needs very little care, Not strong light, best No partcular features minate. Long lasting. grow bigger when and not too much shaded spaces. are needed. the plant grows. water.

Mint 10 to 15 days to ger- Shallow roots, few If grows with few hu- Not strong light, best No partcular features minate. Long lasting. centimeters. midity it grows less shaded spaces. are needed. in space but has a stronger essence.

Sources: - Mountain Valley Growers - Balcony Garden Web ‘How To ‘Ground cover thymes’ Grow Cilantro In A Pot | Growing - Epic gardening (2019) Coriander In Containers’ - Grant, B. L. and Badgett, B. - MasterClass (2020) (2020) - Iannotti, M. (2021)

36 37 Creeping Jenny Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny aurea Lysimachia nummularia

Frog foot Chia Flowers Phyla nodiflora Salvia hispanica Smells and ornamental. In some cases culinary use.

Alyssum Daisy Lobularia maritima Bellis perennis

Johnny-jump-ups Forget-me-nots Viola cornuta Myosotis

38 39 Features

Timing Roots Care/Water Light Soil

Lysimachia Long lasting Shallow, spreads in Needs pruning It adapts to light, sha- No acid soil horizontal (not verti- ded spaced make cal) the leaves greener

Frog foot Harder to grow from Shallow Needs pruning and It’s a southern plant, Adaptive (no specific seeds but feasible, more water in sum- resists to hot climate needs) long lasting mer.

Chia Longer germination, Shallow More water during It’s a southern plant, Adaptive (no specific long lasting the germination and resists to hot climate needs) drier later.

Alyssum Long lasting and ra- Shallow Moisture when the Prefers sunny spaces, Adaptive to every pid germination. soil is dry, not much but too much sun will soil, although it ma- effort needed. make more leaves kes more flowers in and less flowers- poorer soils.

Wild Flowers Germination in 10-15 Shallow Very little care, just They adapt to sun, Adaptive (no specific days. water when the soil but better not too needs) is dry. strong sunlight.

Sources: - Richerds, J. (2018) - Floral Encounters ‘Alyssum Se- eds (Lobularia maritima)’

40 41 Combination of plants

Different combinations for different needs, home conditions and users skills.

42 43 Symbiotic plants Moss + Succulents Moss + Ferns

Drier soil Drier soil

Dicranum Bartramia Dicranum Bartramia Bryophyte Scoparium halleriana Bryopsida Bryophyte Scoparium halleriana Bryopsida

Chocolate “Living Stone” Blue Giant Soldier Zebra Cactus Plant Silver lace Rabbit foot Fern

More humid soil More humid soil

Takakia Polytrichum Funaria Hookeria Takakia Polytrichum Funaria Hookeria Sphagnum lepidozioides commune hygrometrica Lucens Sphagnum lepidozioides commune hygrometrica Lucens

Maidenhair Blue Pearl Blue Giant Golden Glow Hen and Chicks Filmy fern Fern Fern

44 45 Low maintenance Moss + Succulents Grass + Herbs

Drier soil Less water

Dicranum Bartramia Bryophyte Scoparium halleriana Bryopsida Thymus Coriander

Chocolate “Living Stone” Centipede Blue Giant Soldier Zebra Cactus Plant Bermudagrass Zoysia Grass

More humid soil More water

Takakia Polytrichum Funaria Hookeria Blue Boy Blue Boy Sphagnum lepidozioides commune hygrometrica Lucens Rosemary Rosemary Mint

Blue Pearl Blue Giant Golden Glow Hen and Chicks Tall Fescue Buffalograss Carpet Grass

46 47 Low maintenance Herbs + Succulents Moss + Grass

Less water Drier soil

Dicranum Bartramia Thymus Coriander Bryophyte Scoparium halleriana Bryopsida

Chocolate “Living Stone” Centipede Blue Giant Soldier Zebra Cactus Plant Bermudagrass Zoysia Grass

More water More humid soil

Blue Boy Blue Boy Takakia Polytrichum Funaria Hookeria Rosemary Rosemary Mint Sphagnum lepidozioides commune hygrometrica Lucens

Blue Pearl Blue Giant Golden Glow Hen and Chicks Tall Fescue Buffalograss Carpet Grass

48 49 Shaded houses Grass + Herbs Moss + Grass

Dicranum Bartramia Thymus Coriander Bryophyte Scoparium halleriana Bryopsida

Centipede Centipede Bermudagrass Zoysia Grass Bermudagrass Zoysia Grass

Succulents + Ferns Moss + Ferns

Chocolate “Living Stone” Dicranum Bartramia Blue Giant Soldier Zebra Cactus Plant Bryophyte Scoparium halleriana Bryopsida

Silver lace Rabbit foot Fern Silver lace Rabbit foot Fern

50 51 Sunny houses Flowers + Herbs Moss + Succulents

Creeping Jenny Creeping Johnny- Takakia Polytrichum Funaria Hookeria aurea Jenny Frog foot Chia Alyssum Daisy jump-ups Daisy Sphagnum lepidozioides commune hygrometrica Lucens

Blue Boy Blue Boy Rosemary Rosemary Coriander Blue Pearl Blue Giant Golden Glow Hen and Chicks

Flowers + Grass Succulents + Ferns

Creeping Jenny Creeping Johnny- aurea Jenny Frog foot Chia Alyssum Daisy jump-ups Daisy Blue Pearl Blue Giant Golden Glow Hen and Chicks

Maidenhair Tall Fescue Buffalograss Carpet Grass Filmy fern Fern Fern

52 53 Sunny houses Flowers + Herbs + Grass Moss + Succulents + Ferns

Creeping Jenny Creeping Johnny- Takakia Polytrichum Funaria Hookeria aurea Jenny Frog foot Chia Alyssum Daisy jump-ups Daisy Sphagnum lepidozioides commune hygrometrica Lucens

Blue Boy Blue Boy Rosemary Rosemary Coriander Blue Pearl Blue Giant Golden Glow Hen and Chicks

Maidenhair Tall Fescue Buffalograss Carpet Grass Filmy fern Fern Fern

54 55 Humid houses Grass + Ferns Moss + Grass

Less water Drier soil

Takakia Polytrichum Funaria Hookeria Silver lace Rabbit foot Fern Sphagnum lepidozioides commune hygrometrica Lucens

Centipede Centipede Bermudagrass Zoysia Grass Bermudagrass Zoysia Grass

More water More humid soil

Dicranum Bartramia Tall Fescue Buffalograss Carpet Grass Bryophyte Scoparium halleriana Bryopsida

Maidenhair Filmy fern Fern Fern Tall Fescue Buffalograss Carpet Grass

56 57 Humid houses Moss + Ferns Moss + Ferns + Grass

Dicranum Bartramia Bryophyte Scoparium halleriana Bryopsida

Silver lace Rabbit foot Fern

Moss + Ferns Silver lace Rabbit foot Fern

Takakia Polytrichum Funaria Hookeria Sphagnum lepidozioides commune hygrometrica Lucens

Centipede Bermudagrass Zoysia Grass

Maidenhair Filmy fern Fern Fern

58 59 Humid houses Air purification Moss + Ferns + Grass Grass + Ferns

Less water

Takakia Polytrichum Funaria Hookeria Sphagnum lepidozioides commune hygrometrica Lucens

Silver lace Rabbit foot Fern

Centipede Bermudagrass Zoysia Grass

Maidenhair Filmy fern Fern Fern More water

Tall Fescue Buffalograss Carpet Grass

Maidenhair Filmy fern Fern Fern

60 61 Air purification Succulents + Ferns Moss + Ferns

Chocolate “Living Stone” Dicranum Bartramia Blue Giant Soldier Zebra Cactus Plant Bryophyte Scoparium halleriana Bryopsida

Silver lace Rabbit foot Fern Silver lace Rabbit foot Fern

Succulents + Ferns Moss + Ferns

Takakia Polytrichum Funaria Hookeria Blue Pearl Blue Giant Golden Glow Hen and Chicks Sphagnum lepidozioides commune hygrometrica Lucens

Maidenhair Maidenhair Filmy fern Fern Fern Filmy fern Fern Fern

62 63 Air purification Succulents + Grass Moss + Succulents

Drier soil

Chocolate “Living Stone” Blue Giant Soldier Zebra Cactus Plant

Dicranum Bartramia Bryophyte Scoparium halleriana Bryopsida

Centipede Bermudagrass Zoysia Grass

Chocolate “Living Stone” Blue Giant Soldier Zebra Cactus Plant Succulents + Grass More humid soil

Takakia Polytrichum Funaria Hookeria Blue Pearl Blue Giant Golden Glow Hen and Chicks Sphagnum lepidozioides commune hygrometrica Lucens

Tall Fescue Buffalograss Carpet Grass Blue Pearl Blue Giant Golden Glow Hen and Chicks

64 65 Air purification Moss + Grass

Drier soil

Dicranum Bartramia Bryophyte Scoparium halleriana Bryopsida

... Many other combinations

Centipede possible Bermudagrass Zoysia Grass

More humid soil

Takakia Polytrichum Funaria Hookeria Sphagnum lepidozioides commune hygrometrica Lucens

Tall Fescue Buffalograss Carpet Grass

66 67 Research on lights

Colors and frequencies suitables for growing plants and the available technologies

68 69 Light Role of light in plants growth

A crucial component in the growth of a plant besides water and oxygen, is sunlight. Light is a crucial component of the plant’s nourish- ment, since by receiving it, a plant is able to convert sunlight into edible food that it can use. This process is called photosynthesis.

Light behaves like a waves and the visible part of light is just a fraction of all the spectrum of frequencies. An important thing to know when growing plants is that light has different properties depending on its wavelength. For example, a source of light with a wavelength of around 650 nm will be detected as having a red colour and will have a different impact on the plant growth compared to a blue light.

Thanks to the recent developments in LED (light emitting diode) grow light technology, specific light wavelengths can now be isola- ted in order to control the different physical properties that a plant displays as it deve- lops throughout its life cycle. These properties include, but are not limited to, height, weight, color, and texture, as well as the chemi- cal composure of the plant itself. As a plant grows, you can use LED grow lights to mani- pulate these physical properties depending on the plant characteristics that you desire.

70 71 Colours The Effects of colours on plants

Visible Spectrum the sun. It also controls a plant’s compared to other light colours cellular respiration and lessens such as blue. Employing this type water loss through evaporation of light would be as a pigment during hot and dry conditions. for proper viewing of your plants in the grow room or grow box, but 700 nm 400 nm 500 nm 600 nm Blue light also has an effect on not necessary for the growth of photosynthesis, and more expo- the plant itself. sure to this light can increase a plant’s growth and maturity rates. Yellow (570 nm to 590 nm) This process is called photomor- phogenesis. This frequency has no particula impact on the growing process. Green (495 nm to 570 nm) Plants exhibit less growth compared to blue and red light, that Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet Plants have a green colour. This are more useful on that point of is due to the fact that they ab- view. sorb all of the colours in the li- Ultraviolet (20nm to 380 nm) ced. Additionally, the plant’s an- ght spectrum (blue, red, violet, Red (620 nm to nm 750) tioxidants are able to perform etc) but reflect the green one. As Being exposed to UV light for a their functions more efficiently, such, only the green light is boun- Red is the second fundamental long period has harmful effects. which prevents the cells in the ced back to our eyes. colour for plants. It is responsible Likewise, exposure to this type of plant from being damaged. for making plants flower and pro- light will damage plants. In fact, Even with the relatively low duce fruit. It’s also essential to a plants raised without exposure Blue (450 nm to 495 nm) amount absorbed compared to plant’s early life for seed germi- to UV light exhibited enhanced the other colours, a study found nation, root growth, and bulb de- growth. Blue light has one of the largest that green light enhances the velopment. When combined with effects on the development of a production of chlorophyll which blue light it yields more leaves Violet (380 nm to 445 nm) plant. Multiple studies have shown helps with photosynthesis while and crops, depending on what is that exposing a plant to this co- giving the plants a greener color. being grown. When a plant receives visible lour influences the formation of Overall, adding the green colour violet light, the colour, taste, and chlorophyll, which enables the to your plants does not have From, Baessler, L. (2020) and Thie- aroma of the plant are enhan- plant to intake more energy from much effect in their life process le, C. (2019)

72 73 Technology Sources of lights

Fluorescent Lights

The standard fluorescent bulb, makes a de- cent grow light for houseplants, starting seeds, supplementing the natural light of a window, and other situations where lighting needs are modest. They are fairly weak in light intensity, however, and must be placed within a few inches of the foliage to have much of an effect. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) are an option for small spaces.

HID Lights

Before the advent of LED grow lights, HID were the main option for large indoor plantings. They are extremely powerful, but are expensive to purchase, consume electricity ineffi- ciently, require special light fixtures, and give off a lot of heat. All that said, they are very effective and are still widely used. It is espe- cially indicated to grow large plants like to- matoes or lemon bushes, because the light penetrates farther into the foliage than with other bulbs.

There are two types of HID bulbs. High-pres- sure sodium (HPS) bulbs are best for flowering (low spectrum), while MH (metal halide) bulbs are required to support vegetative growth (high spectrum); the two types are often used in conjunction. Unfortunately, each type re- quires its own fixture.

74 75 LED Lights

LEDs use half the electricity and last five times longer, while in the past this technology was more expensive, it is getting more and more affordable and available. LED grow bulbs are capable of much greater light intensity than fluorescent bulbs and are available in full- spectrum form or in different colours. Fluo- rescent bulbs are often used when growing just a handful of plants; LEDs are preferable for larger quantities since you can achieve higher light intensity per square foot. They produce very little heat compared to other bulbs, so it is the best option because it does not dry the plants and it is safer when put into paper, like in our product.

An important advantage of LED technology is that there are plenty of small powerful op- tions with different shapes (LED stripes, modules) that just need electric connection and no other special fixture, making it easy to as- semble and put into a product; secondly LEDs can be incorporated with timer and sensors, that can be controlled remotely, on the market there are already available modules with these components, making it very easy and cheap to produce product with wireless LED.

From Barth, B. (2018) and Levinson, S. (2020).

76 77 Project realized for the course of Innovation Studio during the Master in Product Service System Design at Politecnico di Milano

by Glenda Marie Galzote, Longyue Huang, Elisa Lanfredi and Shuming Jin

78 79 80