Henniker, NH

For my senior thesis project, I had the privilege of collaborating with Joshua Cline, an esteemed adjunct professor at New England College situated in the picturesque town of Henniker, New Hampshire. Mr. Cline generously extended an invitation for me to conduct my research within the confines of his state-of-the-art greenhouse facility, which boasted cutting-edge NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic systems. This unique environment provided an exceptional opportunity to delve into a comparative study of two distinct cultivation methods and their impact on the yield of Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as sweet basil. The study focused on the cultivation of sweet basil in two fundamentally different systems: 1) a traditional soil-based growing medium and 2) an advanced hydroponic system. The overarching goal of this research was to discern which of these growing systems demonstrated superior efficacy in terms of crop optimization, taking into account a comprehensive evaluation of inputs and outputs for each respective system. This project not only enabled me to expand my academic horizons but also offered valuable insights into the practical applications of sustainable agricultural practices within controlled environments.