Shandong Province’s Zibo City has transformed a disused mining pit into a flourishing rose greenhouse as part of the Da Kui Mountain Flower-Energy Complementary Demonstration Project. With over 120,000 rose plants blooming under carefully controlled conditions, the project demonstrates how sustainable technology can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for economic and agricultural development.
The Smart Greenhouse and Its Unique Features
The intelligent greenhouse takes advantage of geothermal resources from the abandoned mine, leveraging the constant year-round temperature of 16°C within the pit. Key innovations include:
- Geothermal Energy Utilization: The warm winter and cool summer conditions provided by the mine reduce the need for external heating and cooling, lowering energy consumption.
- Automated Systems: Integrated smart controls regulate temperature, humidity, and light, ensuring optimal growing conditions for the roses.
- Resource Efficiency: By reusing mine water for irrigation, the system conserves freshwater resources while providing consistent hydration to the plants.
Economic and Social Benefits
- Increased Productivity: The controlled environment allows for continuous cultivation, with roses reaching peak bloom cycles year-round.
- E-Commerce Expansion: Fresh-cut roses are efficiently sorted and shipped nationwide through online platforms, reducing market barriers and increasing revenue.
- Job Creation: The project has created employment opportunities for locals, from greenhouse management to packaging and logistics.
Environmental Sustainability
- Repurposing Abandoned Land: By converting a former environmental hazard into productive agricultural land, the project minimizes waste and restores the landscape.
- Carbon Footprint Reduction: The use of geothermal energy significantly cuts greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional greenhouse heating methods.
Global Relevance
This innovative model offers a blueprint for other regions with abandoned mines or similar challenges. By combining agricultural innovation with environmental restoration, such projects address food production, job creation, and sustainability in one integrated approach.
The Da Kui Mountain Flower-Energy Complementary Demonstration Project is a powerful example of how technology and ingenuity can revitalize abandoned spaces into thriving agricultural enterprises. This initiative not only supports sustainable farming but also demonstrates the immense potential of smart agriculture to address environmental challenges and boost local economies.
