CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT HORTICULTURE
Urban Agriculture
Controlled environment horticulture is a technology-based approach for growing crops in protected environments. By allowing for precise control of factors like light, temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide, CEH utilizes less water, doesn’t rely on increasingly degraded soil for its production, and allows for the year-round production of high-quality crops regardless of geographic location.
At CSU Spur, CEH research and education raise awareness of the possibilities for providing fresh, local produce year-round. At Terra, visitors gain a greater understanding of where their food can come from in an urban setting, the research and technology that goes into production, and the positive impact urban horticulture can have on their lives.
Why Spur?
CSU Spur’s location provides an opportunity to interact with industry in Denver, creating opportunity for greater collaboration and extension opportunities. The urban setting of the campus is a perfect means to showcase CEH as a key component of urban agriculture.
Where You’ll Find Us
The controlled environment horticulture program has three components in the Terra building at the CSU Spur campus.
Rooftop Greenhouse
The 2,100-square-foot rooftop greenhouse houses hydroponic systems to demonstrate new approaches and technologies for controlled environment crop production. The space supports outreach and teaching and equips communities with knowledge and skills.
CEH Lab
The second-floor lab houses four Conviron walk-in growth chambers designed to support cutting-edge research focused on environment optimization — including temperature, lighting, carbon dioxide — to enhance production in both greenhouses and vertical farms.
CEH Demonstration Space
The 175-square-foot demonstration space on the first floor of Terra showcases industry advancement and technology. In partnership with Heliospectra, the first demonstration focuses on LED lighting with an emphasis on light quality (color).
Joshua Craver
Program Lead, Controlled Environment Horticulture
joshua.craver@colostate.edu
(970) 491-7683