Learn about the various aspects of cultivation in this column, featuring interviews with experts from different sides of the cultivation process as well as thoughtful commentary from co-columnists Gretchen Schimelpfenig, PE, a Senior Energy Engineer at Energy Resources Integration, LLC; Zac Hildenbrand, PhD, professor at the University of Texas at El Paso, the principal founder of Inform Environmental, a partner of Medusa Analytical, and a director of the Curtis Mathes Corporation; and Hannia Mendoza, an MS Chemistry student at The University of Texas at El Paso.

The Cultivation Classroom

Gretchen Schimelpfenig is a Senior Energy Engineer at Energy Resources Integration, LLC where she implements energy efficiency programs and provides direct consulting services. She is the former Technical Director of the Resource Innovation Institute and manager of the organization’s Technical Advisory Council. She authored RII’s Lighting, HVAC, and Facility Design & Construction Best Practices Guides for Controlled Environment Agriculture and the Lighting, HVAC, and Controls Best Practices Guides for Cannabis Cultivation. She has worked with partners like the University of Vermont to optimize commercial and industrial buildings, including greenhouses and controls systems used for academic research on hemp and other cultivars. She has a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Wyoming and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Stanford University. She is a licensed Civil Professional Engineer in California and Vermont.

Articles

This article provides insights on the latest findings from academic researchers exploring the impacts of emerging technology on hemp grown for cannabidiol (CBD).

Cornell University Research on Hemp Responses to Light Treatments, Part 1

In this article, we dive deeper into the physical, cellular, and molecular adaptions that plants demonstrate in response to light intensity and spectrum.

Shining a Light on Cannabis Photobiology

How can greenhouse cultivators improve profitability by installing high-efficiency heating systems to reduce energy costs?

Heating Technologies Improve Profitability for Cannabis Greenhouses

This column reviews a study published by cannabis industry design and construction professionals and describes the impact of energy regulations affecting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system selection in cannabis production facilities.

Integrated HVAC Systems for Cannabis Cultivation Have the Lowest Life Cycle Cost

This article provides insights into the opportunities involving the genetic modification of cannabis. 

Maximizing Cultivation Efficiency Through the Utilization of Genetic Technology

This column expresses how cannabis facilities that invest in RCx projects can enhance equipment reliability and worker safety, improve conditions for plant growth and development, increase canopy yields, and reduce maintenance costs.

Retrocommissioning Pays Dividends

A look at what epigenetics means, how other plant industries have used or studied them, and how that can be applied to cannabis to improve yields, plant genetics, and solve plant illness.

Epigenetics: Decoding the Effects of Environmental Factors in Cannabis Cultivation

Casey Houweling, the inventor of the semi-closed greenhouse, explains how this greenhouse concept came about, the challenges he’s had developing it, and the potential it holds for the future of the cannabis industry.

The Semi-Closed Greenhouse: A Revolution in Cultivation and Energy Efficiency

Learn how having a firm understanding of how you plan to use your facility, what power options are available, and strong partners can guide you to the best solution which is critical to your bottom line.

Powering CEA: Power Supply Solutions for CEA Facilities

When it comes to cannabis cultivation, growers have their own methods on how to get the best products from their plants. Through using different soils, irrigation practices, lighting, and other approaches, each item plays an important role in how the plant matures. In this interview, David Cohen, CEO of Fluence, discusses the rise in LED lighting methods and how it can be the best tool for the industry.