Hedeskov Research Garden is being developed as a framework for projects related to vegetable production, cultivation systems and circular resource use. The physical facilities, including greenhouse structures (Net-zero Energy and polytunnel) and a compost system, are all in place.

Context

Vegetable production and food systems face rising energy costs and increasing dependence on imported produce. At the same time, surplus heat from biological processes often remains unused.

The Research Garden explores how surplus heat, composting and regenerative cultivation methods can be integrated within one system.

The work also builds on the understanding that soil health, cultivation methods and food quality are closely linked to human health. Strengthening soil biology and crop diversity is therefore treated as part of a broader ecological and nutritional perspective.

Research

• Development of food systems based on regenerative cultivation principles

• Testing older vegetable varieties from the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in relation to resilience, taste and nutritional quality

• Integration of compost systems with greenhouse cultivation and heat recovery

• Exploration of circular cultivation methods linking soil health, food production and resource use

Documentation and knowledge development

The garden functions as a living experimental environment where cultivation methods, energy flows and crop performance are documented as the system develops.

Partners / Collaborators

Green Academy
BUILD – Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University