Design by MIZU
MIZU Projects
MIZU Ecofarms designs sustainable systems that produce premium vegetables, while minimising impacts on the environment by supporting high density growing, in a closed loop system. The systems use natural resources in a way that attempts to mimic a natural ecosystem, and practices that actively focus on being self sufficient.
While Australia is considered a food secure country, the sustainable systems demonstrate approaches to high density farming that are achievable at both small or large scale, whereby improving access to quality food that deliver a complete balance of nutrients – in the form of vegetables and fish.
The systems that MIZU designs, attempts to balance biological relationships that involve fish, plants, microorganisms and insects, while demonstrating a chemical free method of production through harnessing natural processes and bugs, to control pests and diseases in the system.
Focusing on developing self contained aquaponics systems that operate within shipping containers (MIZU Pods), further helps reduce disease transmission, controls the growing environment for more consistent yields, improves the use of technology for monitoring and automation, while leveraging vertical farming techniques to maximise high density farming.
We are just getting started!
Trial Site
Operating since November 2022
This trial site started operating in November 2022 as a way of testing a new MIZU Ecosystem Model, while learning the intricacies of attempting to mimic a natural ecosystem. The site comprises a custom designed and built aquaponics system that utilised plants, microorganisms, fish, and insects for growing high quality herbs and vegetables.
The overall site covers only 30m2, but is capable of producing ~150 plants per week at capacity. It comprises two large deep-water culture beds, 10 vertical towers and a wicking bed. The system currently supports trout that are used to support the plants.
Learnings from running the trial for almost 2 years are being incorporated into designs for a larger pilot study, and a MIZU Pod.
Sustainability Project
Starting in 2025
A pilot site is currently being planned to start in 2025, being part of a broader project in regional Victoria to demonstrate sustainability, whereby demonstrating a way for producing vegetables that are free from pesticides and nasty chemicals, while also testing parts of the MIZU Ecosystem Model at a larger scale.
The overall site being planned for the system will be capable of producing well over 5,000 plants per week at capacity, following all stages being completed. It will comprise a combination of cultivating methods, and more importantly, will be a test site for the MIZU Pods. The pilot will help advance the technology further, with a hope of getting closer to mimicking what nature does best.
