Cold Region Fern House Temperature Control - Research Paper Example

Cold Region Fern House Temperature Control Environmental Issues According to Francis (2003), who has written extensively about ferns, successful cultivation of ferns could result from protection from climatic extremes. This includes provision of conditions, such as deep shade and water sources. Consideration should be made for varying angles of sunlight during various seasons, especially protection from mid-day sun. Protection from winds should be provided by surrounding structures or plantings. Good irrigation system and mulching practices allow ferns cope better with stresses in the environment. A permanent watering installation is desirable, allowing maintenance of humidity and delaying the drying process. A moisture controller could allow variation of the rate of watering depending on the level of humidity. Acidic loam rich in organic matter is ideal for ferns. In its absence, heavier soils with provision for improvement of drainage by digging in well-rotted compost. Acidic soil is preferred. In case of alkaline soil, acidity could be increased by adding sulfur. These could include forms of sulfur such as iron sulphate or chelates or aluminum sulphate. Such preparation should be undertaken before planting the ferns. Mulching is a natural process in the environment, where dropping leaves adds to the surface layer of decaying matter. Other methods of enhancement include addition of chemical fertilizers. Several environmental issues, including alteration of soil and water characteristics of the surrounding environment could arise from preparation for conditions conducive to cultivation and growth of ferns. A project was conducted by the World Bank in 2001 to assess the world’s ecosystems. Among other concerns, nitrogen emissions caused by fertilizer use has been identified as a major concern. Nitrogen is an ingredient in fertilizer, and is washed from soil into water courses making rivers and lakes very rich in nutrients. This could result in algae and other life growing out of control, stripping oxygen from water and depriving fish and other aquatic life of oxygen (Sample, 2004). During active growth periods, young fronds are tender and tasty, and could attract pests, such as snails, beetles, caterpillars and slugs. These pests could be controlled by the proper management and use of chemicals. The two-spotted mite has been dreaded in indoor or enclosed environments, and has been known to be effectively controlled by the regulation of humidity (Francis, 2003). Handling of chemicals, such as fertilizers and compounds of sulfur could pose a health risk to those handing the chemicals. Exposure to such chemicals could be mitigated by the use of personal protective equipment, such as gloves while handling those chemicals. Risks to the health and safety of the people as well as the environment could also be caused during the transportation and storage of chemicals. The potential for normal operation of certain devices to be disrupted by exposure to electromagnetic fields is known as electromagnetic interference. Electromagnetic compatibility refers to the compatibility of equipment that generate, transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic fields generated for meeting the power requirements of the system could affect a wide range of devices and systems that are susceptible to interference. Generally, electromagnetic energy emitted from a source incident on any electronic device that has been inadequately shielded, installed or designed against electromagnetic interaction will result in the performance of the device being affected. Examples of equipment or devices that could be affected by electromagnetic influence include airplanes, automobiles, hearing aids, heart pace makers, and or other medical equipment. Standards have been developed for performance against common electromagnetic emissions in certain frequency ranges. However, the current source of electromagnetic radiation has been caused by specific energy requirements. Electromagnetic compatibility could be achieved by the reduction of interference and the susceptibility of interference of equipment and or devices (Motorola, 2006; Solar Systems, 2009). The new ventilation system design has a minimum of 20 ducts to ensure uniform circulation of air. The objective of the system is to maintain a temperature range throughout the year. In order to maintain the ambient temperature, a continuous monitoring system has been designed. A system has been designed to regulate the temperature of the circulating air based on this feedback. Also, a certain number of fresh air intakes are required. The system is energy intensive, and the process is energy inefficient. Such a process with a large scale of operation raises issues about natural energy imbalance in the surrounding environment caused by the continuous exchange of energy. Other issues that could arise include an abundance of fern population caused by ideal conditions to thrive. This could lead to issues of handling the excess population. Also, maintenance issues could arise from the weeding or disposal of dead fern leaves and/or plants. Social Impact and Ethical Consideration The system design requires maintenance of 5C and lighting resembling 60 degree latitude throughout summer and winter. In a region with conditions so different from the required conditions, a significant amount of energy has to be deployed to maintain the system. This would raise issues on the selection of the type of species of ferns to be housed. Spores of ferns are fine and have been carried across the globe with great efficiencies by wind. This has resulted in members of many genera available in several continents. Over 10,000 species of ferns are known. The suitability of fern species for the fern house is dependent on the local conditions and its origin. Francis (2003) has recommended that the safest way to select ferns is to select species originating in the area. Such choices could significantly influence the fern house design, which could result in significant energy savings and thereby savings in costs by the mere selection of the species of ferns. Spores are fine dust-like particles, and could be carried to great distances by wind. This could be undesirable at times, especially to humans. Bunnag et al. (1989) in a study of the allergenic importance of ferns, found them to be among the highest three plant pollutants in the air. Skin tests and nasal provocation tests were performed on non allergic ENT patients. The researchers concluded that fern spores could be allergenic. Significant amount of water is required to maintain the level of moisture and humidity within 80 percent. The requirement of the system is an abundant supply of water, a water circulation system and water filtering system. This is necessary to ensure supply of water to increase moisture or humidity levels in the fern house, whenever humidity levels drop below a certain pre set level. A significant amount of water would flow to the ground and need to be circulated after filtration. Water being a precious commodity raises issues on its abundant use, and possible use in other activities. Also, the maintenance of the system calls on the use of other resources, such as maintenance people, and energy to maintain the system. Other considerations include sustainability of the system over a long term. This includes the need for the development of a long term policy for the maintenance and/or repair work on the system from time to time. In addition to policy, dedicated funds are required to ensure that necessary action could be taken in case of contingency situations. This requires appointment of dedicated officer with the ability to exercise authority as required. A program for regular maintenance is required. This includes the development of specific procedures to carry out maintenance activities, and necessary follow up action. The program must be supported by dedicated maintenance personnel with necessary training and tools to carry out the activities. The system developer must train the maintenance personnel to carry out inspections and maintenance work. Also, the system developer should be available for consultation that may be required from time to time. Another requirement is the appointment of an officer with adequate knowledge of ferns. The officer must be able to make scientific observations, and communicate the developments or observations with the scientific community and the people. Situations could arise that require swift decision making. The officer must be able to act decisively in such situations. A potential benefit of planting ferns is the possibility of soaking up arsenic from the soil. Growing ferns indoors have been considered fashionable, and systems have been developed to provide conditions for ferns to thrive. Ferns have been associated with various cultures, and have been used in the preparation of art work. The fern house could serve as an example of keeping such traditions alive and contributing to ongoing research and art alike. References Bunnag, C. (1989). Ferns and their allergenic importance: skin and nasal provocation tests to fern spore extract in allergic and non-allergic patients. Available: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2735563. Last accessed 12 May 2009. Francis, R. (2003). The Fern. Available: http://wildeel.com/fern.html. Last accessed 12 May 2009. Motorola. (2006). Electromagnetic Compatibility. Available: http://www.motorola.com/staticfiles/Business/Corporate/US-EN/corporate-responsibility/docs/consumers-whitepaper-rfhealth-electromagnetic-compatibility-62kb-7.pdf. Last accessed 12 May 2009. Sample, I. (2004). Chemical Fertilizers Destroying the Environment & Killing Ocean Life. Available: http://www.organicconsumers.org/corp/oceans101104.cfm. Last accessed 12 May 2009. Science Daily. (2005). Soil Chemists Plant Ferns to Soak Up Backyard Poisons. Available: http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2005/0804-danger_in_your_backyard.htm. Last accessed 12 May 2001. Solar Systems. (2009). Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). Available: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/CA256F310024B628/0/659DE780A83083C3CA257583007B27CA/$File/2009-03+Attachment+16+Solar+Energy+Facility+Electromagnetic+Compatability.pdf. Last accessed 12 May 2009. Read More