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Smart Agriculture Summer Camp
Wayne State University • Detroit • Liberated Farms Module
Crop Production, Sustainability & Food Security
Over two immersive days at Liberated Farms, students experience the full crop-production cycle. The module blends hands-on practice—seeding, pruning, harvesting, soil testing—with sustainability discussions on pest management, composting, and food security. By alternating indoor and outdoor tasks, participants learn how micro-climate control, soil health, and post-harvest handling shape yield quality and environmental impact.
Module Schedule
| Day | Session | Key activities & learning goals |
|---|---|---|
| 29 June | 1. Seeding & Propagation |
• Prepare seed trays and discuss germination requirements • Compare greenhouse vs. outdoor germination conditions |
| 2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) |
• Scout crops for pests and beneficial insects • Deploy sticky traps and learn threshold-based spray decisions |
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| 3. Soil Remediation & Composting |
• Build a compost pile; link organic matter to soil health • Discuss how soil quality affects indoor vs. outdoor yields |
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| 30 June | 4. Garden-Shed & Tool Care; Pruning & Upkeep |
• Clean and sterilize pruning tools • Review the safety and maintenance of garden equipment |
| 5. Harvest & Post-Harvest Handling |
• Identify proper harvest maturity for different crops • Track losses to introduce “food waste” metrics |
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| 6. Nutrition, Food Security & Sustainability |
• Debate the carbon footprint of indoor vs. outdoor farming • Brainstorm farm innovations that enhance local food security |
What You Need for This Module
- Wear comfortable shoes, clothing, and sunscreen!
Module Highlights
