Water is one of the key strategic resources of any country, especially in Egypt. The agriculture sector in Egypt consumes around 85% of the fresh water available. With the ever-growing demand and the scarcity of water, there is a need to develop sustainable systems/solutions that reduce the consumption of water in agriculture. Not only that, but this system attempts to provide a solution to prevent food shortages in Egypt.

ZSD along with its affiliates in the environmental sector have designed and developed a fully integrated and sustainable agricultural system: El Zeini for Agriculture Development (ZAD), El Zeini Consultancy Office for Urban Development, ID & WT (owned by Dr. Nabil El Maraghy). The first of its kind in the world, ‘Agro-System’ is constantly under development and upgrades. The system has been under development since 2013 and has been applied on location at El Zeini Farm K86 on the Cairo Alexandria Desert Highway.

ZSD is currently collaborating with El Zeini for Agriculture Development, El Zeini Consultancy Office for Urban Development and NESCO, in other design and technology developments at El Zeini Farm K64. ZSD is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the system, along with consultancy in terms of upgrading the design and technology of the system, in addition to the construction of the system. Other ZSD developments with Green Tech Company include a greenhouse system combined with hydroponics system.

Agro-System Components

The system is developed with four main concepts: Sustainability, Integration, ZLD (Zero Liquid Discharge) & Triple S (Sun, Sand and Sea). Scarcity of water was the main driver of the design and development of this system.

The main components of this system include:

• Reconstructing water station (which is designed and developed by Dr. Nabil El Maraghy) ID & WT.
• A fertilizer production factory (fertilizers produced from minerals found in water).
• Hydroponic and Aquaponics (use only 10% of normal irrigation water).
• Barley production (huge reduction in water consumption accompanied by significant productivity, used as cattle and cow food).
• Aquaculture (one through and RAS System), very high productivity per cubic meter of water.
• Algae and Artimia production.
• Table salt Production.

Agro-System Advantages

• Low capital and running cost.
• Protection of the aquifer (underground water).
• The system saves about 70% of irrigation water compared to conventional irrigation systems.
• Saline water is not a constraint anymore.
• Multiple reuse of the same cubic meter of water via filtration systems, i.e. same water is used for aquaponics and hydroponics.
• Reduce the usage of fertilizers.

The word, Hydroponic, comes from Latin and means working water. Hydroponic agriculture is slowly gaining momentum worldwide as it is an efficient method of growing food. There are various hydroponic systems, where the main idea is plants growing with their roots suspended directly into water with either no growing medium or very little growing medium. This technique called Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) is the most popular technique used. We have various strategies for the implementation of hydroponic farming either indoor or outdoor, depending on the client’s needs and constraints.

Features:

• This solution is currently under development, it is located at El Zeini Farm K64 , Cairo Alexandria Desert Road.
• This solution is totally isolated, indoor, and completely under control, making it feasible to construct within towns and cities to provide daily fresh food.
• ZSD will be able to provide this solution commercially in the near future on a small scale to clients.

The word, Hydroponic, comes from Latin and means working water. Hydroponic agriculture is slowly gaining momentum worldwide as it is an efficient method of growing food. There are various hydroponic systems, where the main idea is plants growing with their roots suspended directly into water with either no growing medium or very little growing medium. This technique called Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) is the most popular technique used. We have various strategies for the implementation of hydroponic farming either indoor or outdoor, depending on the client’s needs and constraints.

Features:

• This solution is an outdoor solution, and can be under control by integrating it in a green house, making feassible to construct on small farms and residential gardens.
• ZSD can provide this solution commercial to interested clients.

Aquaponics are simply the combination of aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics into an integrated system. The fish waste provides an organic food source for the growing plants and the plants provide a natural filter for the water for the fish to live in. Microbes (nitrifying bacteria) participate in the system via converting ammonia from the fish waste first into nitrates and then into vemicompost that used by the plants. Through the complete integration of both systems a reciprocal relationship is achieved where aquaponics capitalizes on the benefits and drawbacks of both aquaculture and hydroponics.

The Aermotor windmill is a self-governing machine used for pumping water. The windmill itself, the machine mounted on the tower, provides the up-and-down motion that operates a piston–type pump at the water level underground.

Through its mechanism, the windmill converts the spinning motion of its wind wheel into a steady up-and-down pump stroke. Carried downward to the water level underground, this stroke operates the pump. The pump in turn pushes the water up the drop pipe to the ground level or to whatever elevation you desire.

Features:

• Special Wheel Design of the Aermotor is precisely balanced and aligned for smooth, efficient operation. Special air foils start the wheel moving effortlessly under full load, even in a mild breeze.
• Positive Oiling System. Oil is circulated freely to all gears, bearings, and moving parts. The reservoir holds an ample supply, and an annual oil change is the only maintenance required.
• Removable Bearings. Low friction Garlock bearings and all moving parts can be easily replaced.
• Double Gears and Pitmans. A balanced load on all moving parts assures minimum wear.
• Automatic Regulation. An ingenious mechanism automatically turns the wheel of The Aermotor out of the face of storm force winds, assuring safety during gales and severe weather.
• Outside Furling Device. This important safety feature eliminates owner contact with the moving parts. The furling or breaking device on The Aermotor is mounted on the outside of the tower, below the mill.
• Adjustable Brake. It couldn’t be simpler. Natural wear in the brake is taken up by adjusting a single nut.
• Adjustable Stroke. The Aermotor can be adjusted for long or short pump rod stroke, depending on the requirements. The short stroke gives more power and the long stroke delivers greater volumes of water.
• Towers of Strength. Heavy, galvanized anchor posts with double-angle cross piece bracing provide a firm foundation. All corner posts are notched for structural integrity, and horizontal girts at seven-foot intervals assure unyielding strength and rigidity. All steel parts are heavily galvanized.
• Ductile Iron is used in all cast iron parts such as the gearbox, gears, and Pitman arms. Ductile iron is 8 times stronger than regular cast iron.
• Industry Leading Warranty. The Aermotor windmill and tower are covered by a manufacturer’s seven-year warranty against defects in material or workmanship.

The SolarPAK range is the system solution to your solar pumping requirements. By utilizing quality components, innovative thinking based on global market inputs, and a technical expertise in groundwater pumping, Franklin Electric has developed a rugged, high-output system which tackles the challenges of harsh and remote environments. No other system delivers the features, benefits, and reliability of SolarPAK range in just one package!

Features:

• High-flow system for faster tank-fill and significant water output
• Proven motor and pump technology for long-term reliability
• Robust IP66, NEMA 4X enclosure minimizes impact from wildlife, insects, dust, and weather
• Optimized for use with DC solar array
• Operating status and fault conditions indicated by multi-color LED
• Terminals provided for an optional data communications board
• Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for maximizing efficiency of input power
• Soft-start feature prevents water hammer and increases system life
• Allows use of new solar array or retrofit to existing array (subject to size and performance check)
• Simple installation with no required maintenance
• Built-in diagnostics and protection
• Wide range of applications: livestock watering, rain harvesting, vineyards and irrigation systems