Andrew Blunk is an expert in sustainable and urban agriculture, specializing in hydroponics, vertical farming, and circular food systems, with a strong commitment to research, education, and international collaboration to advance innovative agricultural practices.
Experience
Education
Master of Science in Agricultural Plant Science, Pennsylvania State University Master of Science in (Dual-Title) International Agriculture Development, Pennsylvania State University Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Juniata College
Roles
Founder and co-director, Circular Agriculture Solutions, 2024 Urban Agriculture Consultant, self-run, 2022-24 Agriculture Intensification Project Manager, J&B Agriculture and Female Entrepreneurs Microfinance, Old Jeshwang, Gambia, 2022-24 Horticulture Research Assistant, Penn State University, 2020-22 Farm Co-Owner and Manager, Eighth ‘N Acre LLC, Charlottesville, VA, 2019-20
Nutritional quality of indoor grown vegetable crops: Do hydroponically grown crops have similar nutritional qualities to soil-grown ? How can a farmer improve the nutritional quality of indoor grown crops?
Creating a more circular urban food system; Incorporating food waste into urban agriculture: How can urban organic waste be utilized in urban agriculture production to create a more circular economy?
Creating an exchange program to share best Urban Agriculture practices between D.C. and other urban areas (West Africa, Carribean)
Impact
Selected Publications
Blunk, A., Lee, M., Johnson, T., Balaguer, R., & Di Gioia, F. (2023). Yield, quality and resource use efficiency of basil grown in alternative soilless growing systems. Acta Horticulturae,1377, 585–592. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1377.85
Blunk, A., & Di Gioia, F. (2023). Real-time, on-farm soil monitoring methods for in-season management of fertigation in vegetable crop protected cultivation systems. Acta Horticulturae,1377, 631–638. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1377.98
