Chapter 132: The Trinity Cultivation System

Li Mingyuan pointed to one side of the greenhouse, where a grid partitioned off an area containing several dozen chickens.

"The entire system operates like this," Li Mingyuan began to explain,

"The water in the fish pond is rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are pumped up to the planting pipes above to provide nourishment for the vegetables. After the vegetables absorb these nutrients, the water is filtered and then flows back into the fish pond. As for the chicken manure, after simple processing, it is also added to the water circulation system to provide extra organic fertilizer for the entire system."

Minister Zhao and the other visitors listened in astonishment; in their eyes, this system was as miraculous as a heavenly book.

"So you mean, the fish, chickens, and vegetables form a complete cycle?" Minister Zhao tried to grasp the concept.

"That's right," Li Mingyuan nodded, "The fish's waste nourishes the plants, the plants purify the water for the fish to survive, and the chicken manure provides additional nutrients for the whole system. The entire system produces almost no waste; everything is recycled."

Minister Zhao squatted down to observe the fish in the pond, "Are these... carp? Grass carp?"

"Mainly carp and tilapia," Li Mingyuan explained, "Tilapia grow fast and are highly adaptable, making them one of the most suitable fish species for this kind of system."

Minister Zhao stood up and pointed to the planting pipes above, "These vegetables are growing so well, you didn't use any chemical fertilizers, did you?"

"There is absolutely no need for extra chemical fertilizers," Li Mingyuan said proudly, "The waste from the fish and chickens provides all the necessary nutrients. Furthermore, with this vertical planting method, the yield per square meter is four to five times that of traditional planting."

"Four to five times?" Minister Zhao exclaimed, "Are you sure this figure is accurate?"

"Very accurate," Li Mingyuan nodded and pulled a small notebook from his pocket, "This is our production record. Over the past three months, the vegetable yield of this one greenhouse was equivalent to 4.7 times that of an equal area of land outside, and it can produce stably all year round, unrestricted by the seasons."

Minister Zhao took the record book and flipped through it carefully, his eyes widening, "This... this... I must notify the agricultural department to come and see this immediately!"

He turned to the secretary beside him, "Contact the Agricultural Science Academy at once. Tell them I have discovered a major technology at the Rolling Mill that could change the country's agricultural production, and ask them to send a team of experts over urgently to inspect it!"

The secretary hurried away, while Minister Zhao couldn't wait to continue the tour, not missing a single detail.

"How is the temperature controlled? Won't it be too cold in winter?"

Li Mingyuan pointed to several devices on the roof of the greenhouse,

"These are solar water heaters and a hot air circulation system. During the day, they use solar energy to heat the water, and at night, they release heat through hot water pipes and hot air blowers to keep the temperature inside the greenhouse constant."

"So, you can grow vegetables in winter too?" Minister Zhao asked.

"That's right. Throughout the winter, the temperature in this greenhouse is kept above 15 degrees, so normal production can be carried out completely."

Minister Zhao shook his head in disbelief, "Mingyuan, what is in that brain of yours? Numerical Control Machine Tools, Radar, rocket launchers, and now agricultural technology... isn't your breadth of knowledge a bit too wide?"

Li Mingyuan smiled, "When I was studying in Mocheng, I came into contact with some agricultural technical materials. Besides, the basic principles of science are interconnected; once you master the fundamentals, it's not difficult to draw inferences about other things."

Minister Zhao looked at Li Mingyuan with admiration,

"Regardless, you have performed another great service. If this technology can be promoted nationwide, it will be a tremendous help to our country's food problem!"

As they were speaking, several sedans drove into the factory area, and a group of plainly dressed middle-aged people walked over hurriedly; they appeared to be the agricultural experts who had just been urgently summoned.

"Quick, over here!" Minister Zhao greeted them enthusiastically, "Come and see the future of our Long Country's agriculture!"

The experts followed Minister Zhao into the greenhouse, and as soon as they entered the door, they were stunned by the scene before them.

An elderly expert with white hair adjusted his glasses and walked toward the vertical planting system in disbelief, carefully inspecting every link.

"This... who designed this system?" the old expert asked in shock, his voice trembling slightly.

"It's him, Li Mingyuan, the Chief Engineer of our Rolling Mill," Minister Zhao introduced proudly, "A Special Merit Hero and a Five-Star Medal recipient!"

Li Mingyuan explained the working principle of the entire system in detail again, from water circulation to temperature control, from light management to nutrient balance; every link was clear and easy to understand.

The experts listened with rapt attention, discussing in low voices from time to time, and occasionally raising professional questions, all of which were answered one by one by Li Mingyuan.

That old expert was so excited that his hands were shaking as he took notes and sighed while shaking his head.

"Chief Engineer Li," the old expert finally spoke, "If this system of yours could be promoted nationwide, especially in those water-scarce and barren regions... that would simply be... simply be a lifesaver!"

Another agricultural expert added, "In many regions of our country, the land is barren and water resources are scarce. Farmers work hard all year round, yet the yield still won't go up. This system of yours not only saves water resources but can also significantly increase yields; it is truly a timely help!"

Li Mingyuan nodded, "I have already compiled a simplified version of an operation manual," he picked up a small booklet from the table,

"Even farmers with low literacy levels can quickly master the basic techniques. Most of the materials for the system are common items, and the cost is low, making it suitable for promotion at the grassroots level."

The agricultural experts treated it like a treasure, flipping through the manual one after another, their expressions shifting from shock to joy, and then to deep thought.

"We must organize our forces immediately to promote this technology nationwide," the old expert said solemnly,

"Especially in regions like the Northwest and Southwest where food production is unstable; this will completely change their way of production!"

Minister Zhao watched this scene with satisfaction and patted Li Mingyuan on the shoulder, "Good, another technology that benefits the people! Mingyuan, you really are a treasure of our country!"

The agricultural experts continued to tour and discuss, full of curiosity and praise for every detail.

They walked back and forth in the greenhouse no fewer than ten times, carefully recording the parameters and operating status of every system, and even collected water samples and plant specimens, preparing to take them back for further research.

Before leaving, the old expert held Li Mingyuan's hand tightly, his eyes filled with tears,

"Chief Engineer Li, this technology of yours will change the fate of thousands upon thousands of farmers. I have been engaged in agricultural research for over forty years and have never seen such an ingenious system. Thank you, on behalf of the farmers across the country, thank you!"

Watching the agricultural experts leave as if they had found a treasure, Minister Zhao said to Li Mingyuan with a smile, "It looks like you're going to add another medal to your collection!"

"No, no," Li Mingyuan waved his hands repeatedly, "This is just a small invention, not worth mentioning compared to national defense technology. By the way, I was just about to report a new project to you."