Key Takeaways
- Jake Holley manages CSU’s Metro Ag Research Center, overseeing operations, academic support, and independent research trials.
- His work focuses heavily on water quality, microbial inoculants, oxidation tools, and crop-specific challenges—especially hydroponic spinach.
- The center provides third-party validation for industry partners, helping accelerate innovation in greenhouse and vertical farming.
- Holley is testing ORP sensors as an accessible method for real-time water monitoring in hydroponic systems.
- Education and public engagement are core parts of the center’s mission, with thousands of visitors touring its facilities each year.
Jake Holley’s Path Into Controlled Environment Agriculture
Early Exposure to Plants and Greenhouse Curiosity
On an episode of Greenhouse Success Stories, host Trina Semenchuk sat down with Jake Holley, Manager and Research Scientist at Colorado State University’s Metro Ag Research Center. The discussion explored his unconventional entry into horticulture, his research priorities in hydroponics, and how CSU Spur is shaping the future of controlled-environment agriculture.
Raised without an agricultural background, Jake Holley became interested in horticulture after encountering the “miracle fruit” as an undergraduate. Trying to grow it successfully pushed him into learning greenhouse systems. He later pursued a master’s degree to deepen his knowledge of plant science and environmental control.
Connecting Industry and Academia
Before joining CSU, Holley worked in LED horticultural lighting, backyard greenhouse design, and vertical farming research. “A little bit of the building and designing, a little bit of the academic research… really led me into the role that I am now,” he explained.
Inside the Metro Ag Research Center
A Hybrid Role Blending Facility Management and Science
Holley describes his position as both technical and research-driven. “Half my job is plumbing… fixing leaks, redesigning plumbing systems,” he said. The remaining work focuses on supporting faculty projects and running independent trials.
Public Engagement and Education
Located on the CSU Spur campus in Denver, the center receives thousands of visitors. According to Holley, educators often return home inspired:
“It’s been exciting hearing people come back and say: hey, we actually built something like this.”
Research Areas Jake Holley Is Focused On
Water Quality, Peroxides, and Microbial Research
Most projects relate to water chemistry—how oxidizers behave, how microbial products influence crop performance, and how water temperature interacts with nutrient delivery. His team is currently testing a microbial seed inoculant from Concert Bio.
Tackling Hydroponic Spinach Challenges
Spinach remains a priority because of its sensitivity to hydroponic environments. Holley describes one core problem:
“Root exudates build up to a point where spinach’s own root exudates become toxic to itself.”
To improve germination, his team developed a three-step protocol using darkness, specific seed varieties, and refrigeration:
“Now we’re seeing germination close to 85%.”
Jake Holley Evaluating NFT, DWC, and Vertical Wall Systems
Comparing System Behavior Under Identical Conditions
Because all systems share the same climate zone and nutrient reservoir, Holley can directly compare environmental responses.
Key Observations
- DWC: More tolerant to short-term failures and historically easier to automate.
- NFT: Higher performance potential but more sensitive to pump interruptions or clogs.
- Vertical Grow Walls: Useful for maximizing density and controlling airflow in compact indoor spaces.
Holley notes an industry shift toward automated NFT systems driven by robotics and newer seeding technologies.
The Future According To Holley: ORP Sensors and Real-Time Water Monitoring
Exploring Affordable Water-Quality Metrics
Holley is investigating whether ORP sensors—common in wastewater monitoring—can provide growers with early indicators of water shifts, microbial activity, or oxygen fluctuations.
He asks: “Is ORP a tool… that can provide a similar service to a dissolved oxygen sensor?”
Why It Matters
ORP sensors are significantly cheaper than dissolved oxygen probes, making them accessible for small farms or schools.
Holley’s Proudest Moments and Long-Term Perspective
Success in Both Growing and Research
As a grower, Holley recalls mastering chrysanthemum production timelines early in his career. As a researcher, he values results that growers actually use:
“Providing useful information… not just stuff that ends up in a journal and tucked away has been really big for me.”
Continuing the Mission
Looking ahead, Jake Holley remains committed to supporting growers, students, and controlled-environment researchers. His work aims to create reliable data, practical tools, and resilient crop systems that strengthen the future of greenhouse agriculture.
