Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 189 Self-sustaining Ecological Circulation System

For a qualified biological sage, adjusting the genes of animals and plants is a simple matter.

After all, in the dark technological age, humans had already pushed biochemical transformation technology and genetic engineering technology to incredible heights.

Although using gene editing to give organisms preset memories is the masterpiece that the ancient saints are best at, it is not impossible for humans in the dark technological age to do it.

For example, the Emperor used similar technology when creating Space Marines, allowing Space Marines to pass on their combat skills through gene-seed.

The technology of the Dark Age of Technology is even more outrageous - space dwarves can edit their own genes according to actual needs, making newly born individuals naturally good at various different jobs.

Although the Mechanicus had not been able to fully inherit the powerful genetic coding technology of the Dark Age of Technology, it was still easy for them to simply adjust the genes of crops to make them exhibit different traits.

Especially for a biological sage like Olivia, her research topic is to transform the planetary ecology, and constructing farmland microecology happens to be her professional field.

This is also the main reason why she was willing to agree to Chen Xi's request - this research is of direct help to her topic.

After all, her goal is to transform the ecology of a planet and build a self-circulating ecosystem.

In comparison, the self-circulating agricultural ecology in hydroponic farms can only be regarded as a small project for practice.

Despite this, Olivia did not take the project lightly.

She carefully built a complete planting system and used her own network of connections to get a batch of high-yield crop seeds for Chen Xi.

These seeds have been genetically modified by her so that they can grow efficiently in a three-dimensional composite planting environment, making full use of every inch of space and every resource.

Not only that, Olivia also introduced animals into this ecosystem.

She collected several animals from across the galaxy that were adapted to survive in closed environments and genetically modified them to ensure they could coexist harmoniously with crops.

These animals not only help control pests, but also provide additional organic fertilizer to the system, further optimizing the ecological cycle.

For example, a small insect from an agricultural planet was introduced for pollination, while a microscopic rodent from a jungle planet was used to clean up crop residue.

Olivia's system is not only designed to meet Chen Xi's needs, but also a practice of her own research.

She hopes that through this project, she can accumulate experience for future larger-scale planetary ecological transformation.

After all, transforming the ecology of a planet is far more complicated than building an ecosystem for a hydroponic farm, and this small project in front of her is just a cornerstone for her to move towards a bigger goal.
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"According to your requirements, I have built a planting system with wheat, the main crop currently grown in the empire, as the core, combined with a genetically edited legume, and two vegetables that I discovered and improved locally in Rostov." Olivia stood next to a set of hydroponic planting tanks, showing her work to Chen Xi.

There was a hint of pride in her voice, but more of a rigorous explanation of the details. She showed Chen Xi a set of loop samples that she had already built.

In the culture tank, the roots of wheat and the nodules of legumes are intertwined to form a dense network structure.

The leaves of the two vegetables glowed a healthy green under artificial light, while several small aquatic animals swimming in the tank occasionally nibbled on the roots of the crops.

These animals are carefully selected by Olivia. They can purify the water and their excrement can also provide natural nutrients to the water.

"In addition to these, I've also added several aquatic animals to the culture tanks. They feed on the roots and stems of crops, purifying the water while replenishing nutrients through their excrement." Olivia pointed at the creatures swimming in the tank and said, "This way, we can achieve what you requested and ensure the self-sustaining nature of the entire ecosystem without adding any additional fertilizers or nutrient solution."

She paused and continued, "However, this isn't a completely closed-loop system. You still need the light from the stars to provide the energy needed for growth, as well as oxygen and carbon dioxide."

Of course, the latter can be addressed by recycling the residual biomass after harvesting.

For example, we can convert crop residues into biofertilizer and put it back into the system, further reducing our reliance on external resources.”

Olivia said this, and although there was an expression of uncontrollable pride, she still sighed with regret: "Unfortunately, you require a self-sustaining circulation system that is similar to a closed ecosystem, which limits the output of this system.

It can only achieve about 80% of the maximum yield of a single crop, which means that a hydroponic farm that could feed a billion people can only produce enough to feed million people.

This was also the main reason why Olivia did not support Chen Xi's move at the beginning. After all, the planting model of the Imperial Agricultural World had been researched and improved by the Mechanicus over hundreds and thousands of years.

Countless studies have confirmed that this model has pushed crop yields to the limits of their genetic capabilities.

However, Olivia changed the subject and said, "But it is not without advantages. Because it is a self-sustaining circulation system, it does not require large amounts of chemical fertilizers. It can still operate normally without external support.

Moreover, this system is more stable and has stronger risk resistance. Even if the supply of external resources is interrupted, it can maintain for a considerable period of time.”

After listening to her introduction, Chen Xi nodded and his eyes stayed on the culture tank for a moment.

He could see that the wheat ears had begun to emerge, the legumes had already borne fruit, and the vegetable leaves looked particularly fresh and tender in the sunlight; the creatures in the tank swam leisurely, as if they were born to belong to this system.

"Well done, Olivia," Chen Xi said approvingly. "Although the yield has decreased, its sustainability and stability are exactly what we need. Especially in the face of possible resource shortages in the future, this ecological planting system that doesn't require much external input will play an important role!"

As Chen Xi spoke, he suddenly turned to look at Olivia, thought for a moment and said, "Do you mind compiling a reference material on the theoretical knowledge required to build this system?

After the hydroponic farm is built, I will need a large number of low-level technical priests and workers to maintain it, and they cannot do without sufficient training."

(End of this chapter)