Merle Jensen was a horticulturist who was instrumental in the development of hydroponic greenhouse culture. He was a professor at the University of Arizona and was known for his work on the use of sand as a substrate for growing plants.

Jensen's research showed that sand was an effective substrate for growing plants and that it had several advantages over other substrates, such as gravel and perlite. Jensen's work with sand was influential in the development of the IAVS system.

Dr. Mark McMurtry, the developer of the IAVS system, was inspired by Jensen's work and saw the potential for sand to be used as a substrate in aquaponic systems. McMurtry's research showed that sand was an effective substrate for growing plants in aquaponic systems and that it had several advantages over other substrates, such as gravel and perlite.

Jensen was involved in the development of the IAVS system and was a key advisor to McMurtry. He provided valuable insights into the use of sand as a substrate and helped to refine the system to make it more effective.

Jensen's work with sand and his involvement with the IAVS system helped to establish sand as a key component of the system and contributed to its success.

Epcot Centre

Merle Jensen was a horticulturist who was known for his work on the use of sand as a substrate for growing plants. He was also involved in the development of the Land Pavilion at Epcot Center, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

The Land Pavilion was a showcase for sustainable agriculture and featured several innovative agricultural systems, including hydroponics and aquaponics. Jensen's work at the Land Pavilion focused on the use of hydroponics and aquaponics to produce food in a sustainable manner. He was instrumental in the development of the fluidized-bed sand filters that were used to manage water quality in the large aquariums at the Center.

These filters were a key component of the aquaponic system and helped to maintain water quality and provide nutrients to the plants. Jensen's work at the Land Pavilion was influential in the development of the IAVS system. Dr. Mark McMurtry, the developer of the IAVS system, was inspired by Jensen's work and saw the potential for sand to be used as a substrate in aquaponic systems.

McMurtry's research showed that sand was an effective substrate for growing plants in aquaponic systems and that it had several advantages over other substrates, such as gravel and perlite. Jensen's work at the Land Pavilion and his involvement with the development of the IAVS system helped to establish sand as a key component of the system and contributed to its success.

His work also helped to raise awareness about sustainable agriculture and the potential for hydroponics and aquaponics to produce food in a sustainable manner.