Wheat Response to Differences in Water and Nutritional Status between Zeoponic and Hydroponic Growth Systems

Abstract

containment and liquid and gas phase separation in microgravity by using microporous membranes to control Hydroponic culture has traditionally been used for controlled enviwater delivery to plants. In the present configuration ronment life support systems (CELSS) because the optimal environment for roots supports high growth rates. Recent developments in of this method, nutrient solution flows under a slight zeoponic substrate and microporous tube irrigation (ZPT) also offer negative pressure through microporous tubes and is dehigh control of the root environment. This study compared the effect livered by capillary action directly to roots (Dreschel of differences in water and nutrient status of ZPT or hydroponic and Sager, 1989) or to solid substrate (Morrow et al., culture on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. USU-1994; Tibbitts et al., 1995). A nearly constant matric Apogee). In a side-by-side test in a controlled environment, wheat potential can be maintained in solid substrate by conwas grown in ZPT and recirculating hydroponics to maturity. Water trolling water flow and pressure through microporous use by plants grown in both culture systems peaked at 15 to 20 L m Ϫ2 tubes. The dynamics of water transport through a microd Ϫ1 up to Day 40, after which it declined more rapidly for plants grown porous tube-solid substrate-plant system was studied in ZPT culture due to earlier senescence of leaves. No consistent by Steinberg and Henninger (1997), who showed that differences in water status were noted between plants grown in the two culture systems. Although yield was similar, harvest index was water holding and transport characteristics of solid sub-28% lower for plants grown in ZPT than in hydroponic culture. Sterile strate determine the range of viable operating pressures green tillers made up 12 and 0% of the biomass of plants grown in of the system. ZPT and hydroponic culture, respectively. Differences in biomass Little is known about the growth and yield of plants partitioning were attributed primarily to NH 4 -N nutrition of plants grown in solid substrate maintained at a nearly constant grown in ZPT compared with NO 3 -N in hydroponic nutrient solution.matric potential by microporous tube irrigation as com-It is probable that NH 4 -N-induced Ca deficiency produced excess pared to hydroponic culture. Cao and Tibbitts (1996) tillering and lower harvest index for plants grown in ZPT culture. compared biomass production and gas exchange of po-These results suggest that further refinements in zeoponic substrate tato (Solanum tuberosum L.) grown in a microporous would make ZPT culture a viable alternative for achieving high protube irrigation system containing isolite (a porous ceductivity in a CELSS.

Flavonol content and composition of spring onions grown hydroponically or in potting soil

“…Constituent concentrations that have been previously reported to be different between soilgrown and hydroponically grown plants include ash, protein, carbohydrate, Ca, Mg, K, Na, S, and crude fiber (Alamazan et al, 1997;McKeehen et al, 1996;Steinberg et al, 2000;Wheeler et al, 1993Wheeler et al, , 1994. These differences have been attributed to different nutrient content and availability between growth media (Taiz andZeiger, 1998, Resh 1991).…”

“…Such differing conditions have been associated with variability in composition compared to field grown crops (Alamazan et al, 1997;McKeehen et al, 1996;Steinberg et al, 2000;Wheeler, Mackowiak, et al, 1993, 1994. Some of the constituents that have been altered in wheat, soybeans, lettuce, potatoes or sweet potatoes by hydroponic propagation include ash, protein, carbohydrate, Ca, Mg, K, Na, S, and crude fiber (Alamazan et al, 1997;McKeehen et al, 1996;Steinberg et al, 2000;Wheeler et al, 1993Wheeler et al, , 1994Wheeler et al, , 1996. Most of the information available on the nutritional composition of edible plant tissues has been derived from field-grown crops and as such may not be a reliable indication of the nutritional value of crops grown hydroponically.…”

Plant productivity and characterization of zeoponic substrates after three successive crops of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

“…Fenn et al [14] have shown the addition of 244 Ca, when using urea, has also produced increased radish plant N-use efficiency and 245 production in the field. Previous studies with wheat have also shown that NH4 + 246 released from the exchange sites of the zeolite competed with the uptake of Ca 2+ in 247 wheat plants and resulted in a an NH4-induced Ca deficiency [8,9,10,11,25]. The N 248 levels in zeoponic radishes (6.2-7.1 wt.…”

Growth, yield and reproduction of dwarf tomato grown under simulated microgravity conditions

“…However, information is still lacking on growing plants under clinorotation due to the difficulties of supplying adequate nutrients and water to the root apparatus up to advanced phenological stages. Hydroponic systems that release the nutrient solution through microporous materials (Wright et al, 1988;Koontz et al, 1990;Steinberg et al, 2000) could be the most suitable systems for growing plants under simulated microgravity conditions.…”