HYDROPONICS TECHNOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR PLANT FRESH FOOD SUPPORT IN ANTARCTICA

Authors:	C. Campiotti, R. Balducchi, L. Incrocci, A. Pardossi, K. Popovski, S.V. Popovska
Keywords:	Antarctica research, hydroponics, greenhouse conditioning, closed environments, nutrient film technique.
Abstract: Hydroponics activities in all operating research stations in Antarctica are the sole source of fresh vegetables especially during winter months. Data are reported on the experimental activity carried out at the Terra Nova Bay – Antarctic Italian base aimed at developing an operational greenhouse hydroponics facility adapted for growing in situ plant fresh food. At this purpose, a prototype of a greenhouse module was adopted as a conditioned container equipped with a closed circulated hydroponic system, lighting, heating and ventilation. The greenhouse module was transported and installed at Terra Nova Bay at the beginning of November’97 and was employed during two campaigns in Antarctica (1997-98 and 1999-2000) for a total operative period of three months. Data are reported on how the prototype was designed and manufactured and on the first experiments with vegetable crops in Antarctica.
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