ISHS Acta Horticulturae 644: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
FOREWORD, PREFACE |
| Authors: | B. Alsanius, H. Asp, P. Jensén, ISHS Board of Directors |
| Abstract:
FOREWORD Scientists in the area of Growing Media and Hydroponics met at an international ISHS-symposium in Alnarp, the campus of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) which is located in the southest part of Sweden (Scania). The symposium attracted 136 delegates from more than 30 countries. Alltogether, the delegates gave 53 oral and 53 posters, embracing the following main topics: systems, substrates, physical factors, chemical factors, organic compounds and biological factors. The paper sessions was introduced by the following cosmopolitan range of specially invited lecturers: Dr. Michael Raviv (Israel), Dr. Dietmar Schwarz (Germany), Dr. Joeke Postma (The Netherlands), Dr. Omer Verdonck (Belgium) and Dr. Stuart Warren (United States). Both the paper and the poster sessions provoked much discussions and interest. During the venue, two workshops on tasks and objectives of the horticultural peat working group of the International Peat Society and on desinfestation of nutrient solution in closed hydroponic greenhouse systems took place. In addition, excursions were undertaken during the symposium to sites and premises linked to the production, manufacture and use of growing media. During one of the excursions, the news about the terrible World Trade Center attack reached the symposium participants, causing dejection and despair. The situation elucidated the importance of international co-operation and the will to live in peace independent on from where you come and who you are. We express our warm gratitude to the scientific committee for their time, effort and cooperation. Our deepest thanks go to Dr. Mona Gussarsson for skilful support during the editing process of the proceedings. Further, we would also like to thank our co-workers and students in the Root Biology Group of Department of Crop Science in Alnarp for their dedicated and professional work during the whole weeklong symposium. Also the technician Benny Holm is greatly acknowledged for his contributions to a successful symposium. The editors B. Alsanius, H. Asp and P. Jensén PREFACE The papers contained in this volume of Acta Horticulturae report the Proceedings of the International Symposium on Growing Media & Hydrophonics. Keynote speakers and authors of selected contributed oral and poster presentations were given the opportunity to submit a manuscript for publication. These manuscripts were reviewed by the symposium editors and members of the Editorial Board. Only those papers judged suitable for publication following the authors consideration of reviewer suggestions appear in this volume of Acta Horticulturae. The ISHS acknowledges and appreciates the contribution of all editors and reviewers. They have made a significant contribution to improving the quality of this publication. The ISHS Board of Directors | |
