ISHS Acta Horticulturae 99: Symposium on Substrates in Horticulture other than Soils In Situ
GROWING PLANTS IN AEROPONICS GROWTH SYSTEMS |
| Author: | I. Nir |
| Abstract:
The aeroponics is a total system providing for the growth and development of detached plants. Basically it is an air water culture in which the food nutrients are supplied in a water mist directly to the bare root system. Thus oxygen and water, so often a limiting growth factor in conventional soil or water media systems, are adequately supplied. The system in its present state of development is composed of modular units electronically controlled, so as to ensure the predetermined needs of the particular growing plant. The performance of the system has been tested successfully with several plants: carnations, chrysanthemum, euonymus, tomates, cucumbers and several foliage plants. From the agricultural point of view, the method results in higher yields with only minimal additional training of the grower. It also permits economies in the use of fertilizers and water because of the re-use of nutrient solution, this allows the operation of the system in areas where water quality is poor and/or supply is scarce. Installations may be operated on a continuous basis (with the exception of down time for cleaning or changing plants) without regards to seasonality type of crop, and order of growth, etc. Furthermore, the system permits space savings because of the high intensity of growth which it makes possible, and because an additional dimension, i.e. height, may also be utilized. A reduction in the number of rows as a consequence of developing mobile installations. Aeroponics, while it permits maximum control of the growth process, fits in very well with industrialized agriculture. | |
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