Articles
GROWING PLANTS IN AEROPONICS GROWTH SYSTEM
Article number
126_49
Pages
435 – 448
Language
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 nutrients are supplied in a water mist directly to the bare root system.
Thus, oxygen and water, so often a limiting growth factors in conventional soil and water media systems, are adequately supplied.
The system, in its present state of development, is composed of modular units controlled electronically, so as to ensure the pre-determined needs of the particular growing plant.
The performance of the system has been tested successfully (growing and rooting) with several plants, such as : vegetables (tomato, pepper, cucumber, lettuce, etc.), ornamental plants (carnation, croton, chrysanthemum, geranium, euonymus, ficus, philodendron, dracaena, diffenbachia, etc.), and fruit trees – wooden cuttings (olive, citrus and grape, apple, pear, peach, etc.). From the agricultural point of view, the method results in higher yields with only minimal additional training of the grower.
It also permits economic in the use of fertilizers and water because of the re-use of nutrient solution.
This allows the operation of the system in regions where water quality is poor and/or supply scarce.
Installations may be operated on a continuous basis (with the exception of down time for cleaning or changing plants) without regarding seasonal type of crop, and order of growth, etc.
Furthermore, the system permits space saving because of the intensity and additional dimension, i.e., height (Plate 2), may also be utilized.
A reduction in the number of rows as a consequence of developing mobile installation.
While it permits maximum control of the growth process, aeroponics fits in very well with industrialized agriculture.
Basically, it is an air water culture in which the nutrients are supplied in a water mist directly to the bare root system.
Thus, oxygen and water, so often a limiting growth factors in conventional soil and water media systems, are adequately supplied.
The system, in its present state of development, is composed of modular units controlled electronically, so as to ensure the pre-determined needs of the particular growing plant.
The performance of the system has been tested successfully (growing and rooting) with several plants, such as : vegetables (tomato, pepper, cucumber, lettuce, etc.), ornamental plants (carnation, croton, chrysanthemum, geranium, euonymus, ficus, philodendron, dracaena, diffenbachia, etc.), and fruit trees – wooden cuttings (olive, citrus and grape, apple, pear, peach, etc.). From the agricultural point of view, the method results in higher yields with only minimal additional training of the grower.
It also permits economic in the use of fertilizers and water because of the re-use of nutrient solution.
This allows the operation of the system in regions where water quality is poor and/or supply scarce.
Installations may be operated on a continuous basis (with the exception of down time for cleaning or changing plants) without regarding seasonal type of crop, and order of growth, etc.
Furthermore, the system permits space saving because of the intensity and additional dimension, i.e., height (Plate 2), may also be utilized.
A reduction in the number of rows as a consequence of developing mobile installation.
While it permits maximum control of the growth process, aeroponics fits in very well with industrialized agriculture.
Authors
I. Nir
Keywords
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