Articles
FEEDBACK CONTROL OF NUTRIENT SOLUTION SUPPLY BASED ON FLOW RATE OF DRAINAGE IN MIST CULTURE OF CUCUMBER
Article number
588_3
Pages
39 – 42
Language
English
Abstract
We tested a system that uses feedback based on drainage flow rate to match the supply of nutrient solution to demand by plants.
The experiment used cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in mist culture without substrate.
Without substrate, it is easier to alter nutrient concentrations and water supply than with substrate, which retains large amounts of nutrients and water.
Nutrients and water that plants dont absorb are discharged.
We have developed a method based on an electric balance for measuring flow rates as low as 10 mg/10 seconds of water.
The volume of nutrient solution and interval of supply were controlled to maintain a set drainage flow rate.
During the daytime, the volume of nutrient solution supply was changed in proportion to solar radiation.
The volume also increased automatically in proportion to growth of plants.
The experiment used cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in mist culture without substrate.
Without substrate, it is easier to alter nutrient concentrations and water supply than with substrate, which retains large amounts of nutrients and water.
Nutrients and water that plants dont absorb are discharged.
We have developed a method based on an electric balance for measuring flow rates as low as 10 mg/10 seconds of water.
The volume of nutrient solution and interval of supply were controlled to maintain a set drainage flow rate.
During the daytime, the volume of nutrient solution supply was changed in proportion to solar radiation.
The volume also increased automatically in proportion to growth of plants.
Publication
Authors
T. Higashide, H. Hamamoto, H. Shimaji
Keywords
hydroponics, automatic, electric balance, computer, nutrient uptake, water uptake
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