AERO - HYDROPONICS TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE

Aero-Hydroponics The Method of the Future by Lawrence L. Brooke

Aero-hydroponic systems can be built using quite a variety of materials and in numerous design configurations. The Ein Gedi "Mini Unit" which was used at UCD for dissolved oxygen studies is a stand-alone module which supports four plants in 10 liters of nutrient solution.
An electric motor mounted on the top of the unit spins a nutrient sprayer, which lifts nutrient solution and sprays it onto the "aerial roots." Additionally, the rotation causes the nutrient within the unit to stir, moving it constantly over the submerged roots.
Large-scale aero-hydroponic systems follow the design of the commercial installation at Ein Gedi. These commercial systems consist of "canals" or growing chambers with plant sites on top. A pump provides the pressure to drive a system of sprayers to supply the aerial roots, while the submerged roots hang into the flowing nutrient in the canal.
Both of these systems share fundamental characteristics, which define the aero-hydroponic method. The plants are supported above the flowing nutrient. The roots hang down through an air gap in which nutrient is sprayed, then into the moving nutrient solution below the air gap. The nutrient sprayed through the air gap is not so much intended to feed the plant, but rather to infuse oxygen into the nutrient solution wherein the feeder roots remain constantly submerged. It is these submerged roots in oxygen rich nutrient that provides most of the nutrition and oxygen for the plant. Selengkapnya download disini

A Prototype Recirculating Aquaculture-Hydroponic System by Donald M. Johnson and George W. Wardlow, Associate Professor

A prototype recirculating aquaculture-hydroponic system was developed to illustrate one of the many engineered production systems used in modern agriculture. The system provides an artificial, controlled environment that optimizes the growth of aquatic species and soil-less plants, while conserving water resources. In this system, fish and plants are grown in a mutually beneficial, symbiotic relationship.
Suggestions for using the system to integrate the teaching of math, science and technology principles are provided.
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