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Wheat Response to Differences In Water and Nutritional Status Between Zeoponic and Hydroponic Growth SystemsHydroponic culture has traditionally been used for controlled environment life support systems (CELSS) because the optimal environment for roots supports high growth rates. Recent developments in zeoponic substrate and microporous tube irrigation (ZPT) also offer high control of the root environment. This study compared the effect of differences in water and nutrient status of ZPT or hydroponic culture on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L., CV 'USU-Apogee'). In a side-by-side test in a controlled environment, wheat was grown in ZPT and recirculating hydroponics to maturity. Water use by plants grown in both culture systems peaked at 15-20 L per square meters per d up to day 40, after which it declined more rapidly for plants grown in ZPT culture due to earlier senescence of leaves. No consistent differences were noted in water status between plants grown in the two culture systems. Although yield was similar, harvest index was 28% lower for plants grown in ZPT versus hydroponic culture. Sterile green tillers made up 12% and 0% of the biomass of plants grown in ZPT and hydroponic culture, respectively. Differences in biomass partitioning were attributed primarily to NH4 -N nutrition of plants grown in ZPT as compared with NO3-N in hydroponic nutrient solution. It was likely that NH4-N induced Ca deficiency produced excess tillering and lower harvest index for plants grown in ZPT culture. These results suggest that further refinements in zeoponic substrate would make ZPT culture a viable alternative for achieving high productivity in a CELSS.
Document ID
20000096496
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Steinberg, Susan L.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Ming, Douglas W.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Henderson, Keith E.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Carrier, Chris
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Gruener, John E.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Barta, Dan J.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Henninger, Don L.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 131-50-20-23
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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