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Stabilization of pH in solid-matrix hydroponic systems2-[N-morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid (MES) buffer or Amberlite DP-1 (cation-exchange resin beads) were used to stabilize substrate pH of passive-wicking, solid-matrix hydroponic systems in which small canopies of Brassica napus L. (CrGC 5-2, genome : ACaacc) were grown to maturity. Two concentrations of MES (5 or 10 mM) were included in Hoagland 1 nutrient solution. Alternatively, resin beads were incorporated into the 2 vermiculite : 1 perlite (v/v) growth medium at 6% or 12% of total substrate volume. Both strategies stabilized pH without toxic side effects on plants. Average seed yield rates for all four pH stabilization treatments (13.3 to 16.9 g m-2 day-1) were about double that of the control (8.2 g m-2 day-1), for which there was no attempt to buffer substrate pH. Both the highest canopy seed yield rate (16.9 g m-2 day-1) and the highest shoot harvest index (19.5%) occurred with the 6% resin bead treatment, even though the 10 mM MES and 12% bead treatments maintained pH within the narrowest limits. The pH stabilization methods tested did not significantly affect seed oil and protein contents.
Document ID
20040090232
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Frick, J.
(Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907-1165, United States)
Mitchell, C. A.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: HortScience : a publication of the American Society for Horticultural Science
Volume: 28
Issue: 10
ISSN: 0018-5345
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2329
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Number 93-10
NASA Program NSCORT
NASA Discipline Life Support Systems
Non-NASA Center

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