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A hydroponic method for plant growth in microgravityA hydroponic apparatus under development for long-term microgravity plant growth is described. The capillary effect root environment system (CERES) is designed to keep separate the nutrient and air flows, although both must be simultaneously available to the roots. Water at a pressure slightly under air pressure is allowed to seep into a plastic depression covered by a plastic screen and a porous membrane. A root in the air on the membrane outer surface draws the moisture through it. The laboratory model has a wire-based 1.241 mm mesh polyethylene screen and a filter membrane with 0.45 micron pores, small enough to prohibit root hair penetration. The design eliminates the need to seal-off the plant environment. Problems still needing attention include scaling up of the CERES size, controlling biofouling of the membrane, and extending the applications to plants without fibrous root systems.
Document ID
19850037409
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wright, B. D.
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 85-0163
Accession Number
85A19560
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS10-10933
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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