Porous membrane utilization in plant nutrient deliveryA spacecraft hydroponic plant growth unit of tubular configuration, employing a microporous membrane as a capilary interface between plant roots and a nutrient solution, is presented. All three of the experimental trials undertaken successfully grew wheat from seed to harvest. Attention is given to the mass/seed, number of seeds/head, ratio of seed dry mass to total plant dry mass, production of tillers, and mass of seed/plant. Dry matter production is found to be reduced with increasing suction pressure; this is true for both average seed and average total dry matter/plant. This may be due to a reduction in water and nutrient availability through the microporous membrane.
Document ID
19870064979
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Dreschel, T. W. (Bionetics Corp. Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Hinkle, C. R. (Bionetics Corp. Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Prince, R. P. (Bionetics Corp. Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Knott, W. M., III (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)