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Comparison of aerobically-treated and untreated crop residue as a source of recycled nutrients in a recirculating hydroponic systemThis study compared the growth of potato plants on nutrients recycled from inedible potato biomass. Plants were grown for 105 days in recirculating, thin-film hydroponic systems containing four separate nutrient solution treatments: (1) modified half-strength Hoagland's (control), 2) liquid effluent from a bioreactor containing inedible potato biomass, 3) filtered (0.2 micrometer) effluent, and 4) the water soluble fraction of inedible potato biomass (leachate). Approximately 50% of the total nutrient requirement in treatments 2-4 were provided (recycled) from the potato biomass. Leachate had an inhibitory effect on leaf conductance, photosynthetic rate, and growth (50% reduction in plant height and 60% reduction in tuber yield). Plants grown on bioreactor effluent (filtered or unfiltered) were similar to the control plants. These results indicated that rapidly degraded, water soluble organic material contained in the inedible biomass, i.e., material in leachate, brought about phytotoxicity in the hydroponic culture of potato. Recalcitrant, water soluble organic material accumulated in all nutrient recycling treatments (650% increase after 105 days), but no increase in rhizosphere microbial numbers was observed.
Document ID
20040089891
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mackowiak, C. L.
(NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach FL United States)
Garland, J. L.
Strayer, R. F.
Finger, B. W.
Wheeler, R. M.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1996
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in space research : the official journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
Volume: 18
Issue: 1-2
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Life Support Systems
NASA Program Advanced Life Support
NASA Center KSC
NASA Discipline Number 61-20

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