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The Vacuum-Operated Nutrient Delivery System: hydroponics for microgravity
C S Brown1, W M Cox, T W Dreschel
1The Bionetics Corp., Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899.
Hortscience : a Publication of the American Society for Horticultural Science
|November 1, 1992
Summary
A novel Vacuum-Operated Nutrient Delivery System (VONDS) enhances plant growth in simulated microgravity. Bean plants showed increased leaf area and dry weight, demonstrating VONDS
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Space agriculture
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microgravity conditions pose challenges for plant cultivation.
- Efficient nutrient delivery is crucial for plant growth in space.
- Developing systems for space-based agriculture is essential for long-duration missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a Vacuum-Operated Nutrient Delivery System (VONDS).
- To evaluate the efficacy of VONDS for plant growth.
- To assess the applicability of VONDS for microgravity environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Vacuum-Operated Nutrient Delivery System (VONDS).
- Applied a partial vacuum (approximately 91 kPa) to plant roots.
- Grew bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Blue Lake 274) under VONDS and control conditions.
Main Results:
- VONDS-grown plants exhibited greater leaf area compared to controls.
- Bean plants on VONDS showed significantly higher root, stem, leaf, and pod dry weights.
- The system demonstrated effective nutrient solution delivery across roots.
Conclusions:
- VONDS shows potential for growing plants in microgravity.
- The system supports enhanced plant growth, including biomass accumulation.
- VONDS is a promising technology for space biology and crop production.