[Methods of extending the resource of fiber ionite artificial soils in space greenhouses]

The vegetable cultivation technology developed in view of long-term autonomous missions is based on root nutrition provided by fiber artificial soils (AS) containing ion-exchange resins. Useful life of ASs is limited by two factors which are nutrients depletion in ion-exchanger and clogging of the AS threshold space by roots remnants. Purpose of the investigation is to try out hydrolysis and ensuing microbial decomposition of roots remnants as a way to extend the resource of used fiber ionite AS. This principle of doing away with the roots remnants recovers almost completely the maximal water-absorbing capacity of AS BIONA-V3 so that it can be used again for crops cultivation.