Design, Fabrication and Evaluation of a Hybrid Hydro/Aeroponic System

Authors

1 Agricultural institute, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology,Ahmadabad Mostoufi, Tehran, Iran

2 Agricultural research institute, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (irost), Ahmadabad mostofi. Tehran

3 Agricultural research institute, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (irost), Ahmadabad mostofi, Tehran. Iran.

Abstract

The water shortage crisis necessitates the implementation of new technologies to increase water productivity. The aeroponics and hydroponics methods can be part of these technologies. In this study a high pressure aeroponics system including two separate units was designed and constructed for conducting research experiments. In this technology, the roots of the plant were suspended in a horizontal arrangement in the air and subjected to periodic spraying of the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution based on Hoagland's formula was transferred by a diaphragm pump and after passing through the filter, it was sprayed on the roots of the plants through the nozzle at regular intervals. Other equipment such as pressure switch, pressure gauge, drain valve, programmable timer, and diaphragm accumulator were used in the hydraulic circuit of the system. The sprayed solution was collected at the end of the chamber and returned to the tank due to the gravity force. The design was such that there is always some solution in the bottom of the tank and the roots can use this solution as well, so this system can be considered as a hybrid type. The results showed that this hybrid method significantly increased leaves and root growth compared to the traditional method. The systems built in this research are part of the path to better use of agricultural water and still need to be optimized. Due to the development of vertical farming and urban agriculture in the world, aeroponics systems can play a significant role in this regard.

Keywords

References

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Agricultural Mechanization
Volume 8, Issue 2
June 2023
Pages 19-30

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 March 2023
  • Revise Date: 31 July 2023
  • Accept Date: 19 August 2023

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