Promising technique of mineral supply organization for plants in the condition of microgravity
Berkovich, I.A.; Krivobok, A.S.; Krivobok, N.M.; Smolianina, S.O.
Aviakosmicheskaia i Ekologicheskaia Meditsina 48(3): 56-62
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0233-528X PMID: 25163340 Document Number: 675851
The proposed system of automated nutrient solution preparation for plant cultivation in microgravity consists of an ion-exchange fabric artificial soil (AS) as a root-inhabited medium, a pack with slow release fertilizer as the main source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and a cartridge with a granular mineral-rich ionite as a source of calcium, magnesium, sulphur and iron. Experiments proved that fabric AS BIONA-V3 is capable to stabilize pH of the substrate solution within the range of 6.0 to 6.6 favorable to the majority of vegetable cultures. The experimental data attested suitability of this technique of water forcing through mineral-containing packs to automate nutrient solution preparation for crops cultivated in space greenhouses, and to minimize the stock of fabric AS onboard the space vehicle.