Hydroponics and protected cultivation: a practical guide

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Solution Culture ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Production Plant ◽  
Practical Guide ◽  
Protected Cultivation ◽  
History Of ◽  
Hydroponic Systems

Abstract This book contains 14 chapters. It is a practical guide about hydroponics and protected cultivation. Topics covered include: background and history of hydroponics and protected cultivation; greenhouses and protected cropping structures; greenhouse operation and management; hydroponic systems - solution culture; substrate-based hydroponic systems; organic soilless greenhouse systems; propagation and transplant production; plant nutrition and nutrient formulation; plant Health, plant protection and abiotic factors; hydroponic production of selected crops; plant factories - closed plant production systems; greenhouse produce quality and assessment; and harvest and postharvest factors.

Plant factories - closed plant production systems (CPPS).

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynette Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Control Plant ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Natural Light ◽  
Production Plant ◽  
Artificial Lighting ◽  
Plant Factory ◽  
The Usa ◽  
High Level

Abstract A plant factory is an indoor, enclosed, crop cultivation system where the growing environment is precisely controlled to maximise production. This control over all aspects of plant growth includes light, temperature, humidity, air movement, carbon dioxide (CO2) and nutrition. This is largely achieved through soilless (hydroponic) cultivation techniques. The term plant factory has previously included high intensity production systems such as greenhouses reliant on natural light only or natural light supplemented with horticultural lighting, as well as those utilising only artificial lighting. More recently, 'plant factory' has come to represent a CPPS (closed plant production system) or termed PFAL (plant factory with artificial lighting) where no natural sunlight is required. Plant factories may also be referred to as 'indoor vertical farms' or 'indoor vertical cropping' in the USA and other countries, based on the multi-level nature of the systems which aim to maximise growing space. With a high level of environmental control, plant factories can produce vegetables two to four times faster than by typical outdoor cultivation (Luna-Maldonao et al., 2016), and with the use of vertical systems, optimise yields per unit of floor area. In addition to higher levels of production, plant factories are becoming increasingly sustainable as less water, fertilizers, pesticides and labour are consumed during cultivation (Hu et al., 2014).

scholarly journals Effects of Plant Age and Root Damage on Internalization of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Leafy Vegetables and Herbs

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Yi-Ju Wang ◽  
Amanda J. Deering ◽  
Hye-Ji Kim
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Shiga Toxin ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Plant Age ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Root Damage ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Hydroponic Systems ◽  
Stx1 Gene

Our previous study reported that fresh produce grown in aquaponic and hydroponic systems can pose potential food safety hazards due to an accidental introduction of contaminated fish and cross-contamination between the systems. In this study, we examined the effects of plant species and age on the likelihood and level of internalization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in aquaponic and hydroponic systems. Four plant species, basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. Genovese), cilantro (Coriandrum Sativum L.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. Cherokee), and kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica), received root damage treatment as seedlings before transplanting or mature plants at three weeks after transplanting by cutting off 1-cm tips of one-third of the roots. Enrichments and selective media were used for the isolation, and presumptive positive colonies were confirmed by PCR for the presence of stx1 gene in plant tissues, recirculating water, and fish feces collected at four weeks after transplanting. In hydroponic systems, STEC was found neither in the solution nor in the roots and leaves of all four plant species, possibly through improved sanitation and hygiene practices. However, consistent with our previous findings, STEC was found in the water, on the plant roots, and in the fish feces in aquaponic systems, even after thorough sanitation prior to the study. Regardless of plant age, STEC was internalized in the roots of all plant species when the roots were damaged, but there was no difference in the degree of internalization with STEC among plant species. STEC was present in the leaves only when seedlings received root damage treatment and were grown to maturity, indicating that root damage allows STEC to internalize in the roots within a week, but a longer period is required for STEC to internalize into the leaves. We concluded that root damage on seedlings can cause the internalization of E. coli O157:H7 in the edible parts of leafy vegetables and herbs in soilless production systems.

scholarly journals Modeling Energy LED Light Consumption Based on an Artificial Intelligent Method Applied to Closed Plant Production System

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2735
Author(s):  
Ernesto Olvera-Gonzalez ◽  
Martín Montes Rivera ◽  
Nivia Escalante-Garcia ◽  
Eduardo Flores-Gallegos
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Nonlinear Models ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Red Light ◽  
Green Light ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Production Plant ◽  
Light Component ◽  
Gp Model

Artificial lighting is a key factor in Closed Production Plant Systems (CPPS). A significant light-emitting diode (LED) technology attribute is the emission of different wavelengths, called light recipes. Light recipes are typically configured in continuous mode, but can also be configured in pulsed mode to save energy. We propose two nonlinear models, i.e., genetic programing (GP) and feedforward artificial neural networks (FNNs) to predict energy consumption in CPPS. The generated models use the following input variables: intensity, red light component, blue light component, green light component, and white light component; and the following operation modes: continuous and pulsed light including pulsed frequency, and duty cycle as well energy consumption as output. A Spearman's correlation was applied to generate a model with only representative inputs. Two datasets were applied. The first (Test 1), with 5700 samples with similar input ranges, was used to train and evaluate, while the second (Test 2), included 160 total datapoints in different input ranges. The metrics that allowed a quantitative evaluation of the model's performance were MAPE, MSE, MAE, and SEE. Our implemented models achieved an accuracy of 96.1% for the GP model and 98.99% for the FNNs model. The models used in this proposal can be applied or programmed as part of the monitoring system for CPPS which prioritize energy efficiency. The nonlinear models provide a further analysis for energy savings due to the light recipe and operation light mode, i.e., pulsed and continuous on artificial LED lighting systems.

Life history of tundra-dwelling wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae) from the Yukon Territory, Canada

2012 ◽  
Vol 90 (6) ◽  
pp. 714-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.J. Bowden ◽  
C.M. Buddle
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Wolf Spider ◽  
Local Variation ◽  
Yukon Territory ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Wolf Spiders ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
History Of

We studied populations of three tundra-dwelling wolf spider (Lycosidae) species to determine reproductive trait relationships and developmental timing in the Arctic. We collected 451 Pardosa lapponica (Thorell, 1872), 176 Pardosa sodalis Holm, 1970, and 117 Pardosa moesta Banks, 1892 during summer 2008. We used log-likelihood ratio tests and multiple linear regressions to determine the best predictors of fecundity and relative reproductive effort. Female body size best explained the variation in fecundity and body condition was the best predictor for relative reproductive effort. We tested for a trade-off between the allocation of resources to individual eggs and the number of eggs produced (fecundity) within each species using linear regression. There was variation in detectable egg size and number trade-offs among sites and these may be related to local variation in resource allocation linked to density-related biotic or abiotic factors. These findings contribute to knowledge about the fitness of arctic wolf spiders in the region of study and are particularly relevant in light of the effects that climate changes are predicted to have on the arctic fauna.

scholarly journals Pulsed LED-Lighting as an Alternative Energy Savings Technique for Vertical Farms and Plant Factories

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 1603
Author(s):  
Ernesto Olvera-Gonzalez ◽  
Nivia Escalante-Garcia ◽  
Deland Myers ◽  
Peter Ampim ◽  
Eric Obeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Photon Flux Density ◽  
Led Light ◽  
Operation Modes

Different strategies are reported in the literature for energy saving in Closed Plant Production Systems (CPPS). However, not reliable evidences about energy consumption with the use of pulsed LED light technique in lighting system available in Plant Factory and Vertical Farm. In this work, three key points to determine the effects of pulsed LED light versus continuous LED light are presented: (1) A mathematical model and its practical application for stabilizing the energy equivalence using LED light in continuous and pulsed mode in different light treatments. (2) The quantum efficiency of the photosystem II was used to determine positive and/or negative effects of the light operating mode (continuous or pulsed) on chili pepper plants (Capsicum annuum var. Serrano). (3) Evaluation of energy consumption with both operation modes using ten recipes from the literature to grow plants applied in Closed Plant Production Systems, different Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density at 50, 110, and 180 µmol m−2 s−1, Frequencies at 100, 500, and 1000 Hz, and Duty Cycles of 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90%. The results show no significant statistical differences between the operation modes (continuous and pulsed LED light). For each light recipe analyzed, a pulsed frequency and a duty cycle were obtained, achieving significant energy savings in every light intensity. The results can be useful guide for real-life applications in CPPS.

scholarly journals Water-Conserving and Runoff-Reducing Production Systems for Containerized Plants: Some Examples of Recently Developed Technologies

EDIS ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharma Jyotsna ◽  
Dorota Z. Haman ◽  
Richard C. Beeson, Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Fact Sheet ◽  
Micro Irrigation

ENH-1048, a 6-page illustrated fact sheet by Sharma, J., Haman, D.Z., and Beeson, Jr., R.C., describes some new, water conserving production systems for containerized plant production in outdoor nurseries that use the concepts of micro-irrigation and subirrigation. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, December 2006.

scholarly journals Bestandesdynamik zentralalpiner Waldföhrenwälder aufgezeigt anhand dendroökologischer Fallstudien aus dem Wallis, Schweiz | Stand dynamics of central alpine Scots pine using dendroecological case studies from Valais, Switzerland

2004 ◽  
Vol 155 (6) ◽  
pp. 178-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Rigling ◽  
Pascale Weber ◽  
Paolo Cherubini ◽  
Matthias Dobbertin
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Scots Pine ◽  
Forest Dynamics ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Pine Forests ◽  
Natural Disturbances ◽  
Development History ◽  
History Of ◽  
Scots Pine Forests ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the use of dendroecological methods to analyse the various processes involved in forest dynamics. Using dendroecological case studies of the Scots pine forests of Valais (Switzerland) as an example we discuss the most relevant processes of forest dynamics and their consequences on stand structures and mortality rates. We focus on the development history of these Scots pine forests under human impact and on the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on tree growth. Most of today's extended Scots pine forests (< 1500 m a.s.l.)must be interpreted as part of an ongoing natural succession under heavy human influence. In time, without management or natural disturbances, most of these pine forests will develop into broadleaved forests (lower altitudes) or spruce-firforests(higher altitudes).

scholarly journals High biogeographic and latitudinal variability in gastropod drilling predation on molluscs along the eastern Indian coast: Implications on the history of fossil record of drillholes

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256685
Author(s):  
Subhronil Mondal ◽  
Hindolita Chakraborty ◽  
Sandip Saha ◽  
Sahana Dey ◽  
Deepjay Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Eastern Coast ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Biogeographic Pattern ◽  
Drilling Predation ◽  
History Of ◽  
Latitudinal Patterns ◽  
Consecutive Time

Studies on the large-scale latitudinal patterns of gastropod drilling predation reveal that predation pressure may decrease or increase with increasing latitude, or even show no trend, questioning the generality of any large-scale latitudinal or biogeographic pattern. Here, we analyze the nature of spatio-environmental and latitudinal variation in gastropod drilling along the Indian eastern coast by using 76 samples collected from 39 locations, covering ~2500 km, incorporating several ecoregions, and ~15° latitudinal extents. We find no environmental or latitudinal gradient. In fact, drilling intensity varies highly within the same latitudinal bin, or oceanic sub-basins, or even the same ecoregions. Moreover, different ecoregions with their distinctive biotic and abiotic environmental variables show similar predation intensities. However, one pattern is prevalent: some small infaunal prey taxa, living in the sandy-muddy substrate—which are preferred by the naticid gastropods—are always attacked more frequently over others, indicating taxon and size selectivity by the predators. The result suggests that the biotic and abiotic factors, known to influence drilling predation, determine only the local predation pattern. In the present case, the nature of substrate and prey composition determines the local predation intensity: soft substrate habitats host dominantly small, infaunal prey. Since the degree of spatial variability in drilling intensity within any time bin can be extremely high, sometimes greater than the variability across consecutive time bins, temporal patterns in drilling predation can never be interpreted without having detailed knowledge of the nature of this spatial variability within a time bin.

scholarly journals Gene Banks as Reservoirs to Detect Recent Selection: The Example of the Asturiana de los Valles Bovine Breed

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Boitard ◽  
Cyriel Paris ◽  
Natalia Sevane ◽  
Bertrand Servin ◽  
Kenza Bazi-Kabbaj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Cattle Breed ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Gene Banks ◽  
Animal Genetic Resources ◽  
Selection History ◽  
History Of ◽  
Rich Information ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Candidate Regions

Gene banks, framed within the efforts for conserving animal genetic resources to ensure the adaptability of livestock production systems to population growth, income, and climate change challenges, have emerged as invaluable resources for biodiversity and scientific research. Allele frequency trajectories over the few last generations contain rich information about the selection history of populations, which cannot be obtained from classical selection scan approaches based on present time data only. Here we apply a new statistical approach taking advantage of genomic time series and a state of the art statistic (nSL) based on present time data to disentangle both old and recent signatures of selection in the Asturiana de los Valles cattle breed. This local Spanish originally multipurpose breed native to Asturias has been selected for beef production over the last few generations. With the use of SNP chip and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data, we detect candidate regions under selection reflecting the effort of breeders to produce economically valuable beef individuals, e.g., by improving carcass and meat traits with genes such as MSTN, FLRT2, CRABP2, ZNF215, RBPMS2, OAZ2, or ZNF609, while maintaining the ability to thrive under a semi-intensive production system, with the selection of immune (GIMAP7, GIMAP4, GIMAP8, and TICAM1) or olfactory receptor (OR2D2, OR2D3, OR10A4, and 0R6A2) genes. This kind of information will allow us to take advantage of the invaluable resources provided by gene bank collections from local less competitive breeds, enabling the livestock industry to exploit the different mechanisms fine-tuned by natural and human-driven selection on different populations to improve productivity.

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