Hydroponic Sprout Production, an Evaluation of
Different Growth Media and Environment Conditions
Rodrigo Romo,
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and Charlotte Romo,
SWES
Various growth media for
sprouts and micro-greens production will be evaluated under light and dark
environmental conditions using a floating raft hydroponic technique.
Various species will be grown to evaluate yields, production period, and
production efficiency. The tests will be conducted in the Aeroponics
Greenhouse within deep plastic containers (rectangular tubs) and located
in the North West side of the house. Each of 3 pairs of containers will
represent treatments within each experiment. For each pair of
containers, different styles of floating rafts, containing different media
will be used to grow sprouts of species that may include: alfalfa,
garbanzo, pea, radish, mustard, and barley. Lettuce micro greens
will also be grown using the floating raft technique. Also for each
pair of containers, one will be fully exposed to sunlight while the other
will be covered for sprouts to grow in the dark. The water within the
container will be aerated. The primary goal is to learn the best
methodology to grow sprouts in a floating raft hydroponic procedure, with
long term goal of designing a large scale production system. Evaluation of
progress and reconsideration of test procedures including the design,
nutrient solution, and environment will occur during
testing.
Cooperators: Dr. Merle Jensen, PLS and Dr. Gene
Giacomelli, ABE
Completed June
2005 |
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