There are many models of hydroponic fodder cultivation, among them maize is one of the most raised crop in this condition.
Among the marketed designs, many of the structure are having over-head sprinkler system. These were said to raise the humidity in the system.
Among another variant, the plants are irrigated via drip system. However, none of the designers have explained what is the surrounding condition of the production unit.
The question are
1) Is humidity needed for faster growth of plant?
2) How tolerant is maize plant with less humid condition/ dry condition?
3) If sprinkler system is replaced with drip system for the hydroponic fodder cultivation, will it be efficient in working?
Dear Kapil,
Let me modestly answer the first two questions.
The humidity is one factor that controls the opening and closing of stomata. It is known that the first food plants is carbon dioxide. This gas enters the plant through the stomata if it is open. A dry atmosphere causes the closure of entrances that are stomata.
The growth of plants grown in hydroponic is optimum when the relative humidity is between 50 and 70%.
Future maize will be resistant to drought. US researchers have found a way to make the maize tolerant to drought. This discovery is crucial for the crop in dry regions or water deficit periods. It will help to save water and to adapt to climate change. The plant can continue its growth even without water.
The tolerance trait drought is conferred by a gene present naturally in "Bacillus subtilis," a bacterium commonly found in soil. Introduced in maize, this gene helps the plant to grow during periods of water shortage. Maize is particularly sensitive to lack of water bloom in grain filling, which determines the number of grains, their size and therefore production of culture. Limiting the impact of the drought effect on the plant must provide the people with better security at the returns. Four years of experimentation in the United States and South America showed that in drought conditions, varieties containing this gene have an average higher yield between 7 and 15%. Testing continues in all regions of the world including Africa.
With my best regards
Prof. Bachir ACHOUR
Prof. Achour, Your insight has given me some idea on why in majority of the hydroponic fodder system they use sprinkler system instead of drip or other system of irrigation. Certainly a drought resistant genes can create many possibilities and the food we produce is not only consumed by humans but also by domestic animals.
I would like to have your some wisdom in this regard. I live in a place where humidity used to vary from 50-80 % depending upon season. As you have mentioned that stomata opens in high humid condition and for that we found that majority of the hydroponic fodder production is done with sprinkler system. Can you suggest some other techniques by which I can increase the chambers' humidity.
Regards,
Kapil
Dear Kapil,
Even in the desert, it is now possible to provide daily, fresh grass to sheep, cows, horses, etc.
The solution, developed by Australian: a semi-automated hydroponics room with several trays on which the seeds are spread every day to allow the production of fresh and full of grass minerals in sufficient quantities for the daily feeding of herbivores. Seeds to seedlings ready to eat, six days are enough. The dimensions of the culture chamber are a function of the volume of grass needed. Ideal for areas with extreme climate, but also in temperate zones during bad seasons. Seeds of cereals and pulses are spread on the specialized culture trays and watered automatically at preset intervals through domestic sprayers. A temperature level is maintained constantly in the room to ensure the best possible value growth and nutritional fodder. Each day, the only work of the operator is ready to drag the grass, out trays, move the trays with water, then re-sow again. The system has enough trays to provide the amount of forage needed each day. The selected seeds germinate in 24 hours and grow to their original shelf for 6 days. Young shoots are then a height of 15-20 cm, forming a veritable carpet are ready to be harvested. Everything is edible, including the roots, so there is no waste. There is nothing to add else. The quality of the grass provides all the nutrients needed to herbivores, and is a living food. A single phase current of 15 Amps is sufficient, and the culture chambers are delivered ready to operate once they are connected to the cable input of 15 amps. The system does not cost more than 2 € / day in electricity costs, due to its very good insulation and design which favored the low energy consumption. It can be installed outdoors, but we get better results, with lower operating costs if it can be put under shelter, or at least out of direct sunlight during the hottest months. Alternative energy solutions (solar or wind) can be provided for areas where electricity is too expensive or not available.
The system allows considerable water savings compared to traditional cultivation methods. The water is constantly recycled during the process
growth.
With my best regards
Prof. Bachir ACHOUR
Prof. Bachir, you are right in this regard that even in desert now we can grow grasses. I am also working with the similar idea with a low cost solution. The designs I was talking about is that you mentioned but in a low cost, i.e. it will not be enclosed and humidity and temperature cannot be installed. Instead the models currently available, they grow crops using sprinkler system (which is expected to increase humidity). Thus the question raised in my mind, if the irrigation part can be done by drip method.
Thank you for your wisdom.
Regards,
Kapil
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