Impact of Slope of Growing Trays on Productivity of Wheat Green Fodder by a Nutrient Film Technique System

Abstract

Application of hydroponic systems in feed production has not been extensively studied. Therefore, there is insufficient data on the effect of the slope of hydroponic growing trays used in the nutrient film technique on wheat fodder yield and its qualitative parameters. The slope of the trays has only been studied for food crops. This study conducted experimental research using a nutrient film technique hydroponic fodder growing device to evaluate the impact of growing tray slope angle on hydroponic wheat fodder production. The slope angle of the growing trays was changed from 2.0% (1.15°) to 8.0% (4.57°) with increments of 1.5% (0.86°). This research used two different light sources for wheat sprout illumination: indoor lighting (fluorescent lamps) and light-emitting diode illumination. In addition, two nutrient solutions were used for sprout irrigation: tap water and a solution enriched with macro- and microelements. Experimental studies confirmed the hypothesis that the slope angle of growing trays significantly affects the yield of wheat fodder grown for seven days. Analyzing the results, we found that the highest yield of wheat fodder after seven days of cultivation was achieved with growing trays sloped by 6.5% and using indoor lighting. In addition, we achieved the highest wheat fodder dry matter content using a 6.5% slope angle. Experimental studies also confirmed the hypothesis that using macro- and micronutrients in the nutrient solution does not significantly affect the yield of wheat fodder grown hydroponically for seven days.

Effect of the Flow Rate on Plant Growth and Flow Visualization of Nutrient Solution in Hydroponics

“…Not only the flow rate and container size, but also the plant spacing [32] and position impact the characteristics of the flow field in hydroponics. Furthermore, the optimum flow pattern may also be linked with the width, slope [33], and length [14] of the cultivation container, as these will affect the solution depth and root aeration [28]. The relationship between these factors should be investigated in future studies.…”

Light Intensity Affects Growth and Nutrient Value of Hydroponic Barley Fodder

“…Irrigation through sprinklers was scheduled for 15 s every four hours, with the photoperiod consisting of 10 h/6 h light/dark cycles. Previous research has shown that water without added nutrients can support the hydroponic growth of fodder for a period of seven days [23]. The experimental design included four treatments with varied light intensities at 0 µmol/m 2 /s (L0, control treatment), 100 µmol/m 2 /s (L1), 200 µmol/m 2 /s (L2), and 300 µmol/m 2 /s (L3).…”

Review of Agricultural-Related Water Security in Water-Scarce Countries: Jordan Case Study

“…Wheat, barley and fodder hydroponic were tested and are still under investigation; good amounts of fodder were produced using hydroponic systems [71][72][73]. Cereals may be grown hydroponically [74,75], or in assisted open fields. Figure 8 shows the predicted maximum average temperatures and amounts of rainfall in Jordan as zones.…”