Ion-Specific Nutrient Management in Closed Systems: The Necessity for Ion-Selective Sensors in Terrestrial and Space-Based Agriculture and Water Management Systems

Abstract

The ability to monitor and control plant nutrient ions in fertigation solutions, on an ion-specific basis, is critical to the future of controlled environment agriculture crop production, be it in traditional terrestrial settings (e.g., greenhouse crop production) or as a component of bioregenerative life support systems for long duration space exploration. Several technologies are currently available that can provide the required measurement of ion-specific activities in solution. The greenhouse sector has invested in research examining the potential of a number of these technologies to meet the industry's demanding requirements, and although no ideal solution yet exists for on-line measurement, growers do utilize technologies such as high-performance liquid chromatography to provide off-line measurements. An analogous situation exists on the International Space Station where, technological solutions are sought, but currently on-orbit water quality monitoring is considerably restricted. This paper examines the specific advantages that on-line ion-selective sensors could provide to plant production systems both terrestrially and when utilized in space-based biological life support systems and how similar technologies could be applied to nominal on-orbit water quality monitoring. A historical development and technical review of the various ion-selective monitoring technologies is provided.

Efficiency and effectiveness of vitamin C-substrate organo-mineral straight fertilizer in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

“…Plant growth is optimal when essential elements are supplied properly. When the absorbed inorganic element is either insufficient or excessive, the growth of stems and roots is impaired [6,7]. In addition,…”

Agriculture for Space: People and Places Paving the Way

“…Unauthenticated Download Date | 5/10/18 10:31 PM a catastrophic pressure loss that would be lethal to humans. The Guelph studies also examined new crops and cultivars for space agriculture (Waters et al, 2002;Stasiak et al, 2003Stasiak et al, , 2012, innovative light sources and light delivery concepts (Stasiak et al, 1998), ion specific sensors for controlling hydroponic systems (Bamsey et al, 2012), plant CO 2 responses (Grodzinski, 1992), and plant production systems in harsh, high latitude settings such as Devon Island (Bamsey et al, 2015).…”

New Trends in the Fertigation Management of Irrigated Vegetable Crops

“…Experimental work on tomatoes and melons has been carried out in protected cultivation but revealed a poor correlation between the nutritional status of the plant and the concentration of nutrients in the suction cup extract; the method therefore appears to be more suitable when excesses are avoided [102]. The aqueous extract obtained through different methods can be analyzed with a rapid determination kit and other analysis tools [121][122][123].…”

“…Undoubtedly ion-specific sensors based on optical (ISO) or electrochemical (ISE or ISFET) reactions are particularly suitable for the fertigation of soilless crops where the nutrient solution can be easily collected [122]. Commercial examples of portable specific ion sensors are CardyNO 3 Meter™, (Horiba Ltd., Kyoto, Japan) for the determination of NO 3 − , and the Nutrient Analyzer™ (Clean-grown, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom) for the determination of N-NO 3 , N-NH 4 , Ca, Mg, K, Cl, Na, pH and EC.…”