Root-zone Temperature Effects on Spinach Biomass Production Using a Nutrient Film Technique System

Abstract

Root-zone temperature (RZT) is closely related to nutrient transportation and biomass production. However, its influence on biomass production and dry matter distribution remains unknown, especially in year-long production greenhouses. We explore the potential of RZT as an environmental control method to promote spinach field production by quantifying the effects of RZT to increase spinach production. Three RZT treatments using a nutrient film technique (NFT) system quantified and evaluated the effects of spring, summer, and winter spinach cultivation. We investigated the growth characteristics, total aboveground dry matter, and fraction of dry matter distribution to the leaf and root (which corresponded with yield). The RZT effects on total aboveground dry matter varied with the average air temperature inside the greenhouse. The total aboveground dry matter correlated positively with RZT in optimal air temperature conditions (15–20 °C). The dry matter-to-leaves ratio of the spinach did not correlate significantly with RZT in suboptimal (5 °C < air temperature < 15 °C) or supraoptimal (20 °C < air temperature) conditions. Therefore, RZT can promote biomass accumulation. We suggest RZT provides a feasible method for controlling the dry matter distribution fraction. Further research into the functional role of RZT will support hydroponic growers in improving crop yield.

Enhancing Productivity and Improving Nutritional Quality of Subtropical and Temperate Leafy Vegetables in Tropical Greenhouses and Indoor Farming Systems

“…While crop breeders will have to provide the farmers with heat-resistant cultivars, it is also necessary for crop growers to adopt better farming practices to combat climate change [46]. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA), including either simple greenhouses or indoor farming, is a powerful way to produce fresh food that reduces the impacts of climate changes on agriculture [47,48].…”

Effects of Elevated Water Temperature on Growth of Basil Using Nutrient Film Technique

“…However, other research has looked at heating water to encourage greater nutrient uptake, increased transpiration, nutritional absorption, root length, and leaf area (Moorby and Graves, 1980). Plant such as tomatoes and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) often thrive with warmer root temperatures as a result of increased metabolism that allows for more nutrient uptake and shoot growth (Wang et al, 2022). In a study using condensation irrigation in pots with soil, pots treated with the elevated temperatures secondary to condensation irrigation stimulated root growth in green basils, though specific cultivars were not reported (Arabnejad et al, 2021).…”