Selection of root-zone media for higher plant cultivation in space.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the cultivating effects of several mineral matters used as root-zone media for higher plant growth in space.


METHODS
Four kinds of artificial and natural mineral matters were used as plant root-zone media based on lots of investigation and analysis. Nutrient liquid was delivered into the media by a long capillary material, and roots of plants obtained nutrition and water from the media. The related parameters such as plant height and photosynthetic efficiency were measured and analyzed.


RESULTS
The growing effect in a mixture of coarse and fine ceramic particles with equal quantity proportion was the best, that in fine ceramic particles was the second best, that in clinoptilolite particles was the third and that in diorite particles was the last.


CONCLUSIONS
The mixture of coarse and fine ceramic particles with equal quantity possesses not only fine capillary action, but also good aerating ability, and therefore is capable of being utilized as an effective root-zone media for higher plants intended to be grown in space.
Guo
Shuang-sheng
SS
Institute of Space Medico-Engineering, Beijing. guoshuangsheng@tom.com
Ai
Wei-dang
WD
Zhao
Cheng-jian
CJ
Han
Li-jun
LJ
Wang
Jian-xiao
JX
D001031:Apatites; D002516:Ceramics; D003470:Culture Media; D018504:Ecological Systems, Closed; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D018527:Hydroponics / Q000379:methods*; D018545:Lactuca / Q000254:growth & development*; D008021:Life Support Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010788:Photosynthesis / Q000502:physiology; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000378:metabolism; D013026:Space Flight; D017641:Zeolites
D001031:Apatites; D003470:Culture Media; C083175:clinoptilolite; D017641:Zeolites