Description of an improved hydroponic research system for screening plants for nutrient abatement in constructed wetlands.

摘要

A greenhouse recirculating hydroponic system has been developed at the Hammond Research Station of the Louisiana State University Agriculture Center to be used in research studies to screen native and ornamental plant species for their suitability as nutrient runoff abatement plantings in constructed wetlands. The research system contains six independent units and incorporates several improvements over previously published systems including (1) timer-operated motor valves to avoid overfilling reservoir tanks, (2) pressure regulation of the inline manifold, (3) improved filtration, (4) improved irrigation drippers, and (5) better light exclusion to prevent algae growth. The system was evaluated in two experiments conducted to quantify uptake capacities of nitrate of native and ornamental plant species. The improved hydroponic system met the requirements of the experimental protocol. Time spent on system maintenance was significantly reduced.