Agronomic Performances of Manure Composts in Simplified Soilless Tomato Cultivation

Composts are recognised as an important source of nutrients for crops. The study aims to valorise agricultural by-products by composts made from broiler (A), laying hen (B) and bovine (C) manures in soilless tomato cultivation. Treatments consisted of these three composts and controls consisting of coconut fibres fed with a nutrient solution. The system is a randomised Fisher block with three replications. Each elementary plot consisted of nine tomato plants. Chemical parameters of the substrates and agronomic parameters of the plants were recorded from 14 to 49 days after transplanting (DAT). The pH stabilised at around 6.2 after varying from 7.1 to 8.0 in the composts. The high electrical conductivity (5.9 - 6.01 dS/m) was less than 1 dS/m at 49 DAT. Agromorphological parameters were close to the controls. Fruit necrosis was higher in the compost-based substrates (13.75% - 32.22%) than in the controls (<2%). Healthy fruit yields from the composts (38.7 - 48.7 t/ha) were high, although lower than those from the controls (49.9 - 57.4 t/ha). Fruit harvested from these substrates had a longer average shelf life (38.23 days) than the controls (28.5 days). This study showed that composts have fertilising properties for soilless tomato cultivation, in particular that of laying hen manure (48.33 t/ha). These composts could provide an alternative to the use of chemical fertilisers in soilless tomato cultivation.

Advances in Soilless Culture Research

Soilless culture refers to the technique by which crops are grown using nutrient solution or solid substrate along with nutrient solution without natural soil. This technique has developed for more than 150 years, and plays an essential role in promoting the development of horticultural, agricultural and forestal production, as well as agricultural modernization. Substrate and nutrient solution formulae and their application are the core of soilless culture technique. Based on the classification system of soilless culture, the types, advantages and scope of application of substrate formulae for growing vegetables and flowers in soilless culture, as well as the types, advantages and scope of application of nutrient solution formulae, and the regulation of nutrient solution ingredients are first systematically summarized in this paper; then, the advantages and disadvantages of the inorganic energy-intensive soilless culture and eco-organic soilless culture, and their scopes of application are analyzed; finally, research directions for further perfecting soilless culture technique are presented, and the outlook for the application of soilless culture is also provided.

Study on Soilless Culture of Facility Strawberry

[Objective] The aim was to establish a set of soilless cultivation and management method of facility strawberry cultivation in the south of China.[Method] In the research,strawberry species,substrate formulae,cultivation modes and nutri ent solutions were selected and optimized.[Result] Three-dimensional strawberry cultivation was much suitable for Frandy,Hongbao and Gumei No.1; substrate with coconut shred-mushroom residue-peat soil ratio at 2∶2∶1 was the optimal; the treatment C3,containing Ca（NO3）2·4H2O,KNO3,（NH4）2HPO4,MgSO4·7H2O,and NH4NO3 at 280,303,62,246 and 80 mg/L,promoted strawberry growth,and the cultivated strawberry was large and thick in leaves,thick in stem,dark green in leaf color,with best fruit yield and quality.Among three cultivation modes,the density,space use ratio and yield in the treatment with PVC pipes in A-shape were all higher and the strawberry was easier and more convenient for picking.[Conclusion] The research provides references for soilless cultivation of strawberry in the south of China.

Mixed Substrate Soilless Cultivation Techniques for Mini Watermelon in Spring Greenhouse of Beijing Area

Watermelon, as a traditional dominant crop in Beijing, has obvious indus- trial advantages. The mixed substrate soilless cultivation techniques developed by the Beijing Agricultural Technology Extension Station for mini watermelon in spring greenhouse can effectively solve the problem of continuous cropping in facility wa- termelon, and they are conducive to green, safe and efficient development of water- melon industry for fixed nutrient solution formula, automatic water and fertilizer irri- gation, stable product quality and facilitating large-scale and standardized production.

The optimal drainage line of potted flowers of soilless culture

Water is the source of life. China ranks No.13 among the water shortage countries. The most of the water is utilized in agriculture, while the utilization rate of irrigation water is only 40%, so it is very important to study on the theory and technology on high efficient water utilization. The purpose for this study is to find out the optimal drainage line on potted flowers through the analysis of experimental results of Aglaonema modestum and Rhododendron simsii Planch in different drainage lines.

Experimental Research on Four Season Soilless Cultivation of the Sprouting Seedlings of Toona sinensis in Chongqing

Using seed sowing cultivation method, the four-season soilless cultivation of the sprouting seedlings of Toona sinensis was carried out with different germination accelerating treatments, cultivation substrates, cultivation environment and management technologies by using the corresponding treatment methods in different seasons, so as to produce the sprouting vegetable products of T. sinensis which was not restricted by seasons. The test results showed that using the mixed substrate of pedite and vermiculite in winter and spring can keep moisture but not too high, and the produced sprout vegetable had good quality and high yield.

Preliminary Report on Sweetpotato Seedling Using Column-style Soilless Cultivation

[Objective] The aim was to provide scientific references for column-style soil ess cultivation. [Method] Comparisons were made on growth characters of sweet potato by two cultivation modes, including column-style cultivation and soil-bed culti-vation. [Result] Compared with soil-bed cultivation, under column-style soil ess culti-vation, Jinyu and Sushu No. 8 improved in terms of hundred-seedling weight, hun-dred same-length seedling weight, the number of leaf, transverse and longitudinal lengths, seedling length and stem diameter, especially in first three cutting periods. [Conclusion] Column-style soil ess cultivation has advantages in sweet potato seedling cultivation and worthy of being applied.

Nutrient Analysis of Soil and Soilless Strawberries and Raspberries Grown in a Greenhouse

Soilless (hydroponic) vegetables and fruits grown in greenhouses are gaining popularity and potentially represent a compliment toward sustainable food sources. Only a few studies have looked at the nutrient quality of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) and raspberries (Rubus idaeus) grown in soilless systems. Dry weights, content of ascorbic acid, tocopherol, total polyphenolic compounds, glucose, fructose, and soluble solids (BRIX) of strawberries and raspberries grown in soilless systems were compared to their counterpart grown in soil. There was no change in dry weights but BRIX values (28% - 31%), glucose (158% - 175%), and fructose (75% - 102%) content for strawberries and raspberries respectively were significantly higher for the soil grown berries compared to soilless grown berries. Contents of ascorbic acid, tocopherol and total polyphenolic compounds were significantly higher in soilless grown strawberries compared to soil grown strawberries by 74%, 53%, and 22% respectively, and contents of ascorbic acid and total polyphenolic compounds were significantly higher in soil grown raspberries by 83% and 67% respectively compared to soilless grown raspberries. Soilless grown produce warrants future research to strive toward the potential to provide nutrient dense crops and opportunities toward optimized sustainable production.

Effects of Planting Mode on Growth, Yield and Quality of Mini-watermelon under Soilless Cultivation

[Objective]The paper was to screen out planting mode suitable for mini-watermelon in spring greenhouses under soilless cultivation.[Method]The effects of single row planting with one main vine and one lateral vein,double row planting with one main vine and one lateral vein,and double row planting with two lateral veins on the growth period,growth,fruit quality and yield of mini-watermelon were studied.[Result]The planting mode of single row planting with one main vine and one lateral vein was adopted.The earliest date of harvest was May 28;the fruit-setting rate was 106.3%;and the single fruit weight was 1.33 kg.The lowest abnormal fruit rate was 0.73%;the highest yield was 54465.45 kg/hm^2,and the central sugar content was the highest of 12.95%.[Conclusion]Single row planting mode under soilless cultivation has certain demonstration and popularization prospect.

Comparative Test on New Small Watermelon Varieties with Red Flesh under Soilless Culture Conditions

In order to screen out the small watermelon varieties with red flesh suitable for soilless cultivation and to meet people's requirements of high-quality watermelons,comparative tests were conducted on 6 small watermelon varieties with red flesh under soilless culture conditions in 2018.Based on the data of field traits,yield traits,quality traits and commercial traits,the integrated results showed that ‘Chuanqi 2’ had good quality and high yield,and the overall performance was the best.

Development of Organic Ecological Soilless Cultivation

This paper reviewed the development of organic ecotype soilless cultivation, the characteristics and advantages and development prospects, and the sources, types and nutritional characteristics of main cultivation. Compared with other cultivation methods, the research analyzed development prospects of soilless cultivation technology.

Effects of Different Planting Densities on Growth, Yield and Quality of Mini-watermelon under Soilless Cultivation

[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of different plant densities on growth,yield and quality of mini-watermelon under soilless cultivation.[Method]Five planting densities were designed under double row planting with one main vine and one lateral vein in soilless cultivation,including 5.25×10^4,3.90×10^4,3.15×10^4,2.70×10^4 and 2.25×10^4 plants/hm^2.[Conclusion]Under the planting density of 3.15×10^4 plants/hm^2,the yield of mini-watermelon was the highest of 58.719 t/hm^2;the yield of plot was the highest of 260.97 kg;the central sugar content was the highest of 13.20%;the earliest date of harvest was June 1,ranking second;the fruit setting rate was 108.9%;the single fruit weight was 1.72 kg;and the malformed fruit rate was 0.48%.[Conclusion]Under soilless cultivation,3.15×10^4 plants/hm^2 is the best planting density.

Systems of Soilless Culture in China

Soilless culture in China has developed rapidly in recent years. The area of soilless culture in China was about 0.1 ha in 1985, 117 ha in 1995, but in 2002 the area reached to 865 ha. This paper introduced the brief history of soilless culture in China, and the main soilless culture systems. The present situation and problems are also discussed in this paper.

Techniques of the Smart Textile Utilization as Soilless Board in Vertical Cultivation

Vertical cultivation is the most important method in the future spatially in smart agriculture systems. The fourth different thickness soilless textile was used as the board to cultivate water-cress (Eruca Sativa). The vacuum pump model VRI V3 Dual Stage Vacuum Pump was constructed and used in the preliminary experimental test. It’s run to measure the water content and water absorption percentage for soilless board under lab conditions. Different tests were evaluated for the absorption sample after elapsed time 0.08, 0.17, 0.25, 5, 24 and 120 hours. Soilless board textile with thickness 32 mm, 26 mm, 21 mm and 16 mm made from the following material: woven fabric of Cotton. The four mattresses of smart textile as soilless vertical cultivation, measuring 40 cm width 60 cm length were created;it has filler from soft sawdust, a mixture of red (beech) and white (Swedish) wood. The result of preliminary test illustrated that the soilless board may be able to keep the amount of water for more than 72.3% after 5 days from edit water to soilless board. The soilless smart with 32 mm thickness gave highly growths of water-cress compared with the other smart mattress.

The impact of foliar application of calcium nitrate fertilizer on the yield,quality,and post harvest life of two varieties of roses(Rosa hybrida L.)in a soilless cultivation system

【Objectives】Rose(Rosa hybrida L.)is a beautiful and widely cultivated flowering plant around the world whose quality is of great commercial importance.The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of foliar application of calcium nitrate on the quality and postharvest life of two rose varieties(cvs.Samurai,and Jumilia)in a soilless culture system.【Methods】The research used a hydroponic culture method,the roses plants were grown in Hoagland nutrient solution containing 50%less Ca for a total span of 4 months.One month was dedicated to plant acclimatization,and 3 months for spray treatment.Two rose varieties(Rosa hybrida L.),cvs.Samurai and Jumilia plants were used as test materials and planted in pots containing 100%perlite(3-5 mm).After one month of culture,160 mg/kg CaNO3 solution was sprayed,and each treatment corresponded to the first,second,and third harvests,respectively.The plant and flower growth indicators and flower vase life were investigated after each harvesting immediately.【Results】A positive impact of foliar-applied Ca on stem characteristics,pedicel dimensions,corolla size,flower attributes,and vase life was found.Furthermore,a general trend was observed,wherein an increase in the number of harvesting stages led to improved traits.Notably,Jumilia rose consistently exhibited lower values for all studied traits,except for flower vase life,in comparison to the Samurai rose.While there were no significant differences in length values between Samurai and Jumilia roses due to calcium foliar application across the three harvesting stages.Duncan’s grouping revealed a specific effect on Jumilia roses during the third harvest stage.Calcium fertilizer significantly increased photosynthesis rates of of rose leaves in the calcium treatments compared with the control treatment.【Conclusions】Foliar spraying of calcium nitrate is an effective measure to promote the growth of roses and improve the yield,quality and bottle life of fresh cut flowers.

HYDRUS-2D simulations of water movement in a drip irrigation system under soilless substrate

A comprehensive understanding of the distribution and water movement of the substrate in root areas is crucial to the design and management of drip irrigation systems,which is a significant step to maximizing crop water use efficiency by understanding the hydrodynamics in soilless substrates.In this study,an improved HYDRUS-2D model by the dynamic root growth model was used to simulate water movement under the condition of drip irrigation and the water uptake process of the root,and then,compared with the observed data.Substrate water content under drip irrigation was also measured with the calibrated ECH20-EC5 sensors.The situation of substrate water movement was analyzed under the conditions of different depths,different initial water content,and different irrigation amount.The substrate water movement under different drip irrigation conditions was explored.The results showed that incorporating the defined initial and boundary conditions and the hydraulic characteristics of the substrate into the model enabled HYDRUS model to predict the movement and position of water in unsaturated porous media by solving Richards equation.Under drip irrigation,the substrate wetting body was approximately a quarter ellipse,and the water would continue to move to the area where the wetting front did not reach within 1 h after irrigation.The simulation results of the improved HYDRUS-2D model agreed well with those observed by the ECH2O-EC5 sensors,and the model could provide a basis for precision irrigation of soilless substrate culture under drip irrigation.

Plasma nitrogen fixation system with dual-loop enhancement for improved energy efficiency and its efficacy for lettuce cultivation

Plasma nitrogen fixation(PNF)has been emerging as a promising technology for greenhouse gasfree and renewable energy-based agriculture.Yet,most PNF studies seldom address practical application-specific issues.In this work,we present the development of a compact and automatic PNF system for on-site agricultural applications.The system utilized a gliding-arc discharge as the plasma source and employed a dual-loop design to generate NO_(x)from air and water under atmospheric conditions.Experimental results showed that the system with a dualloop design performs well in terms of energy costs and production rates.Optimal operational parameters for the system were determined through experimentation,resulting in an energy cost of 13.9 MJ mol^(-1)and an energy efficiency of 16 g kWh^(-1)for NO_(3)^(-)production,respectively.Moreover,the concentration of exhausted NO_(x)was below the emission standards.Soilless lettuce cultivation experiments demonstrated that NO_(x)^(-)produced by the PNF system could serve as liquid nitrate nitrogen fertilizer.Overall,our work demonstrates the potential of the developed PNF system for on-site application in the production of green-leaf vegetables.

北方草莓温室后墙韭菜管道无土栽培技术

为了提高北方草莓日光温室空间利用率和经济效益,开展了后墙立体栽培韭菜的关键技术研究应用。通过栽培管道安装布设、无土栽培基质填充、韭菜品种优选、科学水肥调控等措施,在京郊草莓采摘季同期可收6茬韭菜,不仅美化了温室环境,丰富了采摘内容,而且提高了温室空间利用率,相当于增加土地面积60m^(2),每年可增加收入6000多元。

新农科背景下无机及分析化学课程教学改革实践

在新农科建设背景下,基于农科专业人才培养需求,对农林高校农科专业无机及分析化学课程教学现状进行分析。基于OBE理念,以学生为中心,对该课程教学改革路径进行研究,包括优化教学内容,采用混合式教学模式,挖掘思政元素,优化考核评价体系。结果表明,该教学改革有效提升了学生解决农业生活与生产中实际问题的能力。为新农科背景下同类课程的教学改革、培养复合应用型人才提供参考。

苦瓜新品种无土栽培对比试验

以选育的R118、R122等8个苦瓜新品种为试验材料,通过比较不同品种苦瓜在温室大棚无土栽培条件下的熟性、产量、果实特征等性状及变化,观察生长期、采收期时间变化等指标;筛选高产、优质苦瓜品种。试验结果表明,R129、R146为中熟性深绿苦瓜品种,产量高、光泽度好、硬度高、耐储运,适合在福建闽东地区推广种植。