Session: 17-01-01: Research Posters

Paper Number: 150870

150870 - Optimizing Hydroponic Systems: Integrating Water Flow, Root Growth, and Container Design for Efficient Plant Production – a Literature Review and New Hypothesis 

Hydroponic plant production, a rapidly growing modern industry with an annual growth rate of approximately 7%, holds significant promise for sustainable agriculture both on Earth and in extraterrestrial environments such as Mars and the Moon. Despite its potential, there is a noticeable scarcity of scientific data regarding the intricacies of water flow within hydroponic systems. This lack of detailed information is particularly critical as optimizing water and space resources is essential for successful soilless food production in confined environments like space stations.

Current literature on hydroponics predominantly emphasizes the importance of flow rate in maximizing plant growth, a perspective largely derived from research conducted by teams of biologists. These studies suggest that maintaining an optimal flow rate is crucial for ensuring sufficient nutrient delivery to plants. However, our hypothesis challenges this conventional wisdom by proposing that fluid velocity at a small distance from the root, is a more critical factor for nutrient absorption. Furthermore, we posit that root size and surface area significantly influence nutrient uptake efficiency, thereby impacting overall plant growth.

This presentation aims to provide a comprehensive review of existing literature on hydroponics, focusing on flow rate minimization and the optimization of hydroponic systems. By synthesizing findings from various studies, we seek to highlight gaps in current research and propose new directions for investigation. Our review will cover key aspects such as the role of fluid dynamics in nutrient delivery, the impact of container shape on water flow and root development, and the potential applications of these insights in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial agriculture.

Following the literature review, we will present a detailed explanation of our hypothesis, supported by preliminary experimental data and theoretical models. We will explore the relationship between fluid velocity, root morphology, and nutrient absorption, providing evidence that supports our contention that fluid velocity, rather than flow rate, is the more critical parameter for optimizing hydroponic systems. Additionally, we will discuss the implications of our findings for the design of hydroponic containers, emphasizing the need for shapes that facilitate efficient water distribution and root growth.

Our research has significant implications for the future of hydroponic agriculture, particularly in space exploration missions where resource optimization is paramount. By improving our understanding of water flow and root dynamics in hydroponic systems, we can enhance the efficiency and productivity of soilless food production. This could lead to the development of more robust and adaptable hydroponic systems that can sustain human life in diverse and challenging environments, whether on Earth or in space.

Presenting Author: Orlando Ayala Old Dominion University

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Ayala received his BS in Mechanical Engineering with honors (Cum Laude) from Universidad de Oriente (Venezuela) in 1995, MS in 2001 and PhD in 2005, both from University of Delaware (USA). Dr. Ayala is currently serving as Associate Professor in the Engineering Technology Department at Old Dominion University. Prior to joining ODU in 2013, Dr. Ayala spent 3 years as a Postdoc at the University of Delaware where he expanded his knowledge on simulation of multiphase flows while acquiring skills in high-performance parallel computing and scientific computation. Before that, Dr. Ayala held a faculty position at Universidad de Oriente where he taught and developed courses for a number of subjects such as Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, Multiphase Flows, Hydraulic Machinery, as well as different Laboratory courses. Additionally, Dr. Ayala has had the opportunity to work for a number of engineering consulting companies, which have given him an important perspective and exposure to the industry. He has been directly involved in at least 20 different engineering projects related to a wide range of industries. Dr. Ayala has provided service to professional organizations such as ASME, since 2008 he has been a member of the Committee of Spanish Translation of ASME Codes. Dr. Ayala has published over one hundred journals and peer-reviewed conference papers. His work has been presented in several international forums in Austria, the USA, Venezuela, Japan, France, Mexico, and Argentina. Dr. Ayala has an average citation per year of all his published work of 42.80.

Authors:

Orlando Ayala Old Dominion University
Jose Isaias Salas Salas-Hernández Universidad ECCI