The project will investigate the viability of using biodegradable fabric pots instead of plastic ones, as well as test a novel type of hydroponic growing system.
Department: Crop Science
Supervised by: Luke Bell
Sustainability in horticultural research is a neglected but important area that requires improvement. Most horticultural research projects utilise large quantities of plastic, in the form of pots, trays, and hydroponic systems. This project will test the performance of horticultural crops in fabric pots, made of wool, which are biodegradable and provide a permeable surface in which roots can permeate. This will be done in comparison to the same crop plants grown in conventional plastic pots, and their respective growth rates, physiologies, and yields will be compared. We will also assess the water-holding capacity of the pots to determine whether savings can be made in water use. A second aspect the project will be to test a prototype hydroponics system which uses a novel matrix to increase the surface area of roots. Anchoring of roots is problematic in hydroponic systems, as large plants (such as tomatoes and peppers) often collapse under the weight of the canopy, as there is often no substrate to which the roots can bind. The system is self-contained and made of re-usable and recycled components, increasing the sustainability of its use. We will compare growth in the system to that of conventional hydroponics to assess its performance and yield potential.
The student will assist with cultivating plants in pots and hydroponic systems and will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining them as they grow. They will be required to conduct daily watering and monitoring tasks, as well as data collection on plant growth and stress parameters. At the end of the project they will conduct a harvest of the material grown and compare yields from the different pot/hydroponic systems tested.
Some experience with plant cultivation and an enthusiasm for horticulture is desirable. They will be expected to organise their own daily schedule for the tasks given. The student must have good time management skills and conduct work in a professional manner.
- Project management skills - Training in experimental design - Data collection and analysis - Presentation skills
Agriculture - Crop & Environment Laboratory (CEL), Whiteknights campus
10 am - 4 pm, Mon - Fri
Monday 08 July 2024 - Friday 16 August 2024
The deadline to apply for this project is 5pm on Friday 5th April 2024. To make an application, please go to the following link and complete the application form: https://forms.office.com/e/pMgea0dAHv. To find this project in the application form, please filter ‘school of project applying to’ and select School of Agriculture, Policy & Development