Application of Novel Natural Biomass as Plant Growth Media in Renewable Energy Based Controlled Environment Growing System

Abstract

In this research study, the feasibility of renewable energy based green house was investigated for sustainable food production under arid climatic conditions. The novel hybrid biomass based matrix (Coco Date Palm Coir matrix), was synthesized from Oman’s date palm tree fibers and coconut coir. The characterization of the matrix was done in terms of bulk density (0.09 g/cc), particle density (0.23 g/cc), porosity (61%), moisture content (37.4%) and water holding capacity (65.6%). The hydroponic system based greenhouse employing evaporative cooling based climate control technique is used for the identification of novel plant growth matrix for the successful demonstration of plant growth. The experimental trials were conducted over the one-year period with dedicated cycles with average 7-8 weeks duration. The experiments conducted verified the growth of Lettuce over two cycles and the plant growth rate and wet biomass are recorded and compared. The growth of the plant attained at the end of week 5 was 175 mm and the maximum growth of 293 mm at the end of 58 days.