Wednesday 13th April, 2022

 Poster 

Charisma Jankee (816007766)

The University of the West Indies

BSc ME with Biosystems

Faculty of Engineering

Department: Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

MENG 3019

Poster Notes:

Comparative efficiencies of horizontal versus vertical hydroponic plant growth systems.

Background:

The growing interest of hydroponic systems has immensely emerged in Trinidad and Tobago due to its popularity all over the world changing to a healthier consumption of crops. The hydroponic system is an efficient and effective resource management for the quality of food production. This project encompasses of the design, construction, and evaluation of a the NFT (nutrient film technique) of the vertical and horizontal system. Horizontal NFT hydroponic systems are better suited for large spaces which provide rapid yields for maximum plant growth. Whereas vertical NFT hydroponics is better suited for small spaces which provides rapid yields for maximum plant growth. Thus, this project would be assessing both systems simultaneously with effective testing under the same conditions outdoor which would aid in the determination of the efficiency with each system.

 

Problem Definition:

 

The purpose of this research project is to stimulate and educate NFT hydroponic gardeners about horizontal systems and vertical systems residing within the Caroni district. As such, emphasis is placed on farmers and urban residents within the Caroni district that experiences poor to no soil conditions and any space constraints that allows for improvement and efficiency for plant growth. 

 

 

Objectives:

The main objectives of this project are to:

1)Design and construct a horizontal and vertical hydroponic plant growth systems.

2) Test and analyze the content of both the horizontal and vertical hydroponic plant growth systems.

3)Test and analyze using key contributing factors that would hinder the outcome of the horizontal and vertical hydroponic plant growth systems.

4) Economically compare the productivity and quality of efficiency of the horizontal versus vertical hydroponic system.  

 

 

Testing and Results

The two types of leafy green specimen that were grown through these NFT hydroponics designs are the lettuce and kale. They were tested under the same conditions outdoors with corresponding pH and concentrate readings. Also, the leaf area, plant height, root length, stem diameter, number of leaves and the plant weight were analysed and compared to obtain the efficiency of the system.

 

Put picture if it has space

 

Discussion

Upon testing, both systems had no leaks, or any indication of algae present in the solution. Lettuce grew prominent in both systems however the average growth rate was higher in the horizontal system due to maximum sunlight exposure for all plants. In the vertical system, plant growth was larger at the top of the system. Kale plants showed deficiencies in the crops due to lack of nutrients. Overall, the systems were efficient per unit area. 

 

 

Recommendations