Location: Application Technology Research
Project Number: 5082-21000-001-021-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2019
End Date: Jul 31, 2024
Objective:
1) Quantify water usage to grow greenhouse crops in large commercial greenhouses. 2) Evaluate silicon application methods, concentrations, and application frequency on plant sensitivity to biotic and abiotic stresses in soilless substrates and hydroponic production systems.
Approach:
Direct and indirect use of water will be measured using data collected from commercial greenhouses via surveys and site visits. Water footprint models and benchmarks will be developed to help growers evaluate their internal use of resources and the environmental impact, as well as compare their resource efficiency with that of the industry. Silicon supplementation will be evaluated in soilless substrate and hydroponic production systems as a potential management strategy for controlling root rot pathogens and mildews.
