Title                 : Effects of Climate Change on Aquatic Invasive Species (Climate Change and Its Causes, Effects and Prediction)

Author             : Sofia A. Contreras

Publishers        : Nova Science Publishers, Inc

Published        : 2010

ISBN               : 9781617280054

 

Global change stressors, including climate change and variability and changes in land use, are major drivers of ecosystem alterations. Invasive species, which are non-native species that cause environmental or economic damages or human-health impacts, also contribute to ecosystem changes. Invasive species are a major issue both ecologically and economically, and threaten native species, sometimes to the point of extinction. The interactions between stressors and invasive species, although not well understood, may exacerbate the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, and likewise, climate change may enable further invasions. This book reviews available literature on climate-change effects on aquatic invasive species (AIS) and examines state-level AIS management activities.

 

 

Title                       : Encyclopedia of Global Warming and Climate Change

General Editor    : Philander, George

Publisher              : SAGE Publications, Inc

Published             : 2008

ISBN                      : 9781412958783

Title                       : Encyclopedia of Global Warming and Climate Change

Author                  : Philander, George

Publisher             : SAGE Publications, Inc

Published            : 2008

ISBN                      : 9781412958783

 

Editorial Reviews: From School Library Journal

Grade 10 Up—A useful reader’s guide and a colorful 16-page introduction precede this encyclopedia’s 750 articles. Volume 1 also offers a chronology that covers the subject from 4.5 billion years ago to 2007 and notes contributors and their affiliations. However, many of them are listed as “independent scholars” and their affiliation or expertise is unclear. An alphabetical list of the set’s entries appears in each volume. The articles cover a variety of topics relating to global warming and climate change such as social effects and scientific causes. Entries on individual countries and key figures are also included. While the articles are full of useful information, the writing is not always clear and there are grammar issues throughout that make for choppy reading. In addition, some of the content is most appropriate for AP students. The layout is basic, featuring double columns of text on each page, with a few black-and-white stock photographs scattered throughout. Entries conclude with “see also” references, which are not always thorough, and a bibliography. The appendix presents charts and tables of relevant data (“Ice Age Temperature Changes,” “Recent Sea Level Rise”), and each volume concludes with a comprehensive index. Additional.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

 

 

Table of Contents:

About the General Editor

Preface

Reader’s Guide

Introduction

List of Articles

List of Contributors

Chronology

Articles A to Z

Resource Guide

Appendix

Index

Title                 : Desalination: Water from Water 1st Edition

Author             : Jane Kucera

Publisher ‏       : ‎Wiley-Scrivener; 1st edition (February 17, 2014)

Language ‏       :‎ English

Volume            : ‎664 pages

ISBN                : ‎978-1118208526

 

This is the first volume to cover desalination in such depth and detail, offering engineers, technicians, and operators full coverage of the applications, economics, and expectations of what will certainly become one of the most important water-related processes on the planet.  Covering thermal processes and membrane processes, this is the only volume any engineer working in desalination must have, covering both practical and theoretical issues encountered on a daily basis.  Certain to be an important contribution to the water management community.

 

Table of Contents:

Front Matter (Pages: i-xxxi)

 

Part I : Introduction

Introduction to Desalination (Pages: 1-37)

Jane Kucera

 

Part II : Traditional Thermal Process

Thermal Desalination Processes (Pages: 39-154)

Joachim Gebel

 

Part III : Membrane Processes

The Reverse Osmosis Process (Pages: 155-204)

Mark Wilf

 

Nanofiltration – Theory and Application (Pages: 205-253)

Christopher Bellona

 

Forward Osmosis (Pages: 255-285)

Jeffrey McCutcheon Nhu-Ngoc Bui

 

Electrodialysis Desalination (Pages: 287-326)

Hong-Joo Lee Seung-Hyeon Moon

 

Continuous Electrodeionization (Pages: 327-371)

Jonathan H. Wood Joseph D. Gifford

 

Membrane Distillation: Now and Future (Pages: 373-424)

Xing Yang Anthony G. Fane Rong Wang

 

Part IV : Non-Traditional Desalination Processes

Humidification Dehumidification Desalination (Pages: 425-472)

1. Prakash Narayan John H. Lienhard V

 

Freezing-Melting Desalination Process (Pages: 473-501)

Mohammad Shafiur Rahman Mohamed Al-Khusaibi

 

Desalination by Ion Exchange (Pages: 503-520)

Bill Bornak

 

Electrosorption of Heavy Metals with Capacitive Deionization: Water Reuse, Desalination and Resources Recovery (Pages: 521-548)

Pei Xu Brian Elson Jürg E Drewes

 

Part V : Renewable Energy Sources to Power Desalination

Solar Desalination (Pages: 549-581)

Mohammad Abutayeh Chennan Li D. Yogi Goswami Elias K. Stefanakos

 

Part VI : Future Expectations

Future Expectations (Pages: 583-617)

Patrick V. Brady Michael M. Hightower

 

Index (Pages: 619-624)

 

Also of Interest (Pages: 625-626)

 

 

Title                         : Modeling Crop Rotations and Co-Products in Agricultural Life Cycle Assessments

Author                    : Gerhard Brankatschk

Publisher ‏              : ‎ Springer Vieweg; 1st ed. 2019 edition (September 10, 2018)

Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 10, 2018

Language ‏              : ‎ English

Volume‏                  : ‎ 216 pages

 

Gerhard Brankatschk provides solutions for methodological limitations of agricultural Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). The author solves challenges of attributing multifunctionality (co-products) and temporal system boundaries (crop rotations) of agricultural systems by establishing two new Life Cycle Inventory methodologies, which conform to ISO-standards on LCA. The new methods help to assess temporal, spatial, and multifunctional complexity of agricultural systems and to improve the reliability of life cycle based sustainability assessments of agriculture.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Front Matter

Pages I-XXII

 

Introduction

Gerhard Brankatschk

Pages 1-10

 

Results

Gerhard Brankatschk

Pages 11-120

 

Discussion

Gerhard Brankatschk

Pages 121-135

 

Conclusions

Gerhard Brankatschk

Pages 137-141

 

Prospects

Gerhard Brankatschk

Pages 143-145

 

International Initiatives on Global Challenges for Agriculture

Gerhard Brankatschk

Pages 147-165

 

Back Matter

Pages 167-194

Title                       : Oil Palm: Cultivation, Production and Dietary Components

Author                  : Susan A. Penna

Publisher             : Nova Science Publishers

Published            : 2011

ISBN                    : 1617619345, 9781617619342

Volume                : 238 halaman

 

Cultivation of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) has expanded tremendously in recent years such that it has now become a major source of the world supply of vegetable oil, and is one of the most important tree crops in the humid tropics, with its main center of production in Southeast Asia. Oil palm is the world’s most productive oil crop and is, in addition very versatile, producing two distinct oils, mescocarp (palm) oil and palm kernel oil, which find a variety of food and non-food applications as fertilizers, soil conditioners and as a source of fuel. This book presents topical research data in the study of oil palm, including the potential of gas chromatography fingerprinting of palm oil; palm oil in the implication of cardiovascular disease; the integral use of palm oil in the production of biodiesel fuel; and oil palm biomass and its applications.

 

Table of Contents:

Preface pp. i-x

Palm Oil Authentication: Classical Methodology and State-of-the-Art Techniques, pp. 1-44 (A. Tres, M. Alewijn, E. Kok, S. van Ruth, RIKILT-Wageningen University and Research Centre, Akkermaalsbos, Wageningen, Netherlands)

Palm Oil and Palm Vitamin E and their Implications in Cardiovascular Disease, pp. 45-98 (Kamsiah Jaarin, Azman Abdullah, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur Campus, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Integral Use of Palm Oil: Production of Biodiesel and Added Value Compounds from Glycerin, pp. 99-133 (J.A. Posada, L.E. Rincón, C.A. Cardona, Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Manizales, Plantas Piloto de Biotecnología y Agroindustria, Manizales, Colombia)

Oil Palm Biomass: Fibre Cultivation, Production and its Varied Applications, pp. 135-168 (H.P.S Abdul Khalil, A. H. Bhat, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia)

Improving Governance Arrangements for Landowners in the Oil Palm Districts of Indonesia, pp. 169-177 (John McCarthy, Piers Gillespie, Zahari Zen, The Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia)

Oil Palm: Ecophysiology of Growth and Production, pp. 179-211 (Ian E. Henson)

Supply-Side Policies to Conserve Biodiversity and Save the Orangutan from Oil Palm Expansion: An Economic Assessment, pp. 213-222 (Clem Tisdell, Hemanath Swarna Nantha, School of Economics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia)

Index pp.223-238

 

Title                       : Water for Food Water for Life A Comprehensive Assessment of

Water Management in Agriculture

Author                  : David Molden

Published            : March 22, 2007

Publisher             : Routledge

ISBN                     : 9781844073962

Volume                : 664 Pages

 

 

‘Overall, one of the most remarkable books on this topic – it should become a classic text and a necessity in the library. The first must-buy book of 2007.’ Environmental and Ecological Education, British Ecological Society ‘A wake-up call to policymakers, bringing attention, understanding, and ultimately hope to the crucial need for better agricultural water management in all its forms to feed future generations and sustain thriving rural communities and ecosystems.’ Peter Lee, President, International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage ‘The world water crisis has caught us unawares, with a series of local hydrological pinchpoints rapidly escalating into a global pandemic of empty rivers, dry boreholes, and wrecked wetlands as profound as, and often linked to, climate change. The water crisis has badly needed its equivalent of the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. And for the two-thirds of the world’s water that is used for agriculture, the Comprehensive Assessment provides just that. Timely, forensic, and unflinching in its analysis, forward thinking and strategic in its search for practical solutions, this is a landmark.’ Fred Pearce, Author of When The Rivers Run Dry and frequent contributor to NewScientist ‘This assessment is critical. Not only because it concerns a critical life resource like water. But because it involves an assessment that is comprehensive, analytical, and timely. The issue must become the world’s obsession: growing and eating food that is water-prudent. I would encourage, indeed urge, you to use this rich and rigorous assessment to make changes in policy and practice.’ Sunita Narain, Stockholm Water Prize Winner 2005, Director, Centre for Science and Environment ‘A wake-up call to policy makers bringing attention, understanding and ultimately hope to the crucial need for better agricultural water management in all its forms, to feed future generations and sustain thriving rural communities and ecosystems.’ Peter Lee, President, ICID ‘This timely assessment provides valuable guidance for policymakers, planners, and practitioners the world over. Yes, there is enough water, but is there enough willpower? Sandra Postel, Author of ‘Pillar of Sand: Can the Irrigation Miracle Last?, and co-author of ‘Rivers for Life: Managing Water for People and Nature’ ‘This is perhaps the most extraordinary recipe book ever produced: take one world already being exhausted by 6 billion people; find the ingredients to feed another two billion people; add in demand for more food, more animal feed, more fuel, and use only the same amount of water the planet has had since Creation. Don’t forget to restore the environment that sustains us. Stir very carefully.’ Margaret Catley-Carlson, Chair, Global Water Partnership ‘This report is a timely assessment of global water resources from the standpoint of food security, poverty reduction and livelihoods generation.’ India Together ‘David Molden’s book is a handy book and very constructive for readers especially for people who want to prepare social, environmental and economic assessment on water… This book is organized comprehensively catering to all aspects of water sectors and offers innovative approaches to enable institutions to formulate and implement new policies.’ Bookshelf ‘Very comprehensive study’, Spore 2007.

 

 

Part I: Setting the Scene

Setting the Scene

Part II: Trends and Scenarios

Trends in Water and Agricultural Development

Looking Ahead to 2050: Scenarios of Alternative Investment Approaches

Part III: Integrating Issues

Reversing the Flow: Agricultural Water Management Pathways for Poverty Reduction

Policy and Institutional Reform: the Art of the Possible

Agriculture, Water, and Ecosystems: Avoiding the Costs of Going Too Far

Pathways for Increasing Agricultural Water Productivity

Part IV: Thematic Issues

Managing Water in Rainfed Agriculture

Reinventing Irrigation

Groundwater: A Global Assessment of Scale and Significance

Agricultural Use of Marginal-Quality Water-Opportunities and Challenges

Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

Water and Livestock for Human Development

Rice: Feeding the Billions

Conserving Land-Protecting Water

River Basin Development and Management

Title                       :  Soilless Culture: Theory and Practice 1st Edition

Author                  : Michael Raviv, Heiner Lieth, Asher Bar-Tal

Publisher             : ‎ Elsevier Science; 1st edition (December 31, 2007)

Language             : ‎ English

Hardcover           : ‎ 608 pages

ISBN                      : ‎ 0444529756

 

Plant production in hydroponics and soilless culture is rapidly expanding throughout the world, raising a great interest in the scientific community. For the first time in an authoritative reference book, authors cover both theoretical and practical aspects of hydroponics (growing plants without the use of soil). This reference book covers the state-of-the-art in this area, while offering a clear view of supplying plants with nutrients other than soil. Soilless Culture provides the reader with an understanding of the properties of the various soiless media and how these properties affect plant performance in relation to basic horticultural operations, such as irrigation and fertilization. This book is ideal for agronomists, horticulturalists, greenhouse and nursery managers, extension specialists, and people involved with the production of plants. (Elsevier.com)

 

Table of Contents

List of Contributors

Preface

1 Significance of Soilless Culture in Agriculture

1.1 Historical Facets of Soilless Production

1.2 Hydroponics

1.3 Soilless Production Agriculture

References

2 Functions of the Root System

2.1 The Functions of the Root System

2.2 Depth of Root Penetration

2.3 Water Uptake

2.4 Response of Root Growth to Local Nutrient Concentrations

2.5 Interactions Between Environmental Conditions and Form of N Nutrition

2.6 Roots as Source and Sink for Organic Compounds and Plant Hormones

References

Further Readings

3 Physical Characteristics of Soilless Media

3.1 Physical Properties of Soilless Media

3.2 Water Content and Water Potential in Soilless Media

3.3 Water Movement in Soilless Media

3.4 Uptake of Water by Plants in Soilless Media and Water Availability

3.5 Solute Transport in Soilless Media

3.6 Gas Transport in Soilless Media

References

4 Irrigation in Soilless Production

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Root Zone Moisture Dynamics

4.3 Irrigation Objectives and Design Characteristics

4.4 Irrigation Delivery Systems

4.5 Irrigation System Control Methods

4.6 Irrigation Decisions

4.7 Approaches to Making Irrigation Decisions

4.8 Future Research Directions

References

5 Technical Equipment in Soilless Production Systems

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Water and Irrigation

5.3 Production Systems

5.4 Examples of Specific Soilless Crop Production Systems

5.5 Discussion and Conclusion

References

6 Chemical Characteristics of Soilless Media

6.1 Charge Characteristics

6.2 Specific Adsorption and Interactions Between Cations/Anions and Substrate Solids

6.3 Plant-induced Changes in the Rhizosphere

6.4 Nutrient Release from Inorganic and Organic Substrates

References

7 Analytical Methods Used in Soilless Cultivation

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Physical Analysis

7.3 Methods

7.4 Chemical Analysis

7.5 Biological Analysis

References

8 Nutrition of Substrate-grown Plants

8.1 General

8.2 Nutrient Requirements of Substrate-grown Plants

8.3 Impact of N Source

8.4 Integrated Effect of Irrigation Frequency and Nutrients Level

8.5 Salinity Effect on Crop Production

8.6.1 pH Manipulation

8.6.2 Salinity Control

References

9 Fertigation Management and Crops Response to Solution Recycling in Semi-closed Greenhouses

9.1 System Description

9.2 Management

9.3 Specific Crops Response to Recirculation

9.4 Modeling the Crop-Recirculation System

9.5 Outlook: Model-based Decision-support Tools for Semi-Closed Systems

Acknowledgment

Appendix

References

10 Pathogen Detection and Management Strategies in Soilless Plant Growing Systems

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Detection of Pathogens

10.3 Microbial Balance

10.4 Disinfestation of the Nutrient Solution

10.5 Synthesis: Combined Strategies

Acknowledgments

References

11 Organic Soilless Media Components

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Peat

11.3 Coir

11.4 Wood Fiber

11.5 Bark

11.6 Sawdust

11.7 Composted Plant Waste

11.8 Other Materials

11.9 Stability of Growing Media

11.10 Disease Suppression by Organic Growing Media

References

12 Inorganic and Synthetic Organic Components of Soilless Culture and Potting Mixes

12.1 Introduction

12.2 Most Commonly Used Inorganic Substrates in Soilless Culture

12.3 Most Commonly Used Synthetic Organic Media in Soilless Culture

12.4 Substrates Mixtures — Theory and Practice

12.5 Concluding Remarks

Acknowledgments

References

13 Growing Plants in Soilless Culture: Operational Conclusions

13.1 Evolution of Soilless Production Systems

13.2 Development and Change of Soilless Production Systems

13.3 Management of Soilless Production Systems

References

Index of Organism Names

Subject Index

Title                        : The Raising Sea

Authors                 : Orrin H. Pilkey, Rob Young

Publisher              : ‎Island Press; None edition (February 22, 2011)

Volume ‏                :‎ 224 pages

ISBN                      :‎ 978-1610910040

 

On Shishmaref Island in Alaska, homes are being washed into the sea. In the South Pacific, small island nations face annihilation by encroaching waters. In coastal Louisiana, an area the size of a football field disappears every day. For these communities, sea level rise isn’t a distant, abstract fear: it’s happening now and it’s threatening their way of life.

In The Rising Sea, Orrin H. Pilkey and Rob Young warn that many other coastal areas may be close behind. Prominent scientists predict that the oceans may rise by as much as seven feet in the next hundred years. That means coastal cities will be forced to construct dikes and seawalls or to move buildings, roads, pipelines, and railroads to avert inundation and destruction.

The question is no longer whether climate change is causing the oceans to swell, but by how much and how quickly. Pilkey and Young deftly guide readers through the science, explaining the facts and debunking the claims of industry-sponsored “skeptics.” They also explore the consequences for fish, wildlife—and people.

While rising seas are now inevitable, we are far from helpless. By making hard choices—including uprooting citizens, changing where and how we build, and developing a coordinated national response—we can save property, and ultimately lives. With unassailable research and practical insights, The Rising Sea is a critical first step in understanding the threat and keeping our heads above water.

 

Table of Contents:

Preface
Chapter 1  Living on the Edge
Chapter 2. Why the Sea Is Rising
Chapter 3. Predicting the Unpredictable
Chapter 4. The 800-pound Gorillas
Chapter 5. A Sea of Denial
Chapter 6. The Living Coasts
Chapter 7. People and the Rising Sea
Chapter 8. Ground Zero: The Mississippi Delta
Chapter 9. Sounding Retreat
References
Acknowledgments
Index

Title                      : Hydroponic Food Production: A Definitive Guidebook for the Advanced Home Gardener and the Commercial Hydroponic Grower, Seventh Edition

Author                  : Howard M. Resh

Publisher ‏            : ‎ CRC Press; 7th edition (August 9, 2012)

Volume       ‏         : ‎ 560 pages

ISBN                     : ‎ 9781439878675

 

Hydroponic Food Production: A Definitive Guidebook for the Advanced Home Gardener and the Commercial Hydroponic Grower, Seventh Edition is a comprehensive guide to soilless culture with extensively new and updated contents from the previous edition published in 2001. Meant for hobby and commercial growers, the book:

• Shows the reader how to set up a hydroponic operation with the options of using any of the many hydroponic cultures presently used in the industry to grow vegetable crops
• Provides background in plant physiology and nutrition essential for growing these crops
• Describes nutrient formulations and their applications in nutrient solutions with calculations

This practical guide to soilless growing practices provides detailed information on how to design, set up, and operate hydroponic culture systems. Featuring more than 500 photographs, drawings, and tables, the seventh edition of this bestselling book has been extensively updated and expanded. The text describes the most successful growing cultures to use with specific crops and details media as well as hydroponic techniques. Chapters cover nutrient uptake and mixing as well as deficiencies and their symptoms, plant nutrition, nutrient solution, water culture, tropical hydroponics and special applications, plant culture, nutrient film technique, gravel culture, and more.

 

Table of Contents:

Preface to the Seventh Edition ………………………………………………………… xiii

Acknowledgments……………………………………………………………………………xv

Author ………………………………………………………………………………………….. xvii

List of Figures ……………………………………………………………………………….. xix

List of Tables ………………………………………………………………………………… xxxv

Chapter 1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………..1

1.1 The Past ……………………………………………………………………………………1

1.2 The Present ……………………………………………………………………………..2

1.3 The Future ………………………………………………………………………………4

1.4 Suitable Site Characteristics ……………………………………………………..5

1.5 Soil versus Soilless Culture ……………………………………………………….6

References …………………………………………………………………………………..8

Chapter 2 Plant Nutrition ……………………………………………………………..9

2.1 Plant Constituents ……………………………………………………………………9

2.2 Mineral and Essential Elements ………………………………………………..9

2.3 Plant Mineral and Water Uptake ………………………………………………12

2.3.1 Soil ……………………………………………………………………………………..12

2.3.2 Soil and Plant Interrelations …………………………………………………..14

2.3.3 Cation Exchange …………………………………………………………………..14

2.3.4 Soil versus Hydroponics ………………………………………………………..15

2.3.5 Transfer of Water and Solutes from Soil (or Nutrient Solution) to Root ……………………………………………………………………………………………………15

2.3.6 Movement of Water and Minerals across Membranes … ………….16

2.4 Upward Movement of Water and Nutrients ……………………………….18

2.5 Plant Nutrition ………………………………………………………………………..19

2.5.1 Nutritional Disorders …………………………………………………………….20

2.5.2 Symptomatology …………………………………………………………………..21

2.5.3 Use of a Key ………………………………………………………………………….22

References …………………………………………………………………………………….29

Chapter 3 Nutrient Solution …………………………………………………………….31

3.1 Inorganic Salts (Fertilizers) …………………………………………………………31

3.2 Recommended Compounds for Complete Nutrient Solutions ………..32

3.3 Fertilizer Chemical Analyses ……………………………………………………..35

3.4 Fertilizer Impurities …………………………………………………………………37

3.5 Nutrient Formulations ……………………………………………………………..37

3.5.1 Atomic and Molecular Weights ………………………………………………38

3.5.2 Calculations of Nutrient Formulations …………………………………….40

3.5.3 Calculations for Chemical Substitutions for Fertilizers ………………45

3.5.4 Nutrient Formulation Adjustments ………………………………………….49

3.6 Nutrient Stock Solutions …………………………………………………………….51

3.6.1 Injector or Proportioner System………………………………………………51

3.6.2 Stock Solutions …………………………………………………………………….58

3.7 Preparing the Nutrient Solution ………………………………………………..78

3.7.1 Preparing Normal Strength Solutions ………………………………………78

3.7.2 Preparing Stock Solutions ……………………………………………………..79

3.8 Plant Relations and Cause of Nutrient Solution Changes ……………80

3.8.1 Nutrient Analysis ………………………………………………………………….80

3.8.2 Plant Tissue Analysis …………………………………………………………….81

3.8.3 Changing of Solutions …………………………………………………………..82

3.8.4 Adjustment of Nutrient Solutions by Use of Electrical

Conductivity …………………………………………………………………………………83

3.8.5 Maintenance of Solution Volume ……………………………………………87

References …………………………………………………………………………………….88

Chapter 4 The Medium ……………………………………………………………………89

4.1 Medium Characteristics ……………………………………………………………..89

4.2 Water Characteristics …………………………………………………………………90

4.3 Irrigation ………………………………………………………………………………….93

4.4 Pumping of Nutrient Solution into Beds ……………………………………….94

4.5 Sterilization of Medium ……………………………………………………………..95

References ………………………………………………………………………………………..96

Chapter 5 Water Culture ……………………………………………………………………97

5.1 Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………97

5.2 Raceway, Raft, or Floating System ……………………………………………….97

5.2.1 Small and Medium-Sized Commercial Raft Systems ……………………100

5.2.2 Large Commercial Raft Culture Systems …………………………………….108

5.3 Aeroponics …………………………………………………………………………………..119

5.4 Hydroponic Grass Units ………………………………………………………………123

5.5 Alfalfa and Bean Sprouts ……………………………………………………………….129

5.5.1 Alfalfa Culture …………………………………………………………………………129

5.5.2 Mung Bean Culture ………………………………………………………………..132

5.6 Microgreens ………………………………………………………………………………134

References ………………………………………………………………………………………142

Chapter 6 Nutrient Film Technique …………………………………………………145

6.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………145

6.2 Early NFT System …………………………………………………………………..145

6.3 Later NFT Systems ………………………………………………………………….145

6.4 Commercial NFT Systems ……………………………………………………….146

6.5 Nutrient Flow Technique: Vertical Pipes, A-Frame, or Cascade Systems …………………………………………………………………………………………………….147

6.6 Gutter and Pipe NFT Channel Systems ………………………………………149

6.7 Agri-Systems NFT ………………………………………………………………….155

6.8 Hortiplan Automated NFT System …………………………………………..160

6.9 Outdoor NFT Watercress …………………………………………………………173

6.10 Ebb-and-Flow (Flood) Systems ………………………………………………188

6.11 A-Frame NFT System ……………………………………………………………..192

6.12 Summary ……………………………………………………………………………….196

References ……………………………………………………………………………………196

Chapter 7 Gravel Culture ……………………………………………………………….199

7.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………199

7.2 Media Characteristics ………………………………………………………………199

7.3 Subirrigation Gravel Culture …………………………………………………… 200

7.3.1 Frequency of Irrigation ………………………………………………………. 200

7.3.2 Speed of Pumping and Drainage …………………………………………..201

7.3.3 Effect of Irrigation Cycle on Plant Growth …………………………….202

7.3.4 Height of Irrigation …………………………………………………………….202

7.3.5 Nutrient Solution Temperature …………………………………………….202

7.3.6 Greenhouse Subirrigation System ………………………………………..203

7.3.6.1 Construction Materials …………………………………………………….203

7.3.6.2 Beds ………………………………………………………………………………203

7.3.6.3 Plenum …………………………………………………………………………..205

7.3.6.4 Nutrient Tank…………………………………………………………………. 206

7.4 Trickle Irrigation Design ………………………………………………………… 209

7.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Trickle Irrigation …………………….214

7.6 Sterilization of Gravel between Crops ………………………………………..215

7.7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Gravel Culture ……………………….215

References ……………………………………………………………………………………216

Chapter 8 Sand Culture ………………………………………………………………… 217

8.1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………… 217

8.2 Medium Characteristics …………………………………………………………… 217

8.3 Structural Details ……………………………………………………………………218

8.3.1 Beds with Plastic Liner …………………………………………………………..218

8.3.2 Greenhouse Floors Lined with Polyethylene ………………………….. 218

8.4 Drip (Trickle) Irrigation System ………………………………………………..220

8.4.1 Planning a Drip Irrigation System …………………………………………220

8.5 Watering ………………………………………………………………………………..223

8.6 Sterilization of Sand Beds between Crops ………………………………….224

8.7 Sand Culture of Herbs ……………………………………………………………..224

8.8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Sand Culture ………………………….229

References ……………………………………………………………………………………230

Chapter 9 Sawdust Culture …………………………………………………………….231

9.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………231

9.2 Growing Medium ……………………………………………………………………231

9.3 Bed System …………………………………………………………………………….232

9.4 Bag System …………………………………………………………………………….233

9.5 Nutrient Solution Distribution System ………………………………………. 240

9.6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Sawdust Culture ……………………..242

References ………………………………………………………………………………………243

Chapter 10 Rockwool Culture …………………………………………………………..245

10.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………245

10.2 North American Greenhouse Vegetable Industry ………………………. 246

10.3 World Greenhouse Vegetable Industry ……………………………………….247

10.4 Rockwool Composition ……………………………………………………………248

10.5 Rockwool Cubes and Blocks …………………………………………………….249

10.6 Rockwool Slabs ………………………………………………………………………252

10.7 Rockwool Layout …………………………………………………………………….253

10.8 Irrigation System …………………………………………………………………….254

10.9 Cucumbers in Rockwool ………………………………………………………….259

10.10 Tomatoes in Rockwool …………………………………………………………… 264

10.11 Large Greenhouse Operations in North America …………………………269

10.12 Harvesting, Grading, and Packing ……………………………………………..273

10.13 Peppers in Rockwool ……………………………………………………………….284

10.14 Recirculating Rockwool Systems ………………………………………………286

10.15 Advantages and Disadvantages of Rockwool Culture …………………..291

References ………………………………………………………………………………………292

Chapter 11 Coco Coir Culture …………………………………………………………..293

11.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………293

11.2 Source of Coco Coir ………………………………………………………………..293

11.3 Coco Coir Grades and Characteristics ……………………………………….294

11.4 Coco Plugs and Blocks …………………………………………………………….295

11.5 Sustainable Agriculture Greenhouse Technology ………………………..297

11.6 Tomatoes in Coco Coir …………………………………………………………….302

11.7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Coco Coir Culture ………………….307

References …………………………………………………………………………………….308

Chapter 12 Other Soilless Cultures ……………………………………………………309

12.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………309

12.2 Media …………………………………………………………………………………….309

12.2.1 Peat …………………………………………………………………………………….309

12.2.2 Vermiculite ………………………………………………………………………..309

12.2.3 Perlite ………………………………………………………………………………..310

12.2.4 Pumice ………………………………………………………………………………310

12.2.5 Rice Hulls ………………………………………………………………………….310

12.2.6 Soilless Mixtures ……………………………………………………………….. 311

12.2.6.1 The U.C. Mix …………………………………………………………………….. 311

12.2.6.2 The Cornell “Peat-Lite” Mixes ……………………………………………..312

12.2.6.3 Fertilizer, Sphagnum Peat Moss, and

Vermiculite Mixture ………………………………………………………………………312

12.2.7 Coco Coir ……………………………………………………………………………..313

12.3 Hydroponic Herbs ……………………………………………………………………313

12.3.1 Growing Herbs in a Peat-Lite Mix …………………………………………. 314

12.3.2 Herbs in Rice Hulls ……………………………………………………………….319

12.4 Foam Culture ………………………………………………………………………….323

12.5 Perlite Culture …………………………………………………………………………324

12.5.1 Perlite Blocks and Slabs ………………………………………………………..324

12.5.2 Perlite Bato Buckets …………………………………………………………….326

12.5.3 Eggplants in Perlite Culture………………………………………………….331

12.6 Column Culture ………………………………………………………………………334

12.7 Sack Culture …………………………………………………………………………..340

12.8 Sterilization of Medium ………………………………………………………….. 344

12.9 Advantages and Disadvantages of Peat

and Coco Coir Mixtures ……………………………………………………………….. 344

References …………………………………………………………………………………..346

Chapter 13 Tropical Hydroponics and Special Applications ………………..349

13.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………349

13.2 Hidroponias Venezolanas …………………………………………………………349

13.3 Sand Culture in the Tropics ………………………………………………………350

13.4 Ebb-and-Flood Water Culture of Watercress ………………………………361

13.5 Rice Hulls–Coco Coir Culture of Tomatoes, Peppers,

and Cucumbers ……………………………………………………………………….366

13.6 Special Applications ………………………………………………………………..370

13.6.1 Hydroponics and Resorts and Spas …………………………………370

13.6.2 Hydroponic Rooftop Greenhouses ………………………………….372

13.6.3 Automated Vertical Hydroponic Systems …………………………379

13.6.4 The Science Barge ………………………………………………………..383

References ……………………………………………………………………………..384

Chapter 14 Plant Culture………………………………………………………………387

14.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………387

14.2 Seeding ………………………………………………………………………………….387

14.3 Seedling Production ………………………………………………………………..390

14.3.1 Tomato Seedling Culture ……………………………………………………..390

14.3.2 Cucumber Seedling Culture …………………………………………………393

14.3.3 Pepper Seedling Culture ………………………………………………………395

14.3.4 Eggplant Seedling Culture …………………………………………………..398

14.3.5 Lettuce Seedling Culture ……………………………………………………..398

14.3.6 Herb Seedling Culture …………………………………………………………399

14.4 Plant-Growing Temperature …………………………………………………..401

14.5 Light …………………………………………………………………………………….401

14.6 Relative Humidity and Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) …………………403

14.7 Carbon Dioxide Enrichment ……………………………………………………. 404

14.8 Transplanting ………………………………………………………………………… 404

14.9 Spacing ……………………………………………………………………………………405

14.10 Vegetative versus Generative Growth ……………………………………….. 406

14.11 Irrigation (Fertigation) ……………………………………………………………. 407

14.12 Plant Support ………………………………………………………………………… 408

14.13 Suckering and Training (Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers,

and Eggplants) ………………………………………………………………………………..410

14.14 Pollination ………………………………………………………………………………428

14.15 Physiological Disorders ……………………………………………………………432

14.16 Diseases and Insects ………………………………………………………………..437

14.16.1 Some Common Tomato Diseases …………………………………………..437

14.16.2 Some Common Cucumber Diseases ……………………………………..439

14.16.3 Insects ………………………………………………………………………………442

14.17 Vegetable Varieties ……………………………………………………………….461

14.17.1 Tomatoes …………………………………………………………………………..463

14.17.2 Cucumbers ……………………………………………………………………….463

14.17.3 Peppers …………………………………………………………………………..463

14.17.4 Eggplants ………………………………………………………………………. 464

14.17.5 Lettuce …………………………………………………………………………… 464

14.18 Green Grafting ……………………………………………………………………465

14.19 Planting Schedules ……………………………………………………………….469

14.20 Crop Termination ………………………………………………………………….471

14.21 Special Considerations …………………………………………………………….471

References ………………………………………………………………………………………473

Appendix 1: Horticultural, Hydroponic, and Soilless-Culture Societies ……475

Appendix 2: Greenhouse Production Resources ……………………………………477

Research Extension Services for Publications ………………………………………477

Some Soil and Plant-Tissue Testing Laboratories ………………………………..477

Biological-Control Agents …………………………………………………………………479

Producers ……………………………………………………………………………………….479

Distributors …………………………………………………………………………………….479

Sources of Information on Biological Control ……………………………………480

Reference ……………………………………………………………………………………480

Special Hydroponic Equipment …………………………………………………….480

Appendix 3: Units of Measurement—Conversion Factors ………………. 483

Appendix 4: Physical Constants of Inorganic Compounds ……………… 485

Appendix 5: Greenhouse and Hydroponic Suppliers …………………….. 487

Biocontrol Agents ………………………………………………………………………487

Microbials/Bioagents …………………………………………………………………487

Pollinators (Bombus sp.)……………………………………………………………..487

Greenhouse Structures, Coverings, and Equipment ………………………488

Greenhouse Shading Materials ……………………………………………………489

Growing Media and Supplies ……………………………………………………..489

Irrigation Equipment …………………………………………………………………490

Seeds ………………………………………………………………………………………..491

Sprout Supplies …………………………………………………………………………491

Bibliography ……………………………………………………………………………..493

Hydroponics …………………………………………………………………………….493

General …………………………………………………………………………………..493

Publications …………………………………………………………………………….493

Articles …………………………………………………………………………………..497

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) ……………………………………………….503

Publications …………………………………………………………………………….503

Articles …………………………………………………………………………………..504

Insect and Disease Control ………………………………………………………..507

Professional Publications and Research Journals …………………………510

Trade Magazines and Periodicals ………………………………………………. 511

Index ……………………………………………………………………………………….513

 

 

Title                       : Aquaponic Gardening: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Vegetables and Fish Together

Author                  : Sylvia Bernstein

Publisher             : New Society Publishers

Published            : second printing November 2011

ISBN                      : 9780 86571 7015

Volume                : 288

 

Today, more than ever before, our society is seeking ways to live more conscientiously. To help bring you the very best inspiration and information about greener, more sustainable lifestyles, Mother Earth News is recommending select New Society Publishers’ books to its readers. For more than 30 years, Mother Earth has been North America’s “Original Guide to Living Wisely,” creating books and magazines for people with a passion for self-reliance and a desire to live in harmony with nature. Across the countryside and in our cities, New Society Publishers and Mother Earth are leading the way to a wiser, more sustainable world.

 

Table of Contents:

Acknowledgments…………………………………………………………………… xi

Foreword, by Tom Alexander ……………………………………………………xv

Preface………………………………………………………………………………….. xix

The aquaponics epiphany……………………………………………………….. xix

About this book…………………………………………………………………….. xxii

Section 1: An introduction to aquaponics

Chapter 1: What is aquaponics? ………………………………………………..1

Hydroponics……………………………………………………………………………3

Aquaculture…………………………………………………………………………….5

Chapter 2: The global perspective……………………………………………..9

The bad news………………………………………………………………………….9

The good news……………………………………………………………………….21

Chapter 3: Home food production……………………………………………27

Earth-smart gardening …………………………………………………………..28

Convenient gardening…………………………………………………………….28

Year-round gardening……………………………………………………………30

Growing fish for food …………………………………………………………….31

Section 2: The plan

Chapter 4: Before you start……………………………………………………..35

The plan ……………………………………………………………………………….36

 

Section 3: The hardware

Chapter 7: Grow beds and fish tanks…………………………………………..69

Volume relationship between grow beds and fish tanks ……………….70

Common grow bed and fish tank requirements…………………………….71

Special considerations for the grow bed………………………………………72

Special considerations for the fish tank……………………………………….76

Commonly used products and materials …………………………………….77

Vertical growing ………………………………………………………………………87

Aquaponic Grow Beds and Fish Tanks Rules of Thumb ……………….89

Chapter 8: Plumbing ………………………………………………………………..91

The pump ……………………………………………………………………………….92

The pipes ……………………………………………………………………………….94

The timing mechanism ……………………………………………………………97

Some other thoughts about circulating water …………………………….105

Aquaponic Plumbing Rules of Thumb ……………………………………..107

Chapter 9: Grow media ………………………………………………………….109

What is the best medium? ………………………………………………………111

Aquaponic Media Rules of Thumb ………………………………………….114

Chapter 10: Water …………………………………………………………………117

Purity …………………………………………………………………………………..117

Section 3: The hardware

Chapter 7: Grow beds and fish tanks………………………………………..69

Volume relationship between grow beds and fish tanks …………….70

Common grow bed and fish tank requirements…………………………71

Special considerations for the grow bed……………………………………72

Special considerations for the fish tank……………………………………76

Commonly used products and materials …………………………………77

Vertical growing …………………………………………………………………..87

Aquaponic Grow Beds and Fish Tanks Rules of Thumb …………..89

Chapter 8: Plumbing …………………………………………………………….91

The pump ……………………………………………………………………………92

The pipes …………………………………………………………………………….94

The timing mechanism …………………………………………………………97

Some other thoughts about circulating water ………………………….105

Aquaponic Plumbing Rules of Thumb ……………………………………107

Chapter 9: Grow media …………………………………………………………109

What is the best medium? ……………………………………………………..111

Aquaponic Media Rules of Thumb …………………………………………114

Chapter 10: Water ………………………………………………………………..117

Purity ………………………………………………………………………………….117

Temperature ………………………………………………………………………..119

Dissolved oxygen ………………………………………………………………….122

pH ………………………………………………………………………………………124

Aquaponic Water Rules of Thumb ………………………………………….128

Section 4: The software

Chapter 11: Fish …………………………………………………………………….133

How many fish can I grow? ……………………………………………………134

What type of fish can I grow? ………………………………………………….136

Sources of fish ……………………………………………………………………….142

Introducing fish into your aquaponics system …………………………..146

Feeding your fish …………………………………………………………………..147

Harvesting your fish ………………………………………………………………151

Aquaponic Fish Rules of Thumb …………………………………………….152

 

Chapter 12: Plants …………………………………………………………………153

What plants grow best in aquaponics? ……………………………………153

Growing plants in aquaponics ……………………………………………….154

How to start plants in, and for, aquaponics …………………………….159

Spacing your plants ………………………………………………………………163

Unhealthy plants ………………………………………………………………….164

pH and nutrient supplementation ………………………………………….164

Insect control ………………………………………………………………………165

Aquaponic Plants Rules of Thumb ………………………………………….171

Chapter 13: Bacteria and worms …………………………………………….173

Bacteria farmers …………………………………………………………………..173

Nitrifying bacteria ………………………………………………………………..174

Caring for and feeding bacteria ……………………………………………..176

Worms ……………………………………………………………………………….178

Aquaponic Worms Rule of Thumb …………………………………………180

Section 5: The integrated system

Chapter 14: Cycling ………………………………………………………………183

What is cycling? …………………………………………………………………..183

The importance of testing tools ……………………………………………..184

Cycling with fish ………………………………………………………………….186

Fishless cycling ……………………………………………………………………189

The Murray Hallam cycling technique ……………………………………192

Speeding up the process ……………………………………………………….193

Aquaponic Cycling Rules of Thumb ……………………………………….194

Chapter 15: System maintenance …………………………………………..197

Daily ………………………………………………………………………………….198

Weekly (after cycling) …………………………………………………………199

Monthly …………………………………………………………………………….200

Aquaponic System Maintenance Rules of Thumb ……………………201

In Conclusion……………………………………………………………………….203

Appendices ………………………………………………………………………….209

Troubleshooting …………………………………………………………………..209

Aquaponic Gardening Rules of Thumb ……………………………………215

The top 10 dumbest mistakes I’ve made in aquaponics ………………223

What to consider before plunging into commercial aquaponics …..227

Aquaponics System Maintenance Checklist ………………………………233

Aquaponics System Data Tracking Sheet ………………………………….235

Recommended resources …………………………………………………………237

References ……………………………………………………………………………..241

Index …………………………………………………………………………………….245

About the Author …………………………………………………………………..256