Impact of Slope of Growing Trays on Productivity of Wheat Green Fodder by a Nutrient Film Technique System

Abstract

Application of hydroponic systems in feed production has not been extensively studied. Therefore, there is insufficient data on the effect of the slope of hydroponic growing trays used in the nutrient film technique on wheat fodder yield and its qualitative parameters. The slope of the trays has only been studied for food crops. This study conducted experimental research using a nutrient film technique hydroponic fodder growing device to evaluate the impact of growing tray slope angle on hydroponic wheat fodder production. The slope angle of the growing trays was changed from 2.0% (1.15°) to 8.0% (4.57°) with increments of 1.5% (0.86°). This research used two different light sources for wheat sprout illumination: indoor lighting (fluorescent lamps) and light-emitting diode illumination. In addition, two nutrient solutions were used for sprout irrigation: tap water and a solution enriched with macro- and microelements. Experimental studies confirmed the hypothesis that the slope angle of growing trays significantly affects the yield of wheat fodder grown for seven days. Analyzing the results, we found that the highest yield of wheat fodder after seven days of cultivation was achieved with growing trays sloped by 6.5% and using indoor lighting. In addition, we achieved the highest wheat fodder dry matter content using a 6.5% slope angle. Experimental studies also confirmed the hypothesis that using macro- and micronutrients in the nutrient solution does not significantly affect the yield of wheat fodder grown hydroponically for seven days.