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Ion-Exchanged Clinoptilolite as a Substrate for Space Farming

Author

Listed:
  • Yuri Kalvachev

    (Institute of Catalysis, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, “Acad. G. Bonchev” Str., bl. 11, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Ermenegilda Vitale

    (Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy)

  • Carmen Arena

    (Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy)

  • Totka Todorova

    (Institute of Catalysis, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, “Acad. G. Bonchev” Str., bl. 11, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Daniel Ilkov

    (Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Violeta Velikova

    (Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
    Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria)

Abstract

Clinoptilolite, with its structural peculiarities (ion-exchange and adsorbent properties), is an excellent candidate for direct use and various modifications. In this study, we explored the effect of ion exchange and the particle size of clinoptilolite on Raphanus sativus seed germination, plant growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics of plants. Plants were grown, for three consecutive runs, on non-modified clinoptilolite, 0.9–2.5 mm (C-2.5) and 2.5–5.0 mm (C-5.0); clinoptilolite fractions modified with ion exchange with ammonium (C NH4 -2.5 and C NH4 -5.0); and potassium (C K -2.5 and C K -5.0) ions. Our data revealed that ion exchange with ammonium increased water-holding capacity, while potassium exchange decreased the water-holding capacity of the substrates irrespective of their particle size. The positive effect of small fractions ion-exchanged clinoptilolite (C NH4 -2.5 and C K -2.5) on seed germination, during the third run, was established. The small clinoptilolite fractions favored root crop production, particularly in C K -2.5 plants only during the first run. Substantial positive effect on the content of total carbohydrates and polyphenols especially during the third run was established in plants grown on potassium-exchanged clinoptilolite. Our findings support the future exploration of clinoptilolite as a suitable substrate for plant growth in space and ground-based facilities for space-oriented experiments.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuri Kalvachev & Ermenegilda Vitale & Carmen Arena & Totka Todorova & Daniel Ilkov & Violeta Velikova, 2024. "Ion-Exchanged Clinoptilolite as a Substrate for Space Farming," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:3:p:350-:d:1343574
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Claudia Belviso & Antonio Satriani & Stella Lovelli & Alessandro Comegna & Antonio Coppola & Giovanna Dragonetti & Francesco Cavalcante & Anna Rita Rivelli, 2022. "Impact of Zeolite from Coal Fly Ash on Soil Hydrophysical Properties and Plant Growth," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-13, March.
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