Project Title:

Buffering and Control of pH in Zeoponic Plant Growth Media

Boulder Innovative Technologies
686 S. Taylor Avenue, Suite 102
Louisville, CO 80027

93-1  12.08   0098    _       AMOUNT REQUESTED $68,745

Buffering and Control of pH in Zeoponic Plant Growth Media

Abstract:

NASA Johnson Space Center is developing an active synthetic soil to
grow plants in space as part of their regenerative life support
system. The synthetic soil is zeolite based and slowly releases
nutrients but unfortunately becomes acidic with time. The proposed
research evaluates using natural and synthetic components to buffer
soil pH within optimum ranges for plant growth. Objectives are to
characterize pH buffering properties of zeolite and apatite
(primary components of NASA's active synthetic soil), evaluate pH
properties of select buffering amendments, and formulate
combinations of amended zeoponic soil. The effort consists of
acquisition and characterization of raw materials (zeolite,
apatite, and buffering agents); evaluation of pH buffering
properties of individual materials using equilibration, titration,
and incubation experiments; formulation of various zeoponic
treatment combinations using preliminary data and acid-base balance
scenarios; and feasibility testing of formulations using additional
equilibration, titration, and incubation experiments. Phase II will
consist of growing plants with low, medium, and high pH preferences
in amended zeoponic soil to refine the innovation to meet NASA
needs and allow commercialization. The expected result is
development of zeoponic soil with enhanced buffering capacity. NASA
will use the innovation in their Regenerative Life Support System.

Several markets are targeted for commercial application of the
improved zeoponic substrate. Nursery owners and greenhouse managers
will use it for commercial flower and vegetable production,
groundskeepers will use it for outdoor landscaping plants, interior
designers will use it for growing indoor decorative plants, and the
general public will use it as a potting mix for gardens, flower
beds, and indoor/outdoor potted plants. Obtaining proper pH control
and enhancing the buffering ability of the media are necessary to
lengthen its active life and simplify its use. Simplicity and a
long active life are critical characteristics making zeoponics more
attractive to growers than conventional media.

zeoponics, zeolites, active synthetic soil, pH, buffer capacity