| 摘要 |
A system for hydroponically growing plants includes a pressure vessel (18) containing equipment such as a splash plate (20) for substantially increasing the surface area of liquid to be introduced into the pressure vessel. The system also includes a gas transfer conduit (22) for passing selected plant growth promoting gas such as oxygen, air, ammonia and/or carbon dioxide, from a gas source into the vessel and a conduit (14) for passing hydroponic plant growing liquid into the vessel and for directing it against the splash plate or the like and thus facilitate rapid dissolving therein of the gas introduced into the pressure vessel. Conduits (36, 42, 44) are also provided for passing the gas-enriched liquid to a plurality of plants and may also be provided for returning the same to the pressure vessel for replenishment of the gas depleted therefrom. The system may include gas vents, a holding vessel (12) for the liquid and a gas level sensor (54) connected to the return conduit (50) and to a valve (24) in the gas supply line for regulating the concentration of gas in the pressure vessel in response to the concentration of gas in the depleted liquid. The method preferably employs the system on a substantially continuous basis. The pressure vessel is usually operated at superatmospheric pressure to assure a maximum concentration of dissolved gas in the liquid. |
