Centre for Plant & Water Science - Central Queensland University

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Centre for Plant & Water Science 2008 Annual Report HYDROPONIC PRODUCTION OF A LEAF VEGETABLE PAK CHOI (Brassica rapa L.CHINESIS GROUP) GROWN WITH BOTH CHEMICAL (INORGANIC) FERTILIZER AND VERMICAST EFFLUENT SUMMARY Some effects of vermicompost effluent (vermiliquor), formed during the breakdown of organic wastes by earthworms (vermicomposting), on plant growth and nutrient uptake have been evaluated in a series of experiments. The overall purpose of the project is to develop an organic alternative to conventional inorganic solutions for hydroponically-growing plants and to formulate an organic fertilizer for the hydroponic production of Pak Choi. This project is the first to quantify how vermiliquor influences plant growth. By manipulating such parameters as pH, pH-buffers, ratio of dilution (electrical conductivity), aeration, and also differences in the type of composting process and the kind of organic wastes from which vermiliquor derived, growth of hydroponic vegetables can be modiifed. Worm and vermiliquor production also depend on season and source of food wastes. The experiments monitored the contribution of the parameters of nutrient solution like temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, ammonium, potassium and external parameters like shading/solar activity and temperature on growth characteristics (growth period, leaf area, shoot and root weights). To increase commercial viability of the project the trial experiments were carried out in commercially adopted nutrient film technique and pot systems under different climatic conditions on both batched vermiliquor and in vivo vermiliquor from vermitanks directly linked to the hydroponic system. The latter, thus created a system of a ‘live’ vermiliquor recirculating between vermipits and hydroponic units. All physical, chemical and favourable visual differences of Pak Choi, hydroponically-grown with organic vermiliquor, compared to a conventional inorganic fertilizer Boxsell. PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Co-Principal Investigator: Others: FUNDING RIRDC INCOME $131,100 Elena Churilova Prof David Midmore Brock McDonald 49
Centre for Plant & Water Science 2008 Annual Report ICEWARM GLOBAL WATER SYSTEMS II (THE ENGINEERED WATER CYCLE) SUMMARY CQUniversity is in partnership with Deakin University, the University of South Australia, Flinders University, and the University of Adelaide to provide the International Centre for Excellence in Water and Resource Management (ICEWARM) with tertiary courses in water studies. ICEWARM offers postgraduate certificates and Master’s degrees in sustainable water management. CQUniversity wrote and offers the core course Global Water Systems II the Engineered Water Cycle. In 2006 a team from the CPWS wrote the core course Global Water Systems II the Engineered Water Cycle. This course was presented for the first time in 2007 via the Access Grid technology. Access Grid allowed the lecture to be presented to five different Universities in three states (South Australia, Victoria, and Queensland) at the same time, in real time via a satellite link. Students and lecturers could have instantaneous feedback and multiple windows could be open on the screen; campus views, powerpoint slides, internet pages and specific programs. All assessment pieces two assignments, two practical reports, and an exam) were submitted and marked electronically via the ICEWARM portal. After the course had been presented it underwent an academic review and was updated in light of the experiences gained. Research from the CPWS is being used to keep the course current. CQUniversity ITD department has developed a world-class Access Grid. CQUniversity is leading the way in this type of delivery mode. Global Water Systems II will be offered both internally and externally from 2009. Figure 1A. Field Trip to STP Figure 1B. Drinking recycled water at a potable water plant PROJECT STAFF Principal Investigator: Ben Kele Co-Principal Investigator: Prof David Midmore and A/P Larelle Fabbro Others: Jason Bell, ICEWARM Staff FUNDING INCOME $0 50
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Centre for Plant & Water Science - Central Queensland University

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