Page 194 - AJWEP-v22i3

Vasylkovska, et al.

“Rutan” basil (Ocimum basilicum), developed by the the range of 20 – 24°C, with a relative humidity of
“Mayak” Research Station of the Institute of Vegetable 60 – 70%.
and Melon Growing of the National Academy of
Agricultural Sciences, Ukraine. The vegetation period To enhance the efficiency of growing vegetable and
for this variety ranges from 60 to 66 days. berry crops, the Central Ukrainian National Technical
The main parameters of the study included: University developed a pilot portable hydroponic NFT
7,21
(i) A standard hydroponic nutrient solution formulated unit incorporating phytomatrix. This unit operates
for leafy crops, containing micro- and macroelements on the NFT principle and features a vertical column-
within the recommended concentration range shaped structure that ensures compactness and allows
for basil. To enhance the nutrient solution, the a fixed number of plants to be grown within a limited
20
effective microorganisms-5 (EM-5) preparation space (Figures 1 and 2A).
was incorporated. This preparation contains As illustrated in Figure 1, the hydroponic column
beneficial microorganisms known to stimulate root (number 8) is a pipe that contains a nutrient solution
system activity, improve physiological processes, supply pipe (number 7), which is fed from a reservoir
and increase plant yields. 16 (number 9) to the top of the column through a pumping
(ii) Phytomatrices with red and blue LED emitting system and water pump (number 11). Inside the reservoir,
elements in a ratio of 4:1 were used for lighting. 21,22 a sensor (number 10) monitors the minimum nutrient
(iii) The temperature regime was maintained within solution level to maintain proper operation. At the upper
part of the hydroponic column (number 8), there is an
air valve (number 1), a nutrient solution distribution
unit (number 2), and a phytomatrix attachment unit
(number 3) equipped with radiating elements. Below
this is the nutrient solution supply unit (number 4), to
which phytomatrix components (number 5) are attached
and extended downward. Equally spaced around the

A B

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the portable
hydroponic nutrient film technique system: (1) air
valve; (2) nutrient solution distribution unit;
(3) phytomatrix fastening unit; (4) nutrient solution
supply unit; (5) phytomatrix with radiating elements;
(6) hydroponic baskets; (7) nutrient solution supply
pipeline; (8) vertical hydroponic column; (9) tank;
(10) sensor of the minimum level of nutrient solution Figure 2. General view of (A) portable hydroponic
at the tank; (11) pumping system with a water pump; nutrient film technique system and (B) phytomatrix
and (12) roller system with radiating elements

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 188 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025170132