Hydroponic Tap Root Submersion for Taraxacum Kok-saghyz Rubber Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cultivating Taraxacum kok-saghyz for natural rubber extraction are inefficient due to inadequate studies on root growth, resulting in low rubber yield, which is affected by the size of the plant's roots.
Innovation Solution
A hydroponic culture method where 10 to 50% of the tap root's length is submerged in a nutrient solution, with the rest exposed to gas, promoting root growth and rubber synthesis, thereby increasing the weight of rubber accumulated in the roots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cultivation methods are used for Taraxacum kok-saghyz, then the cultivation process is simple, but the root size is small resulting in low rubber yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing nutrient solution composition (specific ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients), controlling pH levels (5.5-6.5), and regulating temperature gradients between root zone and aerial parts. These parameter optimizations transform conventional simple cultivation into a controlled hydroponic system that achieves significantly larger root sizes and higher rubber yields while maintaining manageable operational complexity through standardized protocols
2Quantity of substance
If the entire tap root is soaked in nutrient solution, then nutrient absorption is maximized, but root respiration is inhibited and root diseases may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different environmental conditions for different parts of the root system. The upper portion of the tap root is exposed to air for respiration and disease prevention, while the lower portion is submerged in nutrient solution for nutrient absorption. This spatial differentiation of environmental conditions optimizes both nutrient uptake and root health simultaneously
3Reliability
If the tap root is exposed to air, then root respiration is promoted and root diseases are reduced, but nutrient absorption is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tap root into two functional zones: an upper zone exposed to air for respiration and disease prevention, and a lower zone submerged in nutrient solution for nutrient absorption. This segmentation allows each part of the root system to perform its optimal function without compromising the other
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enhances root thickness and length, leading to increased rubber production and reduced risk of root diseases, with a simpler process compared to other methods, allowing for easier harvesting and higher rubber yield.
Implementation Method 1
10 to 50% of the total length from the tip of the tap root of the plant of the family Asteraceae is soaked in the nutrient solution
Implementation Method 2
the rest of the tap root is exposed to a gas
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for hydroponic culture of a plant of the family Asteraceae which is suitable for growing the roots of the plant of the family Asteraceae. The method for hydroponic culture of a plant of the family Asteraceae includes a hydroponic culture step including culturing a plant of the family Asteraceae while adjusting the amount of a nutrient solution so that 10 to 50% of the total length from the tip of the tap root of the plant of the family Asteraceae is soaked in the nutrient solution, and the rest of the tap root is exposed to a gas.