Sebastian Heintze

Mr. Sebastian Heintze

University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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12 June 2024 in Agriculture
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SHSebastian Heintze
Sebastian Heintze
MBMarc Beckett
Marc Beckett
LKLukas Kriem
Lukas Kriem
JGJörn Germer
Jörn Germer
FAFolkard Asch
Folkard Asch
Organic residues, as a nutrient source suitable of producing solutions for hydroponic crop production, have the potential to reduce the dependence on mineral fertilizers. Especially in remote and resource-constrained regions, organic residues might be the only option to produce hydroponic nutrient solutions. However, nutrient solutions made from organic residues, called bioponic solutions, are usually unbalanced in their nutrient composition, which leads to deficiencies and poor plant growth. This study aimed to experimentally develop a low-tech approach to produce bioponic stock solutions rich in NO3−, P, and K, to create a balanced bioponic solution. The mixed bioponic solution contained 58 mg L−1 NH4+-N, 43 mg L−1 NO3−-N, 50 mg L−1 PO43−-P, and 246 mg L−1 K+. This approach resulted in satisfactory levels of P, K and micronutrients. The solution was tested pure and spiked with Ca(NO3)2 on lettuce in comparison with a mineral Hoagland nutrient solution. Neither the bioponic nor the spiked bioponic solution achieved comparable lettuce yields to the Hoagland solution. The poor growth of the plants in the bioponic solution was attributed to an unfavorable NH4+:NO3− ratio, high microorganism load, and elevated pH levels. However, the approach of preparing bioponic stock solutions could be promising for future research into the production of balanced bioponic nutrient solutions from organic residues.