Localized hydroponic green forage technology as a climate change adaptation under Egyptian conditions

341 Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, 9(6): 341-350, 2013 ISSN 1816-1561 This is a refereed journal and all articles are professionally screened and reviewed

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Corresponding Author: El-Morsy A.T., Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza, Egypt

E-mail: [email protected]

Localized hydroponic green forage technology as a climate change adaptation under Egyptian conditions El-Morsy A. T., M. Abul-Soud and M. S. A. Emam Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza, Egypt ABSTRACT

The availability of fodder is subject to decrease due to climate change impacts on crops productivity, and

higher competition for land and water resources between fodder and cereal crops under expected risks of climate change on Egypt. Two experiments were carried out during 2012 at Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, Egypt. Barely (Hordeum vulgare L.), cv. Giza 21 was used in this study. The study aimed to investigate the different densities of barely seeds (0.5, 1 and 1.5 cm) on the forge production per m2 in complete randomized blocks design at the first trail. While in the second trail, to compare the hydroponic forage production between the net house system (net + fog cooling) and control cooling room (Air condition) in a factorial design. Vegetative and root characteristics were measured at first study and quality properties were taken in consider at, on the second study beside vegetative and root characteristics. The mentioned results indicated that increasing the barely seed density from 0.5 to 1.5 cm led to increase the total sprout, shoot and root of both fresh and dry weight (Kg/m2), shoot height, root length and barely seed temperature while decreasing the dry matter content of barely seed as a result of germination and increasing of barely seed temperature. The sprouting of barely under net house system recorded the highest values of physical characteristics and chemical analysis compared to sprouting under control cooling room. The economic factor is considered when comparing the high cost of control cooling room and energy needs with the net system. The use, environmental and economic efficiencies of using and operating hydroponic green forage tended strongly to favor the density barely seed of 1.5 cm (10 Kg/m2) under the net house system to give the highest results. Key words: Green forage, feeder, barely, hydroponic culture, intensive culture, net house, cooling room and

climate change.

Introduction Egypt is considered one of the most vulnerable countries to the potential impacts of climate change. High

population density and growth, and the rapid spread of unplanned urbanization place considerable pressures on the limited country’s land and water resources. Egypt already suffers from low technical capacity and low community resilience to cope with extreme weather events (El Raey 2010).

Livestock production occupies a prominent stage in agricultural activities. The main animal types are cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats and camels (ESNC, 2010). Livestock play a significant role in food production through the provision of high value protein-rich animal products; they indirectly support crop production through draught power and manure; and finally, they are the most significant source of income and store of wealth for smallholders (IPCC, 2007). Currently, livestock is one of the fastest growing agricultural subsectors in developing countries. This growth is driven by the rapidly increasing demand for livestock products, this demand being driven by population growth, urbanization and increasing incomes in developing countries (Delgado 2005). However, water buffalo represents an important part of animal production in Egypt and is economically a very important farm animal as an important source of income to the household in Egypt (Abdel-Aziem et al., 2010).

The availability of fodder is decreasing due to climate change impacts on crops productivity, and higher competition for land and water resources between fodder and cereal crops. In this respect, climate change studies predict a reduction in the productivity of two major crops in Egypt - wheat and maize - by 15% and 19%, respectively by 2050 (ESNC, 2010) which will increase the gap between feed production and demand, competition between food and feed and could be considered as an important indirect impact on livestock production as maize is the main energy source in livestock rations.

Abou-Hadid (2006) stated that it is important priority to assess the impacts of climate change on agricultural sector and its water demands in North African countries, as well as studying the vulnerability of food production system in these countries as a vital point too. And according to the impacts and the vulnerability

342 Res. J. Agric. & Biol. Sci., 9(6): 341-350, 2013

of agriculture system an adaptation strategies have to be defined to take into account the possible deficit of water for irrigation in the future.

Hydroponic Fodder is essentially the germination of a seed (such as malt barley or oats) and sprouted into a high quality, highly nutritious, disease free animal food. This process takes place in a very versatile and intensive hydroponic growing unit where only water and nutrients are used to produce a grass and root combination that is very lush and high in nutrients. This green fodder is extremely high in protein and metabolisable energy, which is highly digestible by most animals. In 27 rural localities throughout the state of Chihuahua, Mèxico, a typical 144m2 greenhouse unit containing 1790 trays stacked on shelves that hold grain. The grain develops roots and green shoots to form a dense mat at an average of 1200 kilograms per day with only 800 to 1000 liters of water consumption. This amount of fodder can be used to supplement feed for 100 head of cattle per day or 500 goats and/or sheep. The water use difference is approximately 50:1 over the hay that the forage replaces. The use of these 27 greenhouses in the state of Chihuahua then conserves over 10,000 acre feet of water per year by eliminating the need for open field alfalfa or corn for silage. There are some arguments about the sprouting grains for convenience of green forage production in hydroponics system to compensate the feed resources for animals (Rajendra et al., 1998; Tudor et al., 2003). Sprouting of grains affected the enzyme activity, increased total protein and changes in amino acid profile, increased sugars, crude fiber, certain vitamins and minerals, but decreased starch and loss of total dry matter (Resh, 2001). Depending to the type of grain, the forage mat reaches between 15 to 30 cm high where the production rate, ranged about 7 to 9 Kg of fresh forage corresponding to 0.9 to 1.1 Kg of dry matter (Al-Ajmi et al., 2009 and Mukhopad 1994). Buston et al., (2002) reported that the efficient use of water through the production of hydroponic fodder of barley and wheat for goats in semi-desert conditions has been recommended. Moreover, the period between starting the production and green forage harvesting was about one week where a carpet is obtained made up with germinated seeds, their interweaved white roots and the green shoots (Pandey and Pathak 1991). This technology may be especially important in the regions where forage production is limited (Mukhopad, 1994).

This work aimed to manage the use of available natural resources, minimize the water use, and maximize the forage production for water and area unit while the introducing new technique for forage production to secure the livestock needs under the arid areas in Egypt takes the priority.

Materials and methods

Two experiments carried out at Protected Cultivation Site, Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate

(CLAC), Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, Egypt during 2012 under net house and control cooling room. The same plant material, hydroponic system and procedures were used in both two experiments. Plant material:

Barely (Hordeum vulgare L.) cv. Giza 21 seeds were used in both two experiments. The seeds soaked in

water, with the purpose of eliminating the whole material that floats. Then barely seeds were soaked in warm water containing 0.1% hypochlorite at 24 oC for one hour then washed by tap water for 10 minutes and placed to the plastic trays. The trays are under controlled environmental conditions in a typical 10-day cycle. The environmental factors that influence in the forage production are light, temperature, humidity, oxygenation, and carbon dioxide gas. The duration of daylight influences vegetative development. Solar light should not be excessive since it causes burns on the upper trays. The ideal temperature is 21º C, and it should be as constant as possible. Hydroponic system:

Using a hydroponic watering system without inert material or soil for the process of barely germination,

during one period of 8 to 12 days was done. A growing plan was conducted using a steel hydroponic stand, size 2.10×0.50×1.9 m equipped containing 6 shelves (30 cm apart shelves) with capacity of 42 polyethylene trays sized 60×30x3 cm (0.18 m2) each. The hydroponic unit located under white net house and covered by black net (63 % shade) during the summer season. The net house covered by polyethylene plastic sheet (200 micron) during the winter season. The base of trays is holing to allow drainage of excess water from irrigation. The irrigation system automated by using digital timer to control water pumping (water pump 0.5 horse power) 2 minutes/hour from 1 m3 polyethylene tank. The irrigation water was delivered via 4 fog sprayers (32 L/hour) for each shelve. The fog system was not just for irrigation but for cooling the micro system condition also. Drained water out of irrigation was collected in plastic containers which was placed under the hydroponic unit, measured and recorded to compute for total water use and water use efficiency. The used water was tap water with free nutrient solution or any additives.


First experiment: The experiment was conducted out during the second third of June and December 2012 (Summer and

winter) under net house (20 % shading and natural solar light) to investigate three different barely seeds densities (0.5, 1 and 1.5 cm) that presented (0.5, 0.7 and 1 g/cm2) respectively as shown in Table (1).

Table 1: The different densities of barely seeds

Thickness Weight (g/cm2) Weight (Kg/m2) Weight (Kg/tray) 0.5 cm 0.5 5.0 0.9 1 cm 0.7 7.0 1.26 1.5 cm 1.0 10.0 1.8

The fresh and dry weight of total sprouts, shoots and roots (kg), shoot height (cm), root length (cm),

shoot/root rate of fresh and dry weight, dry matter content (%) were measured at the 8th day of the experiment and seeds temperature (oC) recorded every two days.

Economic study depends on the cost and profit of the producing sprout of barely was done as Table (3) presented. The cost and profit were calculated instead of the hydroponic system and labour costs to clarify the economics of different treatments. The profit and biomass rate were calculated as follows:

The profit (LE/m2) = production (LE/m2) – cost of seeds (LE/m2). Biomass rate = seeds weight (kg/m2) / total sprout fresh weight (kg/m2). The experimental design was a complete randomized blocks with 6 replicates. Each experimental plot

contained 2 trays. Analysis of data was done by computer, using ANOVA program for statistical analysis. The differences among means for all traits were tested for significance at 5 % level according to Waller and Duncan (1969). Second experiment:

The experiment was carried out at the middle of August and December 2012 (summer and winter) to study

the hydroponic forage production system under net house and control cooling room. The recommended barely seed density (1.5 cm) from the first experiment was used. Two systems of hydroponic forage production were cultivated, one under net house (40 % shading and natural solar light + fog cooling) and the other in control cooling room (Air condition (21 oC and florescent light). The average temperature (oC), light density (Lux) and light variation (Lux) measured by luxmeter through the different production system’s shelves presented at Table (2).

The total fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots (g), fibre content (%) (A.O.A.C., 1990), dry matter content (%), protein content (%) (Kjeldahle method according to Piper 1947), Total carbohydrate content (%) (Mgnetski et al., 1959), oil content (%) (Hamama et al., 2003) and Energy (Kcal/kg) (Brand 2000) as a parameters of sprout quality were measured.

For mineral analysis, K, Ca and Mg content (%) were estimated at the 8th day of the experiment. Three samples of barely sprouts from each plot were dried at 70 oC in an air forced oven for 48 h. Dried sprouts were digested in H2SO4 according to the method described by Allen (1974) and N and K contents were estimated in the acid digested solution by colorimetric method (ammonium molybdate) using spectrophotometer and flame photometer according to Chapman and Pratt, (1961).. Total nitrogen was determined by Kjeldahl method according to the procedure described by FAO (1980). Potassium content was determined photo-metrically using Flame photometer as described by Chapman and Pratt (1961). The metals Ca and Mg were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer as described by Chapman and Pratt (1961).

The experimental design was factorial with 6 replicates. Each experimental plot contained 7 trays.. Analysis of data was done by computer, using ANOVA program for statistical analysis. The differences among means for all traits were tested for significance at 5 % level according to Waller and Duncan (1969). Table 2: The average temperature and light density under net house and cooling room system.

Treatment August 2012 December 2012 Temp. (oC)

Light (Lux) Light variation (Lux) Temp. (oC)

Light (Lux) Light variation (Lux)

Net house 25.5 31642 18149 - 2841 17.0 5400 4680 - 440 Cooling room 21.0 1200 800 - 70 21.0 1200 800 - 70

Results and Discussion


1.The first Experiment: Increasing the barely seed density from 0.5 to 1.5 cm led to increase total sprout, shoot and root fresh

weight (kg/m2) significantly as shown in fig. (1, 2 and 3). There was no significant difference between summer and winter of the investigated characters. Total fresh sprout (shoot and root) kilo grams were weighted significantly in 1.5 cm density. Mean while the lowest were found in 0.5 cm treatment. The increase rate of shoot fresh weight among the different treatments was completely strong while it was gradual increase in both of the total sprout and root fresh weight. Superiority of 1.5 cm treatment which obtained 9 times and 2 times of shoot fresh weight (Fig. 1). On the other hand, the density of 1 cm gave 4.5 times higher than the treatment of 0.5 cm.

Fig. (4, 5 and 6) presented the effect of different density of barely seeds on total sprout, shoot and root dry weight (kg/m2). The same trends of increasing the seed density led to increase the measurements of total, shoot and root dry weight (kg/m2) No significant analysis of data obtained difference between summer and winter cultivation.

Concerning shoot/root rate fresh and dry weight (%), the treatment of seed density 1.5 cm recorded the highest results while the lowest recorded gave by the treatment of 0.5 cm as Fig. (7 and 8) showed.

Regarding to the shoot height and root length (cm), Fig (9 and 10) illustrated the effect of different densities of barley seed on shoot height and root length (cm) of barely germination. Winter season obtained enhanced barely growth than summer cultivation i.e (shoot height &root length) cm but not reached to the significant point. Increasing the barely seed density from 0.5 to 1.5 cm encouraged the shoot height and root length (cm).

On the contrary of the above results, Increasing the barely seed density from 0.5 to 1.5 cm led to decrease the dry matter content of barely sprouts as a result of germination as Fig (11) presented. There was no significant difference between the treatments of 0.5 and 1 cm while the significant difference was true between 0.5 and 1.5 cm.

Fig. (11) presented the effect of different barely seed densities on dry matter content (%) and seed temperature (oC), the results indicated that increasing the barely seed density from 0.5 to 1.5 cm led to decrease the total dry matter content of the sprout instead of the obvious result of incrassating the dry matter content for the unit area. Increase the barely seed density from 0.5 to 1.5 cm resulted significantly increase the barely seed temperature (oC) during germination as a result of increasing the seeds layer thickness that offer thermal isolation and heating and also the germination heat.

The highest seed temperature was measured by the treatment of 1.5 cm. the treatment of 0.5 cm gave the lowest record of seed temperature. The temperature of seed could explain many results as the rapid reduction of dry matter content of barely seeds during germination and to clarify at the same time the highest results of barely growth under the highest density (1.5 cm). Increasing the seed temperature led to increase the germination metabolic, dry matter consumption and growth parameters.

Evidences caught up from the literature focusing on hydroponic green forage and green fodder support our previous results as indicated by Mukhopad (1994), Pandey and Pathak (1991), Bustos et al., (2000), Resh (2001), Buston (2002) and Al-Ajmi et al., (2009).

Fig. 1: The effect of different barely seed densities on total sprout fresh weight (kg/m2).

* Similar letters indicate non-significant at 0.05 levels.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Summer Winter

C C

B B

A A

Tota

l fre

sh w

eigh

t (Kg

/m2 )

0.5cm

1cm

1.5cm


Fig. 2: The effect of different barely seed densities on root fresh weight (kg/m2)

Fig. 3: The effect of different barely seed densities on shoot fresh weight (kg/m2)

Fig. 4: The effect of different barely seed densities on Total sprout dry weight (kg/m2)

05

1015202530354045

Summer Winter

C C

B B

A A

Root

fres

h w

eigh

t (Kg

/m2 )

0.5cm

1cm

1.5cm

0123456789

10

Summer Winter

C C

B B

A A

Shoo

t fre

sh w

eigh

t (Kg

/m2 )

0.5cm

1cm

1.5cm

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Summer Winter

C C

B B

A A

Tota

l dry

wei

ght (

Kg/m

2 )

0.5cm

1cm

1.5cm


Fig. 5: The effect of different barely seed densities on shoot dry weight (kg/m2)

Fig. 6: The effect of different barely seed densities on root dry weight (kg/m2)

Fig. 7: The effect of different barely seed densities on shoot/root rate fresh weight (%)

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

Summer Winter

C C

B B

A A

Shoo

t dry

wei

ght (

Kg/m

2 )

0.5cm

1cm

1.5cm

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Summer Winter

B B

A AA A

Root

dry

wei

ght (

Kg/m

2 )

0.5cm

1cm

1.5cm

0

5

10

15

20

25

Summer Winter

C C

B B

A A

Shoo

t/ro

ot ra

te fr

esh

wei

ght (

%)

0.5cm

1cm

1.5cm


Fig. 8: The effect of different barely seed densities on shoot/root rate dry weight (%)

Fig. 9: The effect of different barely seed densities on shoot height (cm)

Fig. 10: The effect of different barely seed densities on Root length (cm)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Summer Winter

C C

B B

A A

Shoo

t/ro

ot ra

te d

ry w

eigh

t (%

)

0.5cm

1cm

1.5cm

0123456789

10

Summer Winter

CB

B B

A A

Shoo

t hei

ght (

cm)

0.5cm

1cm

1.5cm

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Summer Winter

C C

B B

AA

Root

leng

th (c

m)

0.5cm

1cm

1.5cm


Fig. 11: The effect of different barely seed densities on Dry matter content (%) and seed temperature (oC)

Needless to say that the most important point of utilizing different densities of barely seeds is the economic

factor. Table (3) illustrated that the effect of different barely seed densities on the cost and profit of forage production. The obtained results indicated that the highest values of economic production and profit were gained by the treatment of 1.5 cm of barely density with constant of other production costs. The profit of using 1.5 cm of barely density was fife time’s more than using 0.5 cm treatment.

2.The second experiment:

Table (4) presented the average physical characteristics of barely germination under net house and cooling

room, the obtained results indicated that the use of net house system (net + fog cooling) enhance the production of barely green forage comparing to control cooling room during the summer and winter seasons. The net house system recorded the higher values of total fresh weight, total dry weight, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight and shoot dry weight while control cooling room gave the higher value of root dry weight.

Concerning the effect of net house system and cooling room on the quality characteristics of barely green forage, the data in Table (5) illustrate that the net house system gave superior significant effect on the quality characteristics compared to control cooling room. The higher determinations of dry mater, fiber, protein, carbohydrates (%), Ca, K (ppm) and energy (Kcal/kg) were recorded by using net house system. On the other hand control cooling room presented higher results of oil content (%) and Mg (ppm).

The light quality under the net house was better than control cooling room that could enhanc the barely growth characteristics and quality parameters. The source of light under the net is the sun gave the range of light starting from the top to the bottom of shelves 18149 – 2841 and 4680 – 440 (Lux) during August and December respectively as presented in Table (2) while under control cooling room is florescent lamps offer constant ranges light all the study period 800 – 70 (Lux). At the same time, the cost of light under the net house system was zero compared the high cost of light under cooling room. The temperature also was playing a vital role in the growth of barely germination which explained also the difference in the sprout production. These results agreed with Chen et al., (2004), Urbonavičiūtė et al., (2009) and Giedrė et al., (2010). The construction cost of control cooing room (100000 Le) equal more than 6 times of net house system (15000) for the same area unit. The use, environmental and economic efficiencies of the use and operating hydroponic green forage tended strongly to favor the net house system. Table 3: The effect of different barely seed densities on the average of cost and profit of production

Treatments Seeds weight kg /m2

Cost of seed (Kg = 2.4LE) LE/m2

Fresh weight Kg/m2

Production (Kg =0.75LE) LE/m2

The profit LE / m2

Biomass rate

0.5 cm deep 4.9 C 11.76 C 19.7 C 14.78 C 3.02 C 4.02 B 1 cm deep 7.1 B 17.04 B 35.6 B 26.70 B 9.66 B 5.01 A 1.5 cm deep 9.9 A 23.76 A 52.6 A 39.45 A 15.69 A 5.30 A

* Similar letters indicate non-significant at 0.05 levels.

0102030405060708090

Dry mater Temp.

A

B

A

B

B

A

0.5cm

1cm

1.5cm


Table 4: The average physical characteristics of barely germination under net house and cooling room Treatment Summer season

Total fresh weight Kg/m2

Total dry weight Kg/m2

Shoot fresh weight Kg/m2

Root fresh weight Kg/m2

Shoot dry weight Kg/m2

Root dry weight Kg/m2

Net 53.1 A 7.9 A 10.6 A 42.5 A 1.8 A 5.5 B Cooling 49.4 B 6.4 B 8.9 B 39.8 A 1.2 B 12 A Winter season Net 56.2 A 8.7 A 11.2 A 47.0 A 1.9 A 5.8 B Cooling 50.2 B 6.5 B 9.1 B 41.1 B 1.3 B 12.7 A

* Similar letters indicate non-significant at 0.05 levels. Table 5: The average quality characteristics of barely green forage under net house and cooling room

Treatment Dry mater % fiber %

Protein %

Carbohydrates %

Oil content % Ca ppm Mg ppm K ppm

Energy Kcal/kg

Net 14.3 A 20.27A 15.56A 60.35A 1.05 B 0.042A 0.01A 0.51A 2980A

Cooling 12.6 B 16.54B 13.00B 50.49B 2.038 A 0.035B 0.011A 0.45B 2494B * Similar letters indicate non-significant at 0.05 levels. Conclusion:

The hydroponic green forage under the Egyptian conditions proved to be possible for offering green forage

with low water requirement. The results presented a guideline for interested to produce green forage environmentally. Maintaining the barely seeds density to 1.5 cm thickness could be the optimum value for achieving appropriate barely growth and essential forage production. The use of net house (low energy system) instead of control cooling room is a good alternative concerning the environmental and economic demands. The gap between the need and the available of animal products could be satisfied by using hydroponic green forage and at the same time avoid the climate change risks on water and soil availabilities.

References

A.O.A.C., 1990. Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. 15th ed.

Published by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Anlington, Virginia 2201, USA. Abdel-Aziem, S.H., Lamiaa M Salem, Mohamed S Hassanane. Karima F. Mahrous, 2010. Genetic Analysis

between and within Three Egyptian Water Buffalo Populations Using RAPD-PCR. Journal of American Science, 6(6): 217-226.

Abou-Hadid, A.F., 2006. Assessment of Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability to Climate Change in North Africa: Food Production and Water Resources A Final Report Submitted to Assessments of Impacts and Adaptations to Climate Change (AIACC), Project No. AF 90.

Al-Ajmi, A., A. Salih, I. Kadhim and Y. Othman, 2009. Yield and water use efficiency of barley fodder produced under hydroponic system in GCC countries using tertiary treated sewage effluents. Journal of Phytology, 1(5): 342-348.

Allen, S.E., 1974. Chemical Analysis of Ecological Materials. Black-Well, Oxford, pp: 565. Brand, T.S., 2000. A review on research performed in South Africa on small grains as energy source in pig

diets. Pig News Info., 21: 99-102. Buston, C.D.E., E.L. Gonzalez, B.A. Aguilera and G.J.A. Esptnoz, 2002. Forraje hidropónicouna alternativa

para la suplementación caprina en el semidesierto Queretano, pp: 383. Chapman, H.D. and F. Pratt, 1961. Methods of Analysis for Soils, Plants and Water.Univ. of Calif., 35: 6-7. Chen, M., J. Chory, & C. Fankhauser, 2004. Light signal transduction in higher plants. Annu. Rev. Genet., 38:

87-117. Delgado, C., 2005. Rising demand for meat and milk in developing countries: implications for grasslands-based

livestock production. In Grassland: a global resource (ed. D. A. McGilloway), pp: 29-39. The Netherlands: Wageningen Academic Publishers.

El-Raey, M., 2010. Impacts and Implications of Climate Change for the Coastal Zones of Egypt. Coastal Zones and Climate Change, Michel, D. and Pandya, A. Editors, Copyright © 2010, the Henry L. Stimson Center, ISBN: 978-0-9821935-5-6, Library of Congress Control Number: 2009939156. http://kms1.isn.ethz.ch/serviceengine/Files/ISN/116078/ichaptersection_singledocument/d7d42ace-24f8-4922-90d7-aef6af614bf2/en/3.pdf

ESNC, 2010. Egypt second national communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, Published by Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), 2010.

FAO., 1980. Soil and Plant Analysis. Soils Bulletin, 38: 242-250.


Giedrė Samuolienė, Akvilė Urbonavičiūtė, Aušra Brazaitytė, Gintarė Šabajevienė, Jurga Sakalauskaitė, Pavelas Duchovskis. 2010. The impact of LED illumination on antioxidant properties of sprouted seeds. Cent. Eur. J. Biol., 6(1): 68–74.

Hamama, A.A., H.L. Bhardwaj, D.E. Starner, 2003. Genotype and growing location effects on phytosterols in canola. J. Amer. Oil Chem. Soc., 80: 1121-1126.

IPCC, 2007. Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, M.L. Parry, O.F. Canziani, J.P. Palutikof, P.J. van der Linden and C.E. Hanson, Eds., Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, pp: 976.

Lorenz, K., 1980. Cereal sprouts: composition, nutritive value, food applications. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 13(4): 353-385.

Mgnetski, K.P., Y.A. Tsugarov and B.K. Malkov, 1959. New method for plant and soil analysis. Agricultural Academy press Manometric Techniques U.M.P., Bell Burris Stauffer. (C.f.Khalil, M.A.I. ph.D. thesis, Fac. Agric., Zagazig Univ., 1982)

Mukhopad, Yu., 1994. Cultivating green forage and vegetables in the Buryat Republic. Mezhdunarodnyi Sel'skokhozyaistvennyi Zhurnal, 6: 51-52.

Pandey, H.N. and N.N. Pathak, 1991. Nutritional evaluation of artificially grown barley fodder in lactating crossbred cows. Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition, 8(1): 77-78.

Piper, C.S., 1947. Soil and Plant Analysis. The University of Adelaide. Rajendra, P., J.P. Seghal, B.C. Patnayak and R.K. Beniwal, 1998. Utilization of artificially grown barley fodder

by sheep. Indian Journal of Small Ruminants, 4(2): 63-68. Resh, H.M., 2001. Hydroponic Food Production, 6th ed., 567 pp., Woodbridge Press, Santa Barbara, CA. Tudor, G., T. Darcy, P. Smith and F. Shallcross, 2003.The intake and live weight change of drought master

steers fed hydroponically grown, young sprouted barley fodder, Department of Agriculture Western Australia.

Urbonavičiūtė A., G. Samuolienė, S. Sakalauskienė, A. Brazaitytė, J. Jankauskienė, P. Duchovskis, V. Ruzgas, A. Stonkus, P. Vitta, A. Žukauskas and G. Tamulaitis, 2009. Effect of flashing amber light on the nutritional quality of green sprouts. Agronomy Research 7(Special issue II), pp: 761-767.

Waller, R.A. and D.B. Duncan, 1969. Way for the symmetric multiple comparison problem. Amer. Stat. Assoc J. 19: 1485-1503.

Documents

Localized hydroponic green forage technology as a climate change adaptation under Egyptian conditions