A technology of essential oil crops growth in closed systems

The article describes the results of growing essential-oil crops in photoculture using the hydroponic method, and the stages and the agrotechnical methods of conveyor production for spice-flavoring plants such as dill (Goldkrone cultivar), parsley (Fidelio cultivar) and basil (Lemona cultivar). Due to underdevelopment of agriculture in cold climate, the northern territories of Tyumen region receive plant products from the South of Russia. Therefore, effective technologies for plants growing are required in order to provide the northerners with fresh products all year round. Regarding growing plants in a closed system, we discovered that the best conditions in the light culture for ethereal crops are created by white LED lighting with 8000 lm luminous flux. Plants watering with the Ferticare fertiliser in combination with calcinitis and watering regime (15 minutes every 24 hours) allow to achieve high productivity and yield of the cultivated plants. For the conveyor cultivation of fennel, parsley and basil, it is necessary to maintain the optimal microclimate parameters: day-time ambient air temperature +23℃, the solution temperature +20℃, humidity - no less than 60%. The developed method gives 8-9 turnovers of spice-flavoring plants per year.