Abstract
Utility and function of porous clay pots for a root-zone environmental control system (RECS) were investigated. The porous clay pots characteristically had no drainage hole at the bottom. Growth and flowering of pansies in the porous clay pots with pot-surface watering were compared with those in plastic pots with top watering or capillary mat watering. The porous clay pots were placed in a plastic water bath to supply water though pot-surface. In addition, effects of pot soils and of water levels in the bath on the rate of soil moisture were investigated. Pansy growth was significantly stimulated in the porous clay pots compared with those of plastic pots. The root-zone temperature in the porous clay pots was lower than the air temperature during the day time. These findings indicate that the porous clay pot with pot-surface watering is useable as watering equipment for RECS. The rates of soil moisture changed depending not only on soils but on water levels in the bath. However, it was suggested that soil moisture in the porous clay pot should be controlled by regulating water level in the bath.
