A controlled environment system, termed the Phyto-Nutri-Tron (PNT), has been established to study whole plant ecophysiological responses to multiple environmental factors. The PNT is a computer-controlled highly flexible growth facility with independent control of the shoot and the root environment. The facility consists of two growth cabinets each containing four separate hydroponic growth systems. The growth cabinets can be used as assimilation chambers with individual control of temperature, humidity, light, CO2 and monitoring of O2. The hydroponic growth systems are connected to nutrient supply units with disinfection systems and individual control of temperature, pH and oxygen. The ionic composition of the solutions has automated feedback control through a PO4 autoanalyzer and a flow injection analyzer which also analyzes NH4+, NO2- and NO3-. Other ions are automatically monitored by ICP-AES. The system has automated calibration procedures of the analytical equipment and prolonged studies of plant growth can be performed under constant environmental conditions. This paper describes the design and construction of the PNT, the results of a number of tests showing the degree of control of environmental factors and the results of a comparative study on NH4+ and NO3- uptake kinetics by Juncus effusus conducted in the PNT demonstrate the use of the PNT in ecophysiological studies.

中文翻译：

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Phyto-Nutri-Tron 的设计和性能：用于控制全植物生态生理学研究的根和芽环境的系统

已经建立了一个受控环境系统，称为 Phyto-Nutri-Tron (PNT)，用于研究整个植物对多种环境因素的生态生理反应。PNT 是一种计算机控制的高度灵活的生长设施，可独立控制芽和根环境。该设施由两个生长柜组成，每个柜包含四个独立的水培生长系统。生长柜可用作同化室，可单独控制温度、湿度、光线、CO2 和 O2 监测。水培生长系统连接到带有消毒系统和单独控制温度、pH 值和氧气的养分供应装置。溶液的离子组成通过 PO4 自动分析仪和流动注射分析仪进行自动反馈控制，流动注射分析仪也分析 NH4+、NO2- 和 NO3-。其他离子由 ICP-AES 自动监测。该系统具有分析设备的自动校准程序，并且可以在恒定的环境条件下对植物生长进行长时间的研究。本文描述了 PNT 的设计和构造，显示环境因素控制程度的多项测试结果以及在 PNT 中进行的 Juncus effusus 对 NH4+ 和 NO3- 吸收动力学的比较研究的结果证明了使用PNT 在生态生理学研究中的应用。