Unveiling Chlorophyll Dynamics: Comparing Swiss Chard Grown Hydroponically Under Different Photoperiods
School Name
South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Botany
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
This is a study on chlorophyll content variation in Swiss chard, Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla, grown hydroponically, as affected by different light exposure. Hydroponics, growing plants in a nutrient-rich solution rather than soil, is one form of CEA that allows for careful tuning of factors like light. Our research focused on three different photoperiods-10, 14, and 18 hours per day-to determine their effects on chlorophyll production and overall plant health. Chlorophyll content, which indicates photosynthetic efficiency and plant health, was measured using an Apogee MC-100 Chlorophyll Meter. Preliminary results showed that, in general, increased light exposure increases chlorophyll levels, thus increasing plant vitality and possibly nutritional value. Very long exposure, however, such as 18 hours, showed diminished returns with some evidence of plant stress. This emphasizes the need for balance in optimizing photoperiods in hydroponic systems. Color variations were also observed in the chard, which is related to light intensity and pigment production, offering further insights into plant physiology under controlled conditions. These findings have implications for sustainable agriculture, especially in urban or resource-limited settings. By optimizing light conditions, this research contributes to the broader goal of improving food security with reduced environmental impact. Future work will explore additional factors, such as nutrient concentration and pH levels, to further refine growth conditions for yield and quality maximization in hydroponic systems.
Recommended Citation
Adem, Parveen and Udani, Khushi, "Unveiling Chlorophyll Dynamics: Comparing Swiss Chard Grown Hydroponically Under Different Photoperiods" (2025). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 36.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2025/all/36
Location
PENNY 201
Start Date
4-5-2025 10:45 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
Yes
Unveiling Chlorophyll Dynamics: Comparing Swiss Chard Grown Hydroponically Under Different Photoperiods
PENNY 201
This is a study on chlorophyll content variation in Swiss chard, Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla, grown hydroponically, as affected by different light exposure. Hydroponics, growing plants in a nutrient-rich solution rather than soil, is one form of CEA that allows for careful tuning of factors like light. Our research focused on three different photoperiods-10, 14, and 18 hours per day-to determine their effects on chlorophyll production and overall plant health. Chlorophyll content, which indicates photosynthetic efficiency and plant health, was measured using an Apogee MC-100 Chlorophyll Meter. Preliminary results showed that, in general, increased light exposure increases chlorophyll levels, thus increasing plant vitality and possibly nutritional value. Very long exposure, however, such as 18 hours, showed diminished returns with some evidence of plant stress. This emphasizes the need for balance in optimizing photoperiods in hydroponic systems. Color variations were also observed in the chard, which is related to light intensity and pigment production, offering further insights into plant physiology under controlled conditions. These findings have implications for sustainable agriculture, especially in urban or resource-limited settings. By optimizing light conditions, this research contributes to the broader goal of improving food security with reduced environmental impact. Future work will explore additional factors, such as nutrient concentration and pH levels, to further refine growth conditions for yield and quality maximization in hydroponic systems.
