Enhancement of germination of Oryza sativa L. (Rice) seeds using solar concentrators Sandaruwani K.H.C.1,*, Basnayake B.F.A.1, Mowjood M.I.M.1, Ariyawansha R.T.K.2 1Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka 2School of Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC Research University), Padukka, 10500, Sri Lanka *Corresponding Author: K.H.C. Sandaruwani, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka, Email: khcs93@gmail.com
Online published on 6 November, 2023. Abstract Background The initial stage of plants and sunlight as the energy source are very critical for plants. A boost of biochemical reactions given by concentrating solar energy at the initial stage of plants may continue accelerated growth and yield. Rice is a high-demand crop. Therefore, in this research study, the germination of rice seeds was studied under different radiation levels using a spherical solar concentrator (SSC). Methods The germination percentage of rice seeds was observed under different radiation levels. Experimental setup 1 consisted of 60 cm below the SSC (SSC 60 cm) and open environment (OE) whereas Experimental setup 2 consisted of 45 cm below the SSC (SSC 45 cm) and OE. Result SSC (60 cm) and SSC (45 cm) manifested 1.2 and 1.5 times higher solar energy than the OE, respectively. In experimental setup 1, it was observed germination percentages of 65.2 and 58.8 in SSC (60 cm) and OE, respectively whereas, in the experimental setup 2, 86.9 and 77.5 in SSC (45 cm) and OE, respectively. It can be assumed that plants grown under SSC during the nursery stage, reach the fullest potential at maturity as a result of increased flux density and lower soil temperature under the SSC. Top Keywords Germination, Rice, Solar concentrators, Solar radiation. Top |