Growing of Tender Wheatgrass Under Pyramid Type Solar Structure and Comparative Evaluation of Tray and Solar Tunnel Drying Methods for Powder Production

Abstract

The experiments were conducted for the observation of growth parameter for the tender wheat grass under pyramid type of solar structure. A triangular-shaped structure was designed to cultivate wheat grass using five plastic trays. The overall dimensions of the structure were 1.1 meters by 1.5 meters, and it included two supporting base frames to hold the trays. Each tray was placed at a height difference of 50 cm to allow proper growth space for the wheat grass. Once the frame was assembled, it was covered with 200-micron UV-stabilized plastic film to improve germination during the initial growth phase. The various environmental parameter like inside temperature, humidity, solar radiation and ambient temperature as well as growth parameter were observed during the study. During the no-load testing inside the pyramid structure, the highest average temperature recorded was 37.6 °C at 12:00 p.m. At that time, the relative humidity inside the structure was 36.5%, while the outside relative humidity measured 33%. In the load test condition, the maximum average temperature reached 36.2 °C at 1:00 p.m. The ambient temperature was 31.6 °C, internal humidity was 35.9%, and external humidity was 31.5%. Wheatgrass grown inside the pyramid structure reached a height of 7 inches in 16 days, whereas the same growth took 20 days in the tray placed outside the structure. It was also observed that seed loss was higher in the outside tray compared to the one inside the pyramid. Additionally, germination occurred earlier within the pyramid structure, where sprouting began within two days, as compared to delayed germination outside. After harvesting, wheat grass is dried and ground into powder using a mechanical grinder. The powder was sieved and stored in airtight containers for further use in health and food products.