A space agriculture system uses hydroponics with nutrient solution recycled daily. It loses 15% of nutrients to evaporation each day but replenishes 60 liters fresh solution. Starting with 400 liters, how many liters remain after 3 days?

Fri, 01 May 2026 03:13:55 +0000

**Why Space Agriculture Systems Are Redefining Sustainable Farming—And How Nutrient Management Drives Success**
As space exploration advances and concerns about food security grow on Earth, space agriculture systems have moved from science fiction to critical research. Designed to grow crops in closed environments, these systems rely on hydroponics, where plants draw nutrients directly from recycled water. Unlike traditional agriculture, they face unique challenges: evaporation strips away solution daily, while replenishment—refilling 60 liters each day—maintains balance. Understanding how these dynamic systems retain nutrient balance is key to sustainable long-term farming, both aboard spacecraft and in Earth-based applications. With 15% nutrient loss each day offset by steady refill, how does the solution stabilize—and how much remains after repeated cycles? # The Science Behind Recycling Nutrient Solutions in Space Farms
Space agriculture systems use hydroponics with a carefully managed nutrient solution continuously recycled to support plant growth in zero-gravity or controlled environments. The daily evaporation loss—about 15% of the solution volume—creates a natural deficit. To counteract this, 60 liters of fresh nutrient mix is introduced every day, replenishing what’s lost and preserving optimal growing conditions. This cycle prevents nutrient depletion while supporting healthy, consistent crop development without soil. The precise calibration of evaporation and replenishment defines operational success in these closed-loop ecosystems. # A Day-by-Day Breakdown: How much Nutrient Solution Remains After Three Days?
Starting with 400 liters, daily evaporation removes 15% of the current volume, while 60 liters are added fresh. This process repeats identically each day. On Day 1, 15% loss cuts 60 liters (15% of 400 = 60), leaving 340 liters before replenishment. Add 60 liters—Day 1 ends at 400 liters. Day 2 begins with 340, loses 15% (51 liters), leaving 289. On Day 2, replenish to 349. Day 3 starts with 289, loses 15% (43.35, rounded to 43), leaving 246, then add 60, resulting in **306 liters remaining** after three days. The system stabilizes solution levels through this controlled cycle, ideal for sustained food production systems. # Common Questions About Nutrient Loss and Re