The agricultural biome of Biosphere 2: Structure, composition and function

The agricultural mesocosm of Biosphere 2, known as the Intensive Agricultur al Biome (IAB), provided food for the inhabitants of the facility during tw o periods of material closure between 1991 and 1994 (Mission I, September 2 6, 1991 to September 26, 1993, eight-person crew; Mission II, March 6, 1994 to September 17, 1994, seven-person crew). The design and operation of the mesocosm and preliminary results for food production of the IAB are descri bed for both periods. The overall rate of crop production for the 0.22 ha a rea (soil depth of 1 m; soil and atmospheric volumes of approximately 2000 m(3) and 38000 m(3), respectively) sustained both crews. Overall production rates in Biosphere 2 exceeded those characteristic of fertile agricultural land in the most efficient agrarian communities, despite comparatively low er light levels, lack of insect pollinators and unusually dense insect pest s. Crop yields were markedly higher for Mission II than for Mission I due, in part, to experience and improvements based on the first closure. The hea lth of the Biospherians is briefly discussed in the context of a low-calori e (1800-2200 kcal day(-1) per person for Mission I and 2200-2400 kcal day(- 1) for Mission II), nutrient-dense diet characteristic of the Biosphere 2 f ood paradigm. sigh productivity and biodiversity were due to many factors i ncluding high resolution climate control, hyper-intensive agricultural prac tices, selection and planting of food crops adapted to humid, tropical and sub-tropical conditions, nutrient recycling, intensive pest management, and the superambient levels of atmospheric CO2 (concentrations up to 4500 ppmv were reported during the 1991 to 1994 occupations). Radiation use efficien cy (RUE) for wheat for both periods and a post-Mission II planting were com parable to RUEs observed in other experimental elevated CO2 settings such a s Controlled Ecological Life Support-Systems (CELSS) and Free Air CO2 Enric hment studies (FACE) even though yields were comparatively lower due to low light levels. Integrated management of pests, soil conditions and agricult ural practices were key factors in the sustainability of the IAB resulting in minimization of plant loss due to insect herbivory, nematode infestation and reduction in the quality of IAB soils. The use of soils rather than hy droponic systems for the IAB had significant consequences for CO2, N2O and O-2 concentrations in the Biosphere 2 atmosphere and rendered primary regen eration technologies ineffective over the periods of closure. The initial h igh organic carbon content of the IAB soils prescribed by the designers pro ved to be the largest single source of CO2 and the largest sink for O-2. Th e choice of a soil-based compared to a hydroponic-based agricultural system contributed to the accumulation of N2O to levels as high as 300 times curr ent ambient levels (approximately 310 ppbv). The IAB of Biosphere 2 has the potential; with system improvement, to be a high-yielding, self-sustaining agricultural mesocosm suited for a variety of research endeavors. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.