Technique for simulating field drought stress in the greenhouse.

(...) A technique was developed to induce drought stress on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in the greenhouse, in a manner conducive to plant acclimation. The technique allows: (i) gradual development of drought stress; (ii) use of plants with large root systems; and (iii) imposition of several cycles of drought. The method uses 90-cm-tall by 20-cm-diam, containers and a growth medium that allows development of plant drought stress within the working range of soil tensiometers. The growth medium, a 2:1 mixture, by volume, of commercial potting mix and coarse sand, is amended with gypsum and slow-release nutrients (...)