Driving Sustainability: Innovations in Producing Eco-Friendly Substrates for Soilless Culture Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Researchers have been exploring new materials and formulations for soilless cultivation substrates to enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake. One promising development is the use of biochar as a substrate, which has been shown to improve water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity in the root zone. Furthermore, because of the environmental concerns associated with peat extraction, our special issue aims to highlight innovative methods and technologies for developing sustainable alternatives to peat substrates. From biodegradable foams crafted from natural materials to organic substrates derived from agricultural waste, there is a growing interest in exploring eco-friendly substitutes that can reduce the horticultural industry’s reliance on peat-based substrates.

Advances in nutrient delivery systems, such as aeroponics and drip irrigation, have enabled more precise control over nutrient uptake and distribution in soilless cultivation systems. These systems allow for efficient nutrient delivery directly to plant roots, leading to improved growth rates and higher yields. The integration of technology, such as sensors, automation, and data analytics, has played a key role in advancing soilless cultivation practices. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of plant health, environmental conditions, and nutrient levels, thereby allowing growers to make data-driven decisions to optimize plant growth and resource efficiency. In addition, substrates from specific sources, such as plant material substrates rich in plant fibers, may have unique effects on crops, such as nitrogen fixation and phytotoxicity. Therefore, studying the performance of horticultural crops in different growing media and optimizing cultivation management practices accordingly is crucial.

By continuing to explore new materials, optimize nutrient delivery systems, and elucidate the interaction between soilless cultivation substrates and plants, the research progress in soilless cultivation substrates will lead to the development of innovative solutions that have the potential to revolutionize modern agriculture.

Prof. Dr. Wanlai Zhou
Dr. Wei Lin
Dr. Hong Wang
Guest Editors

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• soilless cultivation
• growing media
• biochar
• biodegradable foam
• agricultural waste
• nutrient delivery systems
• horticultural plants
• nitrogen fixation
• phytotoxicity