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

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 5395

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Wanlai Zhou

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Guest Editor
Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
Interests: organic cultivation substrates based on plant-derived waste materials; and the growth performance of horticultural crops in these substrates
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Wei Lin

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Guest Editor
Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610213, China
Interests: urban waste; compost; growing media; greenhouse gases; nitrogen cycle; soil microbiome
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Hong Wang

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Guest Editor
Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610213, China
Interests: urban waste; microbial agent; Nitrogen transformation; fertilizer

Special Issue Information

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

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

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

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 7245 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen Immobilization by Wood Fiber Substrates Strongly Affects the Photosynthetic Performance of Lettuce
by Lingyi Wu, Ruohan Li, Juncheng Liu, Wenzhong Cui, Zhiyong Qi and Wanlai Zhou
Plants 2025, 14(10), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14101518 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 234
Abstract
Wood fiber substrates are widely used as peat substitutes in horticulture, but the impact of their high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio on nitrogen immobilization and crop photosynthetic performance remains unclear. This study systematically examined the effects of wood fiber substrates on lettuce photosynthetic performance and [...] Read more.
Wood fiber substrates are widely used as peat substitutes in horticulture, but the impact of their high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio on nitrogen immobilization and crop photosynthetic performance remains unclear. This study systematically examined the effects of wood fiber substrates on lettuce photosynthetic performance and underlying physiological mechanisms using pot experiments. Two substrate treatments—peat (control) and wood fiber—were combined with three nitrogen levels: low, medium, and high (63, 127, and 210 mg N·L−1). Results indicated that wood fiber substrates significantly reduced the availability of fast-acting nitrogen, leading to a substantial decrease in lettuce biomass (39.0–56.8%), total nitrogen content (7.2–39.9%), and chlorophyll content (13.7–36.2%). Chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics analysis revealed that wood fiber substrates impair photosystem function through multiple pathways. At the early stage (15 days), key effects included structural damage to the donor side of PSII(Photosystem II), indicated by L and K peaks, and inhibited electron transfer on the PSI(Photosystem I) acceptor side (δRo decreased by 15.08–27.90%, along with a reduction in WOI amplitude). The findings provide an important theoretical basis for optimising nitrogen management strategies for wood fibre substrates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Driving Sustainability: Innovations in Producing Eco-Friendly Substrates for Soilless Culture Systems)
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20 pages, 2315 KiB  
Article
Fulvic Acid, Amino Acids, and Vermicompost Enhanced Yield and Improved Nutrient Profile of Soilless Iceberg Lettuce
by Beyza Keskin, Yelderem Akhoundnejad, Hayriye Yildiz Dasgan and Nazim S. Gruda
Plants 2025, 14(4), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040609 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 934
Abstract
Soilless cultivation systems are sustainable innovations in modern agriculture, promoting high efficiency per unit area, supporting food sustainability, and addressing the growing demand for high-quality produce with minimal environmental impact. This study evaluates the effects of fulvic acid, amino acid, and vermicompost biostimulants [...] Read more.
Soilless cultivation systems are sustainable innovations in modern agriculture, promoting high efficiency per unit area, supporting food sustainability, and addressing the growing demand for high-quality produce with minimal environmental impact. This study evaluates the effects of fulvic acid, amino acid, and vermicompost biostimulants on the growth, yield, and nutrient profile of soilless-grown iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) in floating culture under controlled glasshouse conditions. Two experiments were conducted to determine the most effective concentrations and combinations of biostimulants. In the first experiment, varying doses of fulvic acid (40 and 80 ppm), amino acid (75 and 100 ppm), and vermicompost (1 and 2 mL L−1) were tested alongside a control. Optimal doses were identified based on their positive effects on lettuce growth and yield. The second experiment examined combinations of fulvic acid, amino acid, and vermicompost extract compared to a control. Biostimulants improved lettuce growth, nutrient uptake, and antioxidants. Vermicompost boosted root biomass and leaf area, while fulvic acid and amino acid reduced nitrates and increased dry matter. Fulvic acid and vermicompost resulted in the highest yield (17.15 kg/m2, 18.2% increase), and the combined treatment maximized antioxidants, increasing vitamin C by 17.16%, total phenols by 52.54%, and flavonoids by 52.38%. These findings highlight the potential of biostimulants as eco-friendly solutions for optimizing lettuce production in soilless systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Driving Sustainability: Innovations in Producing Eco-Friendly Substrates for Soilless Culture Systems)
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19 pages, 1837 KiB  
Article
Nutrient Use Efficiency and Cucumber Productivity as a Function of the Nitrogen Fertilization Rate and the Wood Fiber Content in Growing Media
by Rita Čepulienė, Lina Marija Butkevičienė and Vaida Steponavičienė
Plants 2024, 13(20), 2911; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13202911 - 17 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1398
Abstract
A peat substrate is made from peat from drained peatlands, which is a limited resource. A realistic estimate is that 50% of the world’s wetlands have been lost. Peat is used in horticulture, especially for the cultivation of vegetables in greenhouses. The consequences [...] Read more.
A peat substrate is made from peat from drained peatlands, which is a limited resource. A realistic estimate is that 50% of the world’s wetlands have been lost. Peat is used in horticulture, especially for the cultivation of vegetables in greenhouses. The consequences of peatland exploitation are an increase in the greenhouse effect and a decrease in carbon stocks. Wood fiber can be used as an alternative to peat. The chemical properties of growing media interact and change continuously due to the small volume of growing media, which is limited by the growing container. This study aims to gain new knowledge on the impact of nutrient changes in the microbial degradation of carbon compounds in wood fiber and mixtures with a peat substrate on the content and uptake of nutrients required by plants. The cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) variety ‘Dirigent H’ developed in the Netherlands was cultivated in growing media of a peat substrate and wood fiber: (1) peat substrate (PS); (2) wood fiber (WF); (3) wood fiber and peat substrate 50/50 v/v (WF/PS 50/50); (4) wood fiber and peat substrate 25/75 v/v (WF/PS 25/75). The rates of fertilization were the following: (1) conventional fertilization (CF); (2) 13 g N per plant (N13); (3) 23 g N per plant (N23); (4) 30 g N per plant (N30). The experiment was carried out with three replications. As the amount of wood fiber increased, the humidity and pH of the growing media increased. The fertilization of the cucumbers with different quantities of nitrogen influenced the nutrient uptake. The plants grown in the 50/50 and 25/75 growing media had the best Cu uptake when fertilized with N23. When the plants grown in the wood fiber media and the 50/50 media were fertilized with N13, N23, and N30, the Mn content in the growing media at the end of the growing season was significantly lower than the Mn content in the media with conventional fertilization. Thus, nitrogen improved the uptake of Mn by the plants grown not only in the wood fiber, but also in the combinations with a peat substrate. Growing plants in wood fiber and fertilizing them with N13 can result in the optimum uptake of micronutrients. The number and biomass of cucumber fruits per plant were influenced by the amount of wood fiber in the growing media and the application of nitrogen fertilizer. The highest number of fruits and biomass of fruits per plant obtained were significantly higher when the cucumbers were grown in WF/PS 50/50 growing media with additional N13 fertilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Driving Sustainability: Innovations in Producing Eco-Friendly Substrates for Soilless Culture Systems)
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15 pages, 2322 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Vegetable Species for Microgreen Production in Unheated Greenhouses: Yield, Nutritional Composition, and Sensory Perception
by Pabla Rebolledo, Gilda Carrasco, Claudia Moggia, Pedro Gajardo, Gabriela Rodrigues Sant’Ana, Fernando Fuentes-Peñailillo, Miguel Urrestarazu and Eduardo Pradi Vendruscolo
Plants 2024, 13(19), 2787; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192787 - 4 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1335
Abstract
Cultivating microgreens in central-southern Chile in unheated greenhouses offers a viable and productive alternative to growers. In 2023, two experiments were conducted in autumn and spring. These experiments involved the production of microgreens of eleven vegetable species. The tray system with the substrate [...] Read more.
Cultivating microgreens in central-southern Chile in unheated greenhouses offers a viable and productive alternative to growers. In 2023, two experiments were conducted in autumn and spring. These experiments involved the production of microgreens of eleven vegetable species. The tray system with the substrate was employed. Subsequently, agronomic, nutritional, and sensory perception variables were assessed. Despite notable fluctuations in external temperatures between these seasons, a diverse array of microgreens can be successfully cultivated, meeting local consumer preferences. Research indicates that microgreens grown under these conditions exhibit high nutritional quality, serving as a rich source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds beneficial to human health. This nutritional value remains consistent across autumn and spring, establishing microgreens as a reliable and valuable food option. The observed acceptance and purchasing intentions among the surveyed population suggest a promising market opportunity for introducing these products regionally. Consumers appreciate microgreens’ quality and nutritional advantages, underscoring their potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Driving Sustainability: Innovations in Producing Eco-Friendly Substrates for Soilless Culture Systems)
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16 pages, 4240 KiB  
Article
Rapid Reduction of Phytotoxicity in Green Waste for Use as Peat Substitute: Optimization of Ammonium Incubation Process
by Wenzhong Cui, Juncheng Liu, Qi Bai, Lingyi Wu, Zhiyong Qi and Wanlai Zhou
Plants 2024, 13(17), 2360; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13172360 - 24 Aug 2024
Viewed by 866
Abstract
The rapid growth of the horticultural industry has increased demand for soilless cultivation substrates. Peat, valued for its physical and chemical properties, is widely used in soilless cultivation. However, peat is non-renewable, and over-extraction poses serious ecological risks. Therefore, sustainable alternatives are urgently [...] Read more.
The rapid growth of the horticultural industry has increased demand for soilless cultivation substrates. Peat, valued for its physical and chemical properties, is widely used in soilless cultivation. However, peat is non-renewable, and over-extraction poses serious ecological risks. Therefore, sustainable alternatives are urgently needed. Ammonium incubation, a novel method to reduce phytotoxicity, offers the potential for green waste, a significant organic solid waste resource, to substitute peat. This study optimized the ammonium incubation process to reduce green waste phytotoxicity. It systematically examined different nitrogen salts (type and amount) and environmental conditions (temperature, aeration, duration) affecting detoxification efficiency. Results show a significant reduction in phytotoxicity with ammonium bicarbonate, carbonate, and sulfate, especially carbonate, at 1.5%. Optimal conditions were 30 °C for 5 days with regular aeration. Under these conditions, ammonium salt-treated green waste significantly reduced total phenolic content and stabilized germination index (GI) at a non-phytotoxic level (127%). Using treated green waste as a partial peat substitute in lettuce cultivation showed promising results. This low-cost, low-energy method effectively converts green waste into sustainable peat alternatives, promoting eco-friendly horticulture and environmental conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Driving Sustainability: Innovations in Producing Eco-Friendly Substrates for Soilless Culture Systems)
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