Search Results (60)

By 2030, the world’s population is projected to reach 8.5 billion, posing significant challenges for food production. Traditional agriculture, which requires large amounts of water, soil, and energy, can contribute to the depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation. In this context, organic hydroponic systems emerge as a sustainable alternative, allowing for more efficient, controlled, and resilient production in the face of climate change. In this research, the physical development of romaine lettuce and the physicochemical parameters of the crop water are evaluated as a function of the number of daily recirculations. The crop variables are measured with the help of an intelligent control system, which allows the real-time monitoring of the process variables. The methodological approach is mixed: quantitative, for the recording of physicochemical variables, and qualitative, for the physical analysis of the crop throughout the process, With the experiments conducted it was found that the treatment with four daily recirculations promoted the most significant physiological growth of the plants. Despite having a pH of approximately five and dissolved oxygen of 6 mg/L, this treatment maintained adequate levels of TDS (2050 ppm) and hardness (1000 ppm), favoring the development of the crop. The treatments with less recirculation presented lower growth values. These results suggest that increased recirculation can optimize yields in floating-root hydroponic systems, addressing global food challenges from an environmentally responsible perspective. Full article

This study investigated how propagation systems, growth regulators, and hormone formulations interactively affect the rooting and subsequent growth of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn) cuttings. A three factorial (3 × 2 × 7) experiment was conducted under a fully controlled greenhouse environment, incorporating three soilless propagation systems (mist, float, aeroponics), two rooting hormone formulations (powder and gel-based IBA), and two growth regulators (paclobutrazol and daminozide) at three concentrations each. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found in shoot height, root length, and number of lateral roots. The float system combined with powder hormone and no retardants achieved the highest shoot height (mean = 16.7 cm), while aeroponics with powder hormone and daminozide 1000 ppm promoted the greatest root branching (mean = 12.2 lateral roots per cutting). Root length was maximized (mean = 15.9 cm) under float systems with daminozide 1000 ppm. High doses of both growth regulators negatively affected all parameters across systems. Post-transplantation monitoring confirmed that cuttings from float and mist systems treated with powder hormone and low or no growth retardants exhibited superior establishment and net growth over 60 days. These findings demonstrate the critical importance of pairing hormone type, regulator concentration, and propagation system, providing actionable protocols for nursery managers aiming to enhance Salvia rosmarinus propagation in commercial practice. Full article

This study examined the effects of both nitrogen (N) rate and form on the growth, nutrient uptake, and quality parameters of hydroponically grown purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) during a spring cultivation cycle. Purslane was cultivated in a floating hydroponic system under either adequate or limiting N conditions. More specifically, under adequate N conditions, plants were supplied with NS where ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N) accounted for either 7% (Nr7) or 14% (Nr14) of the total-N. The limiting N conditions were achieved through the application of either an NS where 30% of N inputs were compensated with Cl (N30), or an NS where 50% of N inputs were balanced by elevating Cl and S by 30% and 20%, respectively (N50). The results demonstrated that mild N stress enhanced the quality characteristics of purslane without significant yield losses. However, further and more severe N restrictions in the NS resulted in significant yield losses without improving product quality. The highest yield reduction (20%) occurred under high NH₄-N supply (Nr14), compared to Nr7-treated plants, which was strongly associated with impaired N assimilation and reduced biomass production. Both N-limiting treatments (N30 and N50) effectively reduced nitrate accumulation in edible tissues by 10% compared to plants grown under adequate N supply (Nr7 and Nr14); however, nitrate levels remained relatively high across all treatments, even though the environmental conditions of the experiment favored nitrate reduction. All applied N regimes and compensation strategies improved the antioxidant and flavonoid content, with the highest antioxidant activity observed in plants grown under high NH₄-N application, indirectly revealing the susceptibility of purslane to NH₄-N-rich conditions. Overall, the form and rate of N supply significantly influenced both plant performance and biochemical quality. Partial replacement of N with Cl (N30) emerged as the most promising strategy, benefiting quality traits and effectively reducing nitrate content without significantly compromising yield. Full article

This research aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of neodymium (Nd: 0, 2.885, 5.770, and 8.655 mg L⁻¹, referred to as Nd0, Nd1, Nd2, and Nd3, respectively) and zinc (Zn: 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg L⁻¹, designated as Zn1, Zn2, and Zn3, respectively), as well as their combined interaction, on the nutritional content of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cv. Ruby Sky. The seedlings were grown in a floating hydroponic system under greenhouse conditions. After 48 days of treatment, leaf samples were collected to determine their nutrient content. Leaf contents of N, P, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, B, and Nd were higher with the Nd1 (2.885 mg Nd L⁻¹ + Zn1 (0.1 mg Zn L⁻¹) treatment. The Nd3 (8.655 mg Nd L⁻¹) + Zn3 (0.3 mg Zn L⁻¹) treatment significantly increased the leaf contents of Cu and Zn. The K content was higher in leaves treated with Nd2 (5.770 mg Nd L⁻¹) + Zn3 (0.3 mg Zn L⁻¹). The joint application of Nd and Zn had positive effects on the nutrition of hydroponic lettuce, and Nd promoted the biofortification of lettuce by increasing leaf Zn content. Full article

Hydroponic systems, which use commercial hydroponics technologies, are cheaper and easier to maintain than traditional farming methods in soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate various salinity ranges (E.C.i from 1 dS/m to 14 dS/m) in water enriched with nanobubbles (NBs) for the growth and productivity of lettuce plants in a floating disk hydroponic system. This research study investigated how using floating disks in a greenhouse with a nanobubble (NB) generator may affect lettuce’s (Lactuca sativa L.) morphological and physiological responses to salt stress. The goal of this experiment was to examine the results of the influence of NB and non-NB treatments on agronomic traits and yield. The results indicated that the NB device is an innovative and very effective technology for sustainable lettuce production under a high-salinity nutrient solution. This device presents a valuable solution to the global issue of the increased salinity of irrigation water. Full article

The massive loss of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from farmland ditches contributes to non-point source pollution, posing a significant global environmental challenge. Effectively removing these nutrients remains difficult in intensive agricultural systems. To address this, a novel composite ecological ditch system (CEDS) was developed by modifying traditional drainage ditches to integrate a grit chamber, zeolite, and ecological floating beds. Dynamic monitoring of N and P levels in water, plants, and zeolite was conducted to evaluate the system’s nutrient interception performance and mechanisms. The results showed the following: (1) Water quality improved markedly after passing through the CEDS, with nutrient concentrations decreasing progressively along the flow path. The system intercepted 41.0% of N and 31.9% of P, with inorganic N and particulate P as the primary forms of nutrient loss. (2) Zeolite removes N primarily through ion exchange, and P likely through chemical reactions, with maximum capacities of 3.47 g/kg for N and 1.83 g/kg for P. (3) Ecological floating beds with hydroponic cultivation enhanced nutrient uptake by the roots of Canna indica and Iris pseudacorus, with N uptake surpassing P. (4) Nutrient interception efficiency was positively correlated with temperature, ditch inlet concentrations, and rice runoff concentrations, but negatively with precipitation. This study demonstrates the CEDS’s potential for improving farmland water quality and suggests further enhancements in design and management to increase its economic and aesthetic value. Full article

The genus Trichoderma is widely used in agriculture as a biological agent and biofertilizer, enhancing crop yield and quality. However, its use in hydroponic systems is limited. This study evaluated the potential of Trichoderma asperellum as a growth promoter for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cv. Starfighter RZ in a floating-root hydroponic system (FHS). T. asperellum strains (TaMFP1 and TaMFP2) were isolated from soil and identified morphologically and molecularly. The experiment used a completely randomized design with the following four treatments (n = 4): root spraying with TaMFP1, TaMFP2, T. harzianum (Trichospore^®), and uninoculated plants (control). After 30 days, morphological, biochemical, and quality parameters were analyzed. All Trichoderma treatments significantly increased plant height (19.0%), root length (25.7%), total fresh biomass (76.4%), total dry biomass (82.63%), and number of leaves (18.18%). The nitrate levels in leaves were unaffected by TaMFP1 and TaMFP2, while Trichospore^® reduced the nitrate content by 24.94%. The foliar nitrogen content increased with specific treatments, though the phosphorus and magnesium levels decreased. Visual quality traits, including appearance and firmness, remained unchanged. T. asperellum strains TaMFP1 and TaMFP2 enhanced vegetative growth without compromising quality, demonstrating their potential as sustainable tools for hydroponic lettuce production in controlled environments. Full article

The global demand for local and high-quality food sources has increased in recent decades, driven by consumer preferences and a growing population. RAS, hydroponics and a ‘hybrid’ version, aquaponics, are food production techniques that could support such growing demand. The current study evaluated coupled aquaponics (Jade perch and lettuce) with and without mineral supplementation in comparison to standard cultivation methods, i.e., RAS and hydroponics. The mineral supplementation in aquaponics was carried out using a hydroponics commercial blend fertilizer (10% of the dosage utilised in the hydroponics treatment). Fish/plant performance, nutrient dynamics and water quality were evaluated for 9 weeks using twelve experimental units (~720 L in total; fish tank/reservoir + filtration systems/sump + floating raft-based plant tank). After two crops of plants, the results showcased the positive impact of mineral supplementation in aquaponics; however, the hydroponics treatment outperformed the two aquaponics treatments, e.g., with higher total plant wet weight and total plant length (p < 0.05). Fish in aquaponics with and without mineral supplementation presented similar growth performance as compared to RAS (p > 0.05). By comparing these different farming approaches, this study sought to provide insights into optimising aquaponics systems and advancing the integration of Jade perch into aquaculture practices. Full article

The aim of the present work is to study the impact of salinity (i.e., 2 dS/m without addition of NaCl (control); 5 dS/m (EC-5); and 10 dS/m (EC-10) with the addition of 30 and 80 mM NaCl, respectively) on yield, organoleptic quality and the content of antioxidant compounds in Plantago coronopus and Hedypnois cretica plants in relation to different cropping systems and environmental conditions during growth (i.e., pots or floating hydroponics systems in the greenhouse and pots in the field (GPs, GH and FPs, respectively)). Almost all the growth parameters of the H. cretica plants in the greenhouse were impaired by both moderate (EC-5) and high (EC-10) salinity levels, especially in the floating hydroponics system, where, compared to EC-2, a reduction was observed of 33% in EC-5 and 76% in EC-10 in leaf area and of 24% and 75%, respectively, in fresh weight. On the contrary, the growth of the P. coronopus plants was negatively affected by salinity only in the GP system. However, salinity had no effect on most growth characteristics of both species grown in the field, suggesting a strong environmental effect on the impact of salinity in the tested species. On the other hand, the content of pigments, proline and total phenolics in the P. coronopus leaves, as well as their antioxidant capacity, were not affected by salinity in most cases, whereas in H. cretica the salinity effect was significant even at moderate levels (EC-5) in relation to the cropping system and growth environment. Moreover, both salinity levels reduced the nitrate content of P. coronopus plants in all cases (up to 61% in GP plants at EC-10) and of H. cretica GH plants (up to 67% in EC-10). Finally, regardless of the salinity level, the field-grown plants of both species showed a considerably higher content of total phenolics (by 59% in H. cretica and 58% in P. coronopus) and antioxidant activity (by 63% in H. cretica and 53% in P. coronopus, FRAP values), compared to the greenhouse ones. In conclusion, our results indicate that the tested combinations of cropping systems and growth environments could be used as an eco-friendly and sustainable agronomic tool to mitigate the negative effects of salinity and to regulate the organoleptic and biochemical properties of the tested species, allowing small-scale farmers in the affected areas to cope with the ongoing climate change and the environmental pressures they currently face through the exploitation of alternative/underexploited species of high added value. Full article

Halophytes, such as Salicornia species, are promising new foods and are consumed for their pleasant salty taste and nutritional value. Since Salicornia is perishable, modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) can be a useful tool, in combination with proper temperature, to halt further quality degradation in this type of product. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of MAP, with or without refrigeration, to extend the shelf life of glasswort (Salicornia europaea L.) grown hydroponically (floating raft system) in a greenhouse with a nutrient solution containing 0 g/L (C) or 12.5 g/L of NaCl (T). The dry matter content, weight loss, respiration rate, biochemical composition, color, antioxidant capacity, and sensorial attributes were determined in shoots after harvest and during storage in plastic bags filled with technical air or with MAP at 4 or 20 °C for 120 h. At harvest, plants supplied with salt-enriched solution (T) showed a significant improvement in nutritional value and sensory profile. Storage in air at room temperature (20 °C) accelerated weight loss and diminished color stability, particularly in non-salinity samples (C), while MAP extended the shelf life of all the samples regardless of the storage temperature adopted. Optimal storage conditions were observed when MAP was combined with refrigeration, which allowed to effectively preserve shoots sensory acceptability for a period of about seven days. Future research could further explore the long-term effects on the nutritional value and sensory quality of S. europaea under various combinations of MAP and different storage temperatures ranging between 4 °C and 20 °C. Full article

Against the backdrop of climate change, soil loss, and water scarcity, sustainable food production is a pivotal challenge for humanity. As the global population grows and urbanization intensifies, innovative agricultural methods are crucial to meet rising food demand, while mitigating environmental degradation. Hydroponic and aquaponic systems, has emerged as one of these solutions by minimizing land use, reducing water consumption, and enabling year-round crop production in urban areas. This study aimed at assessing the yield, ecophysiological performance, and nutritional content of Lactuca sativa L. and Cichorium endivia L. var. crispum grown in hydroponic and aquaponic floating raft systems, with Oreochromis niloticus L. integrated into the aquaponic system. Both species exhibited higher fresh biomass and canopy/root ratios in hydroponics compared to aquaponics. Additionally, hydroponics increased the leaf number in curly endive by 18%. Ecophysiological parameters, such as the leaf net photosynthesis rate, actual yield of PSII, and linear electron transport rate, were also higher in hydroponics for both species. However, the nutritional profiles varied between the two cultivation systems and between the two species. Given that standard fish feed often lacks sufficient potassium levels for optimal plant growth, potassium supplementation could be a viable strategy to enhance plant development in aquaponic systems. In conclusion, although aquaponic systems may demonstrate lower productivity compared to hydroponics, they offer a more sustainable and potentially healthier product with fewer harmful compounds due to the reduced use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and the absence of chemical residue accumulation. However, careful system management and monitoring are crucial to minimize potential contaminants. Full article

Anthropogenic activities have denatured aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial environments throughout the world in general, and in Lubumbashi in particular, where market garden soils have become uncultivable for many plants. Thus, bioponics could be an effective means of producing uncontaminated vegetables in soilless cultivation, not only reducing the amount of fertilizer used and limiting contamination of agricultural produce but also achieving higher yields than in open-ground cultivation. The overall objective of this study was to implement a new bioponic technique for producing liquid fertilizer from chicken manure and utilize it in the organic hydroponic cultivation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Lucrecia) installed on floating raft systems. To achieve this, two types of trials were conducted. The first was aimed at determining the quantities of organic matter to be used in the formulation of nutrient solutions. The second trial aimed to determine the optimal nitrogen concentration to be provided for hydroponic plant growth. Mineralization and/or anaerobic digestion of chicken manure were conducted for 7 days in 200 L barrels. For the first trial, nutrient solutions were created from three different concentrations of chicken manure (0.35%, 3.5%, and 7% dry matter—D.M.). These solutions were then used in bioponic rafts where total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentrations were fixed at 150 mg/L. For the second trial, D.M. was fixed at 2.5% for each tested modality, but TAN concentrations varied among them (i.e., 60, 90, and 120 mg/L TAN concentration). Modalities with low D.M. concentration (0.35%) and those with low TAN concentration (60 mg/L) resulted in higher yields than bioponic modalities receiving high concentrations of dry matter or TAN, respectively, for trials 1 and 2. Although the reference chemical solutions generate the greatest yields, bioponic systems operating with chicken manure present a good alternative for the cultivation of vegetables in developing countries with heavily contaminated soils. Indeed, bioponics allows for the production of vegetables in large quantities from animal waste, which does not pose health risks for human consumption. Local vegetable species commonly grown in Lubumbashi should be tested under hydroponic conditions. Full article

Finding environmentally friendly solutions for crop growth and productivity has been gaining more attention recently. This meta-analysis aims to understand the combined application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and hydroponic systems compared to AMF in conventional (soil) systems. The analysis of up-to-date studies revealed that the root colonization, calculated as the proportion of colonized root segments relative to the total root length, by AMF in conventional (soil-based) culture exceeded hydroponic (or soilless) culture systems by 16.8%. The mean root colonization by AMF was determined to be 52.3% in hydroponic systems and 61.1% in conventional systems. Within hydroponic systems, the root colonization ranged from 2% to 20% after 10 days of inoculation, and notably, it exceeded 50% after 30 to 65 days, depending on the growing substrate and species. Under hydroponics, AMF application had a higher (compared to none-inoculated) positive effect on crop biomass and yield than fruit and leaf quality (antioxidants, phenols, and sugars) as well as leaf nutrients. However, AMF do not always have the potential to improve crop growth, quality and productivity in hydroponics. Among the studies analyzed in this review, approximately 34% (no effect: 29%; negative: 5%) reported no discernible positive effect on biomass or yield, 37% (no effect: 16%; negative: 21%) on fruit or leaf quality, and 60% (no effect: 47%; negative: 13%) on nutrient levels within plant tissues. To improve the performance of AMF in hydroponic systems, the meta-analysis recommended maintaining phosphorus levels in the nutrient solution within the range of 0.15 to 15.5 mg L⁻¹ as elevated levels (40–75 mg L⁻¹) were found to significantly reduce AMF colonization. Additionally, it was observed that certain hydroponic techniques, such as the presence of air bubbles generated by air pumps in floating hydroponic systems (Deep Flow technique) and continuous circulation of the nutrient solution (Ebb and Flow systems), may create dynamic conditions that could potentially hinder the introduction of AMF spores into hydroponic systems and potentially compromise the integrity of the spores and hyphae. Full article

Water and soil salinity continuously rises due to climate change and irrigation with reused waters. Guayule (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray) is a desert perennial shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States; it is known worldwide for rubber production and is suitable for cultivation in arid and semiarid regions, such as the Mediterranean. In the present study, we investigated the effects of high and increasing concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) on the growth and the morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of guayule to evaluate its tolerance to salt stress and suitability in phytomanagement and, eventually, the phytodesalinisation of salt-affected areas. Guayule originates from desert areas, but has not been found in salt-affected soils; thus, here, we tested the potential tolerance to salinity of this species, identifying the toxicity threshold and its possible sodium (Na) accumulation capacity. In a hydroponic floating root system, guayule seedlings were subjected to salinity-tolerance tests using increasing NaCl concentrations (from 2.5 to 40 g L⁻¹ and from 43 to 684 mM). The first impairments in leaf morphophysiological traits appeared after adding 15 g L⁻¹ (257 mM) NaCl, but the plants survived up to the hypersaline conditions of 35–40 g L⁻¹ NaCl (about 600 mM). The distribution of major cell cations modulated the high Na content in the leaves, stems and roots; Na bioconcentration and translocation factors were close to one and greater than one, respectively. This is the first study on the morphophysiological and (bio)chemical response of guayule to different high and increasing levels of NaCl, showing the parameters and indices useful for identifying its salt tolerance threshold, adaptative mechanisms and reclamation potential in high-saline environments. Full article

Hydroponics is a contemporary agricultural system providing precise control over growing conditions, potentially enhancing productivity. Biofertilizers are environmentally friendly, next-generation fertilizers that augment product yield and quality in hydroponic cultivation. In this study, we investigated the effect of three bio-fertilizers in a hydroponic floating system, microalgae, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), combined with a 50% reduction in mineral fertilizer, on lettuce yield and quality parameters including antioxidants: vitamin C, total phenols and flavonoids. The treatments tested were: 100% mineral fertilizer (control 1), 50% mineral fertilizer (control 2), 50% mineral fertilizer with microalgae, 50% mineral fertilizer with PGPR and 50% mineral fertilizer with AMF. The research was conducted during the winter months within a controlled environment of a glasshouse in a Mediterranean climate. The PGPR comprised three distinct bacterial strains, while the AMF comprised nine different mycorrhizal species. The microalgae consisted of only a single species, Chlorella vulgaris. AMF inoculation occurred once during seed sowing, while the introduction of PGPR and microalgae occurred at 10-day intervals into the root medium. Our findings revealed that the treatment with PGPR resulted in the highest growth parameters, including the lettuce circumference, stem diameter and fresh leaf weight. The 100% mineral fertilizer and PGPR treatments also yielded the highest lettuce production. Meanwhile, the treatment with AMF showed the highest total phenol and flavonoid content, which was statistically similar to that of the PGPR treatment. Furthermore, the PGPR recorded the maximum range of essential nutrients, including nitrogen (N), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). Thus, the inclusion of PGPR holds promise for optimizing the lettuce growth and nutrient content in hydroponic systems. In conclusion, PGPR has the potential to enhance nutrient availability in a floating hydroponic system, reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers. This mitigates environmental pollution and fosters sustainable agriculture. Full article