Hydroponics: potential for augmenting sustainable food production in non-arable regions

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this review of the literature is to provide readers a foundation of understanding whereby future research can move forward in the quest for global sustainable food production. Design/methodology/approach This review includes up-to-date information from evidence-based sources on hydroponics. Topics included are advantages, limitations, nutritional quality and sensory quality Findings Hydroponic growing systems offer the opportunity to at least augment traditional soil-based growing systems in global food production. Some benefits of hydroponic growing systems are limitation of water waste (recirculation), crops grown in controlled environments (control of pests, nutrients and attributes required for optimal plant growth) and ability to manipulate conditions to maximize production in limited space (vertical gardens). Practical implications The human population is increasing with a parallel increase in the demand for food; therefore, food production must increase to meet the need. Originality/value In spite of the rapid interest and proliferation of information by laypeople, evidence-based research is scant on hydroponics. This article provides a summary of the literature on hydroponics and how it may be used for sustainable food production in arid and urban areas.

Sustainability Matters: Consumer Acceptance of Different Vertical Farming Systems

“…A critical point in assessing the advantages and disadvantages of vertical farming is the fact that hydroponic systems do not require sunlight and soil, which may have an impact on their nutritional quality. A review by Treftz et al [17] summarizes the current mixed results about nutritional comparisons between hydroponic-and soil-grown fruits and vegetables. On the one hand, studies have shown that plants or their products from conventional agriculture contain better nutrients quality [17].…”

“…A review by Treftz et al [17] summarizes the current mixed results about nutritional comparisons between hydroponic-and soil-grown fruits and vegetables. On the one hand, studies have shown that plants or their products from conventional agriculture contain better nutrients quality [17]. On the other hand, there is research which indicate better nutrient quality for hydroponic agriculture [17].…”

Reuse and Recycling of Livestock and Municipal Wastewater in Chilean Agriculture: A Preliminary Assessment

“…The Chilean northern zone has chloride levels above 200 mg/L and boron levels over 2 mg/L within the reclaimed wastewater [82]. These chloride and boron levels produce adverse effects, such as dehydration and plant wilt, within most crops [84]. However, this strategy requires public policies, which in the short term of this review can be used as a preliminary discussion tool in the country.…”

“…Hydroponics is a soil-free cropping system, where the belowground plant part (root) is in contact with nutrients, water, and an inert medium (this part is optional) [85]. Aeroponics is a soil-free cropping system where the belowground plant part is placed in air and adheres to an inert medium below a dark controlled environment saturated with moisture and nutrients [84]. Vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, and ornamental species such as chrysanthemum and poinsettia have been grown below soil-free cropping systems [84,86].…”

“…Aeroponics is a soil-free cropping system where the belowground plant part is placed in air and adheres to an inert medium below a dark controlled environment saturated with moisture and nutrients [84]. Vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, and ornamental species such as chrysanthemum and poinsettia have been grown below soil-free cropping systems [84,86]. In the case of lettuce, aeroponic crops use only 10% of the water normally consumed in this traditional soil crop [85].…”