Is Soilless Culture a Sustainable Form of Agriculture?

Abstract

A soilless culture system (SCS) is a technique used for plant production that has recently become increasingly popular [1,2]. For instance, almost all greenhouse areas in the Netherlands use SCSs due to their benefits, including up to 50% savings on water and fertilisers, the ability to steer crop growth vegetatively or generatively, and higher yields with better quality [3,4,5]. Similar systems with low investments can be used in mid- and low-tech horticulture. SCSs also enable growers to start with a disease-free crop; crop rotation is no longer required [5]. Further, it significantly benefits regions facing water scarcity, unfavourable soil conditions, infertility, soil-borne diseases, salinity, or sodicity [1,2,6]. Especially when water shortage is an issue, circulating surplus nutrient solutions can save water and expensive fertilisers. Alternatively, the surplus can be used in another crop without recirculating [4]. The primary goal is intensification. Thus, an SCS is employed in areas with suitable climate conditions and proximity to major urban centres to ensure and increase productivity.