scope:

Soilless cultivation techniques (including hydroponic systems) have attracted growing attention as a way of growing horticultural crops more efficiently without taking up more land. These controlled environment systems are also less vulnerable to climate change and are particularly suited to urban farming as part of the shift to more localised, circular food systems. This collection reviews the wealth of recent research on optimising soilless systems so they can make a significant contribution to more sustainable, 'climate-smart' food production. Part 1 of this collection reviews research on optimising substrates for soilless cultivation. Chapters discuss advances in understanding root nutrient and water uptake and the range of substrates for soilless cultivation, in particular renewable alternatives to common materials such as peat. The book also assesses ways of optimising the physical, chemical and biological properties of substrate materials as well as nutrient formulations to feed crops. Part 2 assesses advances in both solid and liquid-medium container systems as well as technologies such as fertigation systems, modelling and process control.

Author: Nazim Gruda