A Comprehensive Review on Soilless Cultivation for Sustainable Agriculture
Tammineni Varun Kumar
Department of Agronomy, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India.
Ravi Verma *
Department of Agronomy, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
With the growing challenges of food security and environmental degradation, there is an increasing need for sustainable agricultural practices. Soilless cultivation techniques offer a promising solution by minimizing land and water use while maximizing crop yield and quality. This review examines the potential of soilless cultivation methods in promoting sustainable agriculture. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of soilless cultivation techniques in sustainable agriculture. It aims to analyze the various methods used, their advantages and limitations, and their contributions to environmental sustainability and food security. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather information on soilless cultivation techniques, including hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. Relevant studies and reports were analyzed to assess the performance of these methods in terms of resource efficiency, crop productivity, and environmental impact. The review found that soilless cultivation techniques offer significant advantages over traditional soil-based farming, including higher crop yields, efficient water and nutrient use, and reduced environmental footprint. Hydroponic systems, in particular, have been widely adopted and have shown promising results in various crops. Additionally, soilless cultivation methods can be tailored to different environmental conditions, making them adaptable to a wide range of settings. In conclusion, soilless cultivation holds great potential for sustainable agriculture by addressing key challenges such as land and water scarcity, soil degradation, and climate change. While further research and technological advancements are needed to optimize these techniques and make them more accessible to farmers, the evidence suggests that soilless cultivation can play a significant role in achieving global food security and environmental sustainability goals.
Keywords: Comprehensive, soil-less cultivation, aeroponics, hydroponics