Keywords :
aerobic microbial degradation; anaerobic digestate; bioponics; compost tea; hydroponics; organic waste recycling; soilless agriculture; Aerobic microbial degradation; Anaerobics; Anerobic digestate; Bioponic; Compost tea; Digestate; Microbial degradation; Organic waste recycling; Organic wastes; Soilless agriculture; Wastes recycling; Geography, Planning and Development; Biochemistry; Aquatic Science; Water Science and Technology
Abstract :
[en] Hydroponics is a soilless cultivation technique in which plants are grown in a nutrient solution typically made from mineral fertilizers. This alternative to soil farming can be advantageous in terms of nutrient and water use efficiency, plant pest management, and space use. However, developing methods to produce nutrient solutions based on local organic materials is crucial to include hydroponics within a perspective of sustainability. They would also allow hydroponics to be developed in any context, even in remote areas or regions that do not have access to commercial fertilizers. This emerging organic form of hydroponics, which can be qualified as “bioponics”, typically recycles organic waste into a nutrient-rich solution that can be used for plant growth. Many methods have been developed and tested in the past three decades, leading to greatly heterogenous results in terms of plant yield and quality. This review describes the main organic materials used to produce nutrient solutions and characterizes and categorizes the different types of methods. Four main categories emerged: a “tea”-type method, an aerobic microbial degradation method, an anaerobic digestion method, and a combined anaerobic-aerobic degradation method. The advantages and drawbacks of each technique are discussed, as well as potential lines of improvement. This aims at better understanding the links between agronomic results and the main biochemical processes involved during the production, as well as discussing the most suitable method for certain plants and/or contexts.
Funding text :
This research was produced with the financial support of the European Union, within the framework of the SWIM project (funding EC ENI/2020/417-484). Its content is the sole responsibility of the University of Liège and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the European Union.
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