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Agriculture
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Advanced Research on Soilless Culture in Horticultural Production
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Advanced Research on Soilless Culture in Horticultural Production

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Systems and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 April 2024) | Viewed by 20760

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jeb S. Fields

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Interests: soilless substrate; substrate engineering; pine bark; water; irrigation; plant materials; ornamentals; nursery; greenhouse

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soilless culture involves producing crops in altered or modified environments, often using containers or other vessels in lieu of traditional in-field production. Production of horticultural crops in soilless systems is expanding, as more crops transition into soilless culture due to various economic or environmental reasons. Soilless substrates are critical components of all soilless culture systems, with substrate selection and use influencing every subsequent cultural decision. As the world’s production continues to shift and become more reliant on soilless substrates, new advances in substrate technologies must be developed.

This special issue will focus on new developments in soilless substrate science and associated technologies supporting soilless culture across the world. Research described herein will cover a broad spectrum of advances, from identification of new components and materials, to new soilless system management techniques, to investigation into the soilless substrate system. Moreover, associated research that supports soilless culture including, but not limited to irrigation and , fertilization and nutrition, cultural practices, pest and disease management, labor and automation are also encouraged for submission. As such, this special issue welcomes research and advances in all facets of soilless substrate science and associated technologies.

Dr. Jeb S. Fields
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • container production
  • fertilizer
  • growing media
  • irrigation
  • materials
  • soilless culture
  • specialty crops
  • substrate
  • water

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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17 pages, 2179 KiB  
Article
Surveying North American Specialty Crop Growers’ Current Use of Soilless Substrates and Future Research and Education Needs
by Jeb S. Fields, James S. Owen, Jr., Alexa Lamm, James Altland, Brian Jackson, Lorence Oki, Jayesh B. Samtani, Youbin Zheng and Kristopher S. Criscione
Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1727; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091727 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3171
Abstract
Many specialty crop growers are transitioning high-value crops from in-ground production to soilless culture due to the diminishing availability of fumigants, increasing pest pressure, extreme weather, and the need for flexible production practices. The objective of this study was to determine the research [...] Read more.
Many specialty crop growers are transitioning high-value crops from in-ground production to soilless culture due to the diminishing availability of fumigants, increasing pest pressure, extreme weather, and the need for flexible production practices. The objective of this study was to determine the research and educational needs of specialty crop growers who are transitioning to soilless substrates. North American growers were surveyed using an online instrument that incorporated Likert-type statement matrices, open-ended questions, and demographic questions. Additionally, two virtually led focus groups were conducted to further expand upon the quantitative findings with descriptive data. Respondents indicated the most important factors in considering whether to adopt soilless substrates were improving, managing, and reducing overall plant quality, disease management, and crop loss, respectively. The most important research needs were understanding the effects of substrates on crop quality and uniformity, fertilizer management, and economic costs and benefits/return on investment. In both the grower survey and focus groups, crop quality and uniformity were among the highest-scored responses. Food safety, disease and pest management, consumer perception, substrate disposal-related issues, transportation, and return-on-investment were also identified as important factors when considering soilless substrates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Soilless Culture in Horticultural Production)
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13 pages, 933 KiB  
Article
Reducing Anion Nutrient Leaching Losses from a Short-Cycle Container-Grown Crop (Tagetes patula) Using Activated Aluminum
by Damon E. Abdi, Jennifer Blanchard, Jeb S. Fields, Leticia Santos, Lily Beasley and Jeffrey Beasley
Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 1028; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13051028 - 9 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2156
Abstract
Short-cycle horticulture crops often rely on fertigation to provide immediately available nutrients. This practice poses an environmental threat when nutrients, particularly phosphorus, leach from containers and enter waterways. One method that could be used to reduce the loss of phosphorus and other key [...] Read more.
Short-cycle horticulture crops often rely on fertigation to provide immediately available nutrients. This practice poses an environmental threat when nutrients, particularly phosphorus, leach from containers and enter waterways. One method that could be used to reduce the loss of phosphorus and other key anions from horticultural crops is incorporating activated aluminum into container substrates. This study investigates the incorporation of three rates of activated aluminum into a pine bark substrate, and the effects this amendment may have on the container leachate nutrient content and the growth of a popular short-cycle crop (Tagetes patula, French marigold). The addition of activated aluminum reduced the cumulative mass of phosphorus in container leachate by 69–96% compared to a standard pine bark substrate. The growth index and subjective plant quality scores of Tagetes were equivalent between the activated aluminum-amended substrates and pine bark only substrates, in all cases, producing a salable, quality crop. This study demonstrates that incorporating activated aluminum into container substrates is an effective way to reduce phosphorus loss to the environment without sacrificing crop quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Soilless Culture in Horticultural Production)
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14 pages, 647 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Sheep Wool as a Substrate for Hydroponic Cucumber Cultivation
by Monika Komorowska, Marcin Niemiec, Jakub Sikora, Zofia Gródek-Szostak, Hatice Gurgulu, Maciej Chowaniak, Atilgan Atilgan and Pavel Neuberger
Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030554 - 24 Feb 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4437
Abstract
The problem of the use and disposal of horticultural substrates is an important element of the optimization of plastic greenhouse production in terms of economic and environmental efficiency. The production of mineral substrates is associated with a high energy expenditure, which generates costs [...] Read more.
The problem of the use and disposal of horticultural substrates is an important element of the optimization of plastic greenhouse production in terms of economic and environmental efficiency. The production of mineral substrates is associated with a high energy expenditure, which generates costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. An important factor is also the transport of professional substrates over long distances. The research objective was to evaluate the possibility of using sheep wool to create horticultural substrates in the hydroponic production of cucumber. The modifier of production technology was the use of substrates of various origins. The experiment was based on the use of two substrates: one was a conventional substrate, made of mineral wool, and the other was made of greasy Gissar sheep wool, which is considered waste or a nuisance byproduct of sheep farming today. The adopted functional unit was 1 ton of commercial cucumber yield. The boundaries of the system were soil formation, fertilization, irrigation, and harvesting. The amount of GHG emissions was calculated in accordance with the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards. The results of the experiment show that the use of sheep wool as a substrate in the hydroponic cultivation of cucumbers reduced yield by approximately 8%, but it allowed for a higher efficiency of water and mineral fertilizer use per crop mass unit. Within the adopted system boundary, the value of the carbon footprint in the object with the conventional substrate was 276.9 kg CO2 eq · Mg−1. The value of this parameter for the object with the sheep wool was 193.9 kg CO2 eq · Mg−1. The use of sheep wool did not increase the phytosanitary risk of the cultivated plants. An important goal for achieving sustainability, especially in food production, is to use materials that are easily recyclable and renewable, locally available, and environmentally friendly. The use of sheep wool as a substrate for soilless plastic greenhouse cultivation is a rational solution, as this material consists of 60% animal protein fibers, 10% fat, 15% moisture, 10% sheep sweat, and an average of 5% impurities. This makes it an easily recyclable, easily renewable, and environmentally friendly source of raw material for hydroponic substrates in food production, contrary to rockwool, which produces waste that is difficult to manage and a nuisance to the natural environment. In the countries of Central Asia, the sheep population is over 20 million; therefore, the potential for using sheep wool material for agricultural production is significant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Soilless Culture in Horticultural Production)
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18 pages, 6250 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Description and Classification of Growing Media Particle Morphology through Dynamic Image Analysis
by Stan Durand, Brian E. Jackson, William C. Fonteno and Jean-Charles Michel
Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020396 - 8 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2552
Abstract
The physical properties of growing media are dependent on the morphological characteristics of the particles composing them. Thus, their characteristics can be more precisely altered for specific purposes by a better morphological design of materials to optimize the use of raw materials and [...] Read more.
The physical properties of growing media are dependent on the morphological characteristics of the particles composing them. Thus, their characteristics can be more precisely altered for specific purposes by a better morphological design of materials to optimize the use of raw materials and increase water efficiency. There are many references on the relationship between basic particle size and physical properties, but the arrangement of the particles and the resulting physical properties are also affected by the shape of the particles. Growing media have seldom been characterized by shape criteria and, therefore, their influence remains unknown. A dynamic image analyzer, the QicPic device, was used to assess particle shape and size for a wide diversity of growing media constituents. As well as FeretMAX and ChordMIN diameters describing individual particle length and width, respectively, individual particle shape was analyzed in terms of several descriptors (aspect ratio, circularity, roundness, and convexity). A classification was established to discern different particle shapes and all materials were described accordingly. Correlations between particle morphology descriptors were reported, showing that the greater the particle length, the smaller the width/length ratio, circularity, roundness, and convexity. Circularity, roundness, particle length, and its associated relative span were identified as the most relevant parameters describing materials’ morphology. This work shows a large diversity in particle morphology of growing media constituents, which were categorized into four classes of materials. Three classes were mainly described according to their particle shapes, with a decreasing elongation and an increasing circularity, roundness, and convexity: (1) fine and coarse wood and coir fibers; (2) all Sphagnum white peats, milled or sod; and (3) black peats, sedge peat, coir pith, fresh and composted pine bark, green waste compost, and perlite. A fourth class was represented by coir medium (mixing pith and fibers) and was above all characterized by high diversity in particle length. These findings extend the characterization of the materials for a more thorough evaluation of the links between particle morphology and physical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Soilless Culture in Horticultural Production)
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10 pages, 891 KiB  
Article
Influence of Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum on Phosphorus Loss in Pine Bark Substrates
by Paul C. Bartley, Landon B. Erbrick, Michael J. Knotts, Dexter B. Watts and Henry A. Torbert
Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020283 - 24 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1988
Abstract
Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, a byproduct of coal-fired electrical utility plants, has been shown to effectively reduce phosphorus (P) leaching in many agricultural systems. However, its applications in horticultural production systems have been insufficiently researched resulting in limited industry adoption. To evaluate the [...] Read more.
Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, a byproduct of coal-fired electrical utility plants, has been shown to effectively reduce phosphorus (P) leaching in many agricultural systems. However, its applications in horticultural production systems have been insufficiently researched resulting in limited industry adoption. To evaluate the efficacy of FGD gypsum to reduce P leaching in horticultural media, pine bark substrates were amended with FGD gypsum at 2.5, 5, and 10% (v/v). In accordance with industry practice, controlled release fertilizer (19N-3P-10K) was amply incorporated into all potting media treatments to support primary nutrient sufficiency of transplanted stock. The greatest P leaching occurred in the control substrates containing only pine bark and fertilizer. The standard pine bark substrate treatment, containing lime and micronutrients, reduced total P leaching by 35% and should be considered a best management practice. The addition of FGD gypsum at 2.5, 5, and 10% (v/v) reduced the total P collected in leachate by 47, 59, and 70%, respectively. Gypsum amendments increased potassium leachate concentrations but elevated potassium levels normalized after ~20 days. With little to no effect on substrate physical properties or pH, pine bark substrates can be amended with FGD gypsum to effectively reduce P leaching in short-term crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Soilless Culture in Horticultural Production)
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8 pages, 1608 KiB  
Communication
Effects of Nursery Container Color and Spacing on Root Zone Temperatures of ‘Soft Touch’ Holly
by R. Hunter McBrayer, Jeremy M. Pickens, Anthony L. Witcher, Daniel E. Wells and Jeff L. Sibley
Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2165; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122165 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2073
Abstract
Newly up-potted ‘Soft Touch’ Japanese hollies (Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’) were grown in Mobile, AL in 1.5 L containers to evaluate the effects of growth from black or white container colors and container spacing (jammed or spaced) in relation to root zone [...] Read more.
Newly up-potted ‘Soft Touch’ Japanese hollies (Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’) were grown in Mobile, AL in 1.5 L containers to evaluate the effects of growth from black or white container colors and container spacing (jammed or spaced) in relation to root zone temperature. Two treatments, container color and container spacing, were evaluated and root ratings were reported. At termination, an interaction was observed in growth from 43 to 141 days after potting between container color and spacing. Both white container treatments and the black-jammed treatment experienced 36% and 21% more growth than black-spaced plants. Root ratings for white containers (jammed and spaced) were 42% greater than for black-spaced. Black-jammed root ratings were 25% greater than black-spaced. Black-spaced containers experienced the greatest number of time intervals over the critical temperature of 39 °C when compared to other treatments. Results suggest that ‘Soft Touch’ holly may be grown at final spacing when using white containers and have little impact from elevated root zone temperatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Soilless Culture in Horticultural Production)
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15 pages, 1574 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Peat Moss Amended with Three Engineered Wood Substrate Components on Suppression of Damping-Off Caused by Rhizoctonia solani
by Anissa Poleatewich, Isobel Michaud, Brian Jackson, Matthew Krause and Liza DeGenring
Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2092; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122092 - 6 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3361
Abstract
The use of wood-derived materials in soilless substrates for horticultural crop production is increasing; however, there is little information about the effects of wood on the incidence and severity of soilborne diseases of container-grown plants. The objectives of this research were to compare [...] Read more.
The use of wood-derived materials in soilless substrates for horticultural crop production is increasing; however, there is little information about the effects of wood on the incidence and severity of soilborne diseases of container-grown plants. The objectives of this research were to compare three differently processed wood substrate components blended with sphagnum peat and to investigate the effect of the peat:wood blend ratio on damping-off disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani using radish as a model system. In objective one, raw sphagnum peat was blended with three types of processed pine wood, screw-extruded, twin disc-refined, and hammer-milled, at a volumetric ratio of 70:30 and compared to a 70:30 peat:perlite mix. Radish plants grown in the hammer-milled wood and disc-refined wood had significantly lower damping-off disease severity compared to plants grown in the peat–perlite control. In objective two, sphagnum peat was blended with the three types of processed wood at a volumetric ratio of 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 and compared to a 70:30 peat–perlite mix. The effect of the blend ratio varied by wood processing type. Higher percentages of Forest Gold and pine tree substrate resulted in lower disease severity. In both objectives, radish plants grown in any of the substrate treatments containing wood infested with R. solani tended to have lower disease severity compared to plants in the control. Results of this study indicate that the blending of processed pine wood-derived components into peat may enhance the natural suppression of damping-off disease of radish. Further research is needed to elucidate the mode of action of wood-derived materials on disease suppression in container-grown crops and to study the effects for other plant pathogens and crop species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Soilless Culture in Horticultural Production)
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