Soilless culture systems and growing media in horticulture: an overview

Abstract

Soilless culture plant production presents a sector with unlimited potential for the horticulture industry. Soilless culture systems are environmentally friendly, resource-efficient, and support sustainable intensification in agriculture. Soilless culture system (SCS) crops in climate-controlled environments lead to higher crop production for the unit area and thus to a decrease in land usage in comparison to other cultivation methods. Here, we present the state-of-the-art of growing media and soilless culture and an outlook on further developments. For the future, it remains vital to identify and further develop sustainable materials, technologies and approaches, while keeping energy and production costs low and transportation distances short. The following chapters of this book provide further information and precise details, explaining step by step all these issues.