ISHS Acta Horticulturae 396: Hydroponics and Transplant Production
HORTICULTURAL ASPECTS OF ECOLOGICAL SOILLESS GROWING METHODS |
| Authors: | F. Benoit, N. Ceustermans |
| Abstract:
Research on soilless growing methods was initiated in Belgium in 1973 and the first practical applications were set up in 1980. The change-over to soilless growing methods was induced mainly to rule out the problems in connection with the methyl bromine residues. Moreover, the physical disinfecting methods, including the steam-treatment of the substrate mats, proved to be highly efficient and rational ; similarly, the partial UV- disinfection at 100 mJ/cm2 was successful in keeping Fusarium wilt, Pythium and Olpidium under the damage level in recirculating systems. Qualitatively, the soilless tomatoes have a better taste and are harder. With NFT-head lettuce the nitrates can be reduced by 40 % in replacing NO3 by Cl and/or SO4. The sale of NFT-leaf crops with the peat nursing pots and of NFT-herbs with the PUR-strip substrate ensures excellent post-harvest conditioning. The recycled Polyurethane - (PUR) - substrate is very easy to handle and can certainly be re-used for 10 years and steamtreated every year. It is inert and does not raise any problems due to sudden shifts in EC or moisture. With organic wood fibre substrates there is an interaction with micro-organisms during the first 7 weeks of culture, which calls for adjustments in the growing method. | |
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