Growing Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) Hydroponically in Wood Fiber—A Preliminary Case-Study Report

Abstract

Potato contributes highly to the global food security. It is predicted that the production of this crop will be negatively affected by future climatic changes. Application of hydroponics for table potato production can mitigate crop loss in highly vulnerable regions. A preliminary small-scale case-study was performed to test theoretical perspectives of hydroponic production of table potatoes in wood fiber by comparing different fiber types and fertigation strategies. Potatoes were also grown in the field to obtain a reference control. Hydroponic production of potato in a stand-alone wood fiber resulted in ca. 200% higher yield, when compared to standard soil cultivation. However, the quality of the tubers was slightly reduced (lower dry matter content). Productivity of table potatoes was affected by the growing medium and fertigation strategy. Production of potatoes in wood fiber is possible and, in the future, might complement the conventional production systems, or even become an important alternative in locations where in-field cultivation is not possible. Nevertheless, the effect of wood fiber properties and the applied fertigation strategy on yield potential and tuber quality should be further studied. Optimization of these factors will be a topic of a following full-scale research.

Crop Hydroponics, Phyto-hydroponics, Crop Production, and Factors Affecting Soilless Culture

“…The presence of impurities (microbes, heavy metals) in water interfere with plant growth and production in soilless crop cultivation . The water purity is assessed by the chlorine and chloramine content available in the water, the concentration of carbon, and the presence of bacteria and pathogens. − Similarly water also contains a large quantity of available nutrients (sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sulfur, nitrogen, boron, copper, manganese etc. ), which cause nutrient toxicity in the crops. , More than 90% of the mineral elements can be eliminated through reverse osmosis to get pure water for soilless crop production. , …”

Hydroponic potato production in wood fiber for food security

“…Wood fiber produced from softwood tree species is an alternative, renewable and recyclable raw material with lower carbon footprint than peat or coir 22 . This material has also been subjected to initial feasibility test as a potential medium for potato growth and showed promising results 23 .…”