Hydroponic and Aquaponic Floating Raft Systems Elicit Differential Growth and Quality Responses to Consecutive Cuts of Basil Crop

Abstract

Basil crops are appreciated for their distinct flavour and appeal to various cuisines globally. Basil production is mainly implemented in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. Soil-less cultivation (e.g., hydroponic) is optimal for producing basil, while aquaponics is another technique suitable for leafy crops such as basil. Shortening the production chain through efficient cultivation techniques reduces basil production’s carbon footprint. While the organoleptic quality of basil demonstrably benefits from successive cuts, no studies have compared the impact of this practice under hydroponic and aquaponic CEA conditions. Hence, the present study evaluated the eco-physiological, nutritional, and productive performance of Genovese basil cv. Sanremo grown in hydroponic and aquaponic systems (combined with tilapia) and harvested consecutively. The two systems showed similar eco-physiological behaviour and photosynthetic capacity, which were on average 2.99 µmol of CO2 m−2 s−1, equal numbers of leaves, and fresh yields of on average 41.69 and 38.38 g, respectively. Aquaponics yielded greater dry biomass (+58%) and dry matter content (+37%), while the nutrient profiles varied between the systems. The number of cuts did not influence yield; however, it improved dry matter partitioning and elicited a differential nutrient uptake. Our results bear practical and scientific relevance by providing useful eco-physiological and productive feedback on basil CEA cultivation. Aquaponics is a promising technique that reduces chemical fertiliser input and increases the overall sustainability of basil production.

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“…From each trough, 5 individuals were separated for the determination of leaf areas. The samples were photographed from a vertical view to make measurements of leave areas using the Image J software program (US National Institutes of Health) (Modarelli et al, 2023). Atmospheric parameters that are directly related to plant growth are obtained from the closest weather station.…”

Increased Accumulation of Ginsenosides in Panax ginseng Sprouts Cultivated with Kelp Fermentates

“…Cruz et al [12] suggested connecting and managing the smart farming system using the Internet of Things platform for smart strawberry farming. Modarelli et al [13] proposed that aquaponics is suitable for leafy crops such as basil (Ocimum basilicum) due to the reduced utilization Plants 2024, 13, 463 2 of 13 of chemical fertilizers and increased productivity. Kim et al [14] reported that treating one-year-old ginseng with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) increased the weight of shoots in the cultivation chamber.…”