Comparative Assessment of Hydroponic and Geoponic Cultivation Systems for Sustainable Spinach Cultivation
Comparative Assessment of Hydroponic and Geoponic Cultivation Systems for Sustainable Spinach Cultivation
Ain-ul-Abad Syed1*, Zaheer Ahmed Khan1, Shakeel Hussain Chattha1, Irfan Ahmed Shaikh2, Mian Noor Hussain Asghar Ali1, Zohaib ur Rehman Bughio3, Shahzad Hussain Dahri2 and Ghous Bakhsh Buriro4
ABSTRACT
This study aims to solve water constraints in today’s agricultural industry, as well as decreasing soil conditions and growing food demand. The primary goal of current research is to find a substitute for conventional farming practices that could conserve water, fertilizer and generate more sustainable food vertically and horizontally. Two treatments were performed, each with two replications. The treatments included hydroponic (soil-less) and geoponic (soil) spinach seed cultivation. The seed was initially grown in a seedling tray before being transferred onto a prepared plot and a hydroponic model, respectively. All the standard materials (made of plastic) needed for a perfect low-cost hydroponic model, obtained from local markets, were combined accordingly to achieve the results of set goals. A total of 9680.00 PKR was the approximate expense of the manually manufactured hydroponic model. The field under geoponic cultivation was maintained equal to the manufactured hydroponic model (4’x 4’). Full-Spectrum Light-emitting diode (LED) grow light was used to meet the plants’ light requirements. The stock solution (a combination of water and nutrients) was used to feed the transplanted plants during hydroponic cultivation. On average, relative to water use under geoponic agriculture, the hydroponic model’s productivity was 97.42 percent. The growth efficiency of the hydroponic spinach crop was much higher than that of geoponic cultivation. On average, the leaf area was 24 percent, height 25 percent, and steam scale 24 percent greater than geoponic. Statistically, there was a substantial (p<0.05) variation in the leaf area, height, and steam scale of plants, suggesting that hydroponic technology could also increase crop yields by up to 25 percent. It is inferred from this analysis that hydroponic cultivation is successful in saving water and fertilizer and increasing crop yields at the desirable limit. To enhance yield, the hydroponic model should be equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence technologies to handle difficulties related with food supplies. The hydroponic growing technology should be introduced to cities. At the time, such as when challenged with Covid-19 and the locust attack.
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