Evaluation of Recycled Materials as Hydroponic Growing Media

Abstract

Conventional soilless growing media, such as perlite, are mined from nonrenewable resources and can only be disposed of in landfills after limited use. There is a need to investigate novel, sustainable growing media adapted from waste or engineered to be reused over multiple cycles. This study investigated waste almond shells and a recycled plastic drainage plank as hydroponic growing media alternatives. Physiochemical properties were evaluated, and a germination and greenhouse growth trial was conducted to understand the effect these media have on production and nutritional quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativaL. cv. Catalogna Verde). Drought testing was carried out to understand how the media affected the lettuce’s response to water stress. In comparison to perlite, yields under regular irrigation were reduced by 52% in almond shells and 72% in plastic planks, although lettuce grown in almond shells still obtained commercially relevant yields. Reduced yields in almond shells were likely caused by the shell’s high salinity. Lettuce growth in plastic planks was limited by impeded root growth and low water-holding capacity. In conclusion, with minor alterations, almond shells could be used as a sustainable growing media alternative to perlite in hydroponic lettuce production. More research is needed to manufacture the planks to be conducive to plant growth.

TSC Opinion

Voici une application qui n’avait pas encore fait l’objet d’études scientifiques, il s’agit d’utiliser des déchets plastiques en support de culture hors sol. Les auteurs de cette étude ont montré que malgré la préparation de ces déchets sélectionnés broyés, le caractère hydrophobe des plastiques n’est pas très favorable à la fixation des nutriments qui serviront à la croissance des salades. Voici un résultat encourageant qui ne devrait pas engager les producteurs à choisir cette approche pour produire leurs légumes. J’apporterais toutefois une exception pour les futures missions spatiales vers mars dont la durée nécessitera que les voyageurs cultivent quelques légumes, peut-être avec des technologies hors sol comme décrites dans cet article.