Summary
This study evaluates aquaponic and hydroponic systems as alternatives to conventional soil cultivation for producing watercress (Nasturtium officinale), a medicinal and edible plant, with particular attention to resource-constrained environments. Using a completely randomised design, it compares the three cultivation systems across yield, plant nutrient uptake, and water use efficiency — metrics underrepresented in the existing literature on soilless systems for medicinal plants. The findings are likely to contribute practical guidance on the suitability of soilless techniques in regions facing soil infertility, water scarcity, or limited arable land.
UK applicability
Although conducted in an Iranian context, the findings are broadly applicable to UK controlled-environment horticulture and urban food production, where interest in hydroponic and aquaponic systems for leafy vegetables and medicinal herbs is growing, particularly in peri-urban and indoor farming settings.
Key measures
Yield (fresh/dry biomass); nutrient uptake (mineral concentrations in plant tissue); water use efficiency (WUE); physiological growth parameters
Outcomes reported
The study measured and compared yield, nutrient uptake, and water use efficiency of watercress (Nasturtium officinale) across aquaponic, hydroponic, and soil cultivation systems. It likely also assessed physiological and growth parameters under a completely randomised experimental design with five replications.
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