Exploration of wheatgrass as functional food by using urban agriculture models for regulating growth & nutrients

Abstract

Limitation to cultivable area and increasing food demand has steered development of urban farming. Practice of container gardening, patio gardening and rooftop gardening cause soil erosion while soil-less systems like hydroponics and aeroponics are expensive. Balancing traditional and contemporary methods need to be identified. We assessed the growth and nutrient values of functional food wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated in different growth media – soil, hydroponics, aeroponics and paper-pulp based potting mix soil. Height, fresh weight, protein, minerals, and vitamins composition of wheatgrass plantlets were estimated. Construction and running costs for six-month period were compared. Plantlets harvested from potting mix soil had highest height & weight gain (at 88.67 cm and 15.13 gm) and all-around nutrient contents over others. Cost analysis shows that working costs for potting mix soil-based systems are most productive for a long duration (17x and 23x cheaper than hydroponics and aeroponics). The current study shows suitability of potting mix soil over other cultivation methods for wheatgrass for urban farming needs. Potting mix does not contribute to soil erosion as in case of natural soil based urban farming. Our results support the idea of utilization of potting mix for urban agricultural needs without indulging in cost- and technology- invested methods.