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.