Efficient nutrient management is critical for successful hydroponic crop production. However, limited research exists on optimizing nutrient solution (NS) volume for various leafy green vegetables in recirculating hydroponic cultivation. To address this gap, we evaluated partial nitrogen budgets, growth, tissue nutrient composition, and postharvest quality of four leafy greens species [butterhead lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ‘Salanova Red Butter’), arugula ( Eruca sativa ‘Standard’ ), kale (Brassica oleracea ‘Red Russian’), and the emerging crop Malabar spinach ( Basella alba ‘Rubra’)] using a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system under two NS volumes [moderate (2 L/plant) and high (4 L/plant)] in a greenhouse during both summer and fall seasons. Electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.8 mS . cm −1 and pH of 5.8 to 5.9 were maintained daily across treatments. Using a moderate NS volume resulted in higher nitrogen (N) uptake efficiency and lower N retained in the NFT system in both trials. NS volume had no impact on growth and yield parameters, but it influenced nutrient composition and quality attributes of leafy greens. Leaf N and potassium (K) increased with high NS volume in summer, whereas phosphorus (P) and K followed a similar trend in the fall. Moderate NS volume reduced nitrate levels in shoots of arugula, lettuce, and Malabar spinach during both trials, suggesting that reduced volume may help minimize excessive nitrate levels in plant tissues. In contrast, kale consistently exhibited nitrate concentrations above the reported classification range regardless of treatment. In addition, NS volume influenced leaf color, total phenolics, and antioxidant capacity. These findings highlight the importance of crop-specific NS management to optimize plant health, improve nutrient use efficiency, minimize nitrate accumulation and nutrient waste, and support sustainable hydroponic production.

Barley is an important winter cereal crop in Iraq, widely used as green fodder. Rising feed costs highlight the need for low-cost, year-round alternatives like hydroponic soilless farming. However, the optimal seeding rate and growth duration for maximizing yield and quality of hydroponic barley fodder remain uncertain. Therefore, an experiment was conducted during 2023 under greenhouse chamber, College of Agriculture, Al- Qasim Green University, Iraq, to evaluate the effect of planting rates and different growth periods on the productivity and quality of fodder barley. The experiment included two factors using a completely randomized design (CRD) whit three replications. The initial variable was the seeding rates of 2500, 3000 and 3500 g/m2. The second influence was the growth durations of 9, 12 and 15 days. Planting was done in dishes considered experimental units for these factors, and thus the number of experimental units reached 27 experimental units. The results showed that a seed rate of 3000 g/m² achieved the greater of green fodder yield, dry matter, and protein percentage, while a seed rate of 2500 g/m² yielded the lowest green fodder yield, dry matter, and protein percentage. Maximum plant height and dry matter percentage were achieved at 3500 g/m². The 15-day growth period achieved the highest plant height, protein content, and dry matter content. The 12-day growth period from germination yielded the highest green forage yield. The growth period affected growth, productivity, and quality.

The sustainable operation of hydroponic systems depends on maintaining the chemical stability of circulating nutrient solutions and preventing the accumulation of toxic compounds. The accumulation of phytotoxic ammonium, heavy metals, and organic metabolites in recirculating nutrient solutions remains one of the key challenges limiting the efficiency, sustainability, and scalability of hydroponic cultivation. This review provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of zeolites, activated carbons (ACs), and their functionalized and composite forms as key sorbents for nutrient management, contaminant removal, and environmental safety in hydroponic cultivation. Natural zeolites, with their well-defined crystalline structure and high ion-exchange selectivity toward ammonium and heavy metal cations, enable effective NH4+/K+ balance regulation and phytotoxicity mitigation. ACs, characterized by high specific surface area and tunable surface chemistry, complement zeolites by offering extensive adsorption capacity for organic compounds, root exudates, and pesticide residues, thereby extending the operational lifespan of nutrient solutions and improving overall system performance. Further advancements include the integration of zeolites and ACs with two-dimensional (graphene, g-C3N4) and three-dimensional (MOF, COF) frameworks, yielding multifunctional materials that combine adsorption, ion exchange, photocatalysis, and nutrient regulation. Transition-metal modification, particularly with Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Co, introduces redox-active centers that enhance sorption, catalysis, and phosphate stabilization. The comparative synthesis reveals that the combined application of zeolite- and carbon-based composites offers a synergistic strategy for developing adaptive and low-waste hydroponic systems. From a techno-economic and environmental standpoint, the judicious application of these materials paves the way for more resilient, efficient, and circular hydroponic systems, reducing fertilizer and water consumption, lowering contaminant discharge, and enhancing food security. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Relevant studies were identified through Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Minimization of freshwater usage in hydroponic cultivation by mixing it with desalinated geothermal water using membrane processes

Abstract the experiment was conducted at the Mohammed Nursery in Kirkuk Province for the 2024-2025 agricultural season to study two factors: the cultivation method (horizontal, deep) and the second factor: agricultural medium (palm peat, coconut, perlite). The experiment was designed using a split-plot system within a randomized complete block design (RCBD), where the cultivation method was placed in the main plots and the agricultural medium in the secondary plots. Sup-plot with three replicates at a 5% probability level. The results showed that deep-seeded cultivation significantly increased plant height, total yield, and beta-carotene. Regarding the effect of the growing medium, the palm peat medium showed a significant increase in inner stem weight, total yield, and beta-carotene. Meanwhile, the interaction treatment, deep-seeded cultivation using palm peat, increased plant height, inner stem weight, total yield, and beta-carotene.

The Community Service Program (KKN) is one form of student service to the community through practical activities focused on empowerment. One of the reasons for constructing a hydroponic greenhouse in Nanggerang Village is the scarcity of household land and the low utilization of modern agricultural technology. In addition to the greenhouse construction, the KKN Group 15 (Narasaka) team provided simple training on plant cultivation using a basic hydroponic system with recycled plastic bottles to reduce plastic waste. This program aims to offer an efficient, environmentally friendly alternative for farming, as well as enhance the community's knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture. In this community service activity, the methods used were problem observation, preparation of tools and materials, verbal socialization, and construction. With this program, it is hoped that the community of Nanggerang Village will gain knowledge about hydroponic systems and be able to apply simple hydroponic cultivation at their respective homes, even with limited land. The conclusion from the construction and education efforts is that the limited land available in the community of Nanggerang Village and other areas in Indonesia can be utilized through smart farming methods such as productive and economically valuable hydroponics.

ABSTRACT Previously, we reported that even barley, generally known as an Fe-deficiency-tolerant species, exhibits substantial variation in iron (Fe) deficiency tolerance and Fe-use efficiency in photosynthetic functions among cultivars. However, it remains unclear whether this finding is specific to barley or also applies to other grass species, such as rice (Oryza sativa L.), a crop susceptible to Fe deficiency. To characterize leaf Fe-use efficiency in rice, we examined the responses of Japonica and Indica subspecies to Fe deficiency using a hydroponic mixed-plant culture system that allows evaluation of leaf functions independently of the Strategy II-type root Fe acquisition mechanism. Under low-Fe conditions, shoot growth was maintained in the following order: Indica > Japonica paddy rice > Japonica upland rice. The Fe concentration and photosynthetic rate of the newest fully expanded leaves suggested that, if Fe-deficiency acclimation mechanisms exist in rice chloroplasts, they are likely different from those observed in barley. The relative shoot dry weight (Fe-deficient/Fe-sufficient) was greater than the relative root dry weight in Indica rice, but not in Japonica. This indicates that Indica cultivars tend to allocate more resources to shoots than to roots under Fe deficiency. However, their relatively high shoot biomass could not be explained solely by differences in leaf Fe concentration among subspecies. Preferential assimilate allocation to shoots may therefore contribute to the higher leaf Fe-use efficiency of Indica rice.

Hydroponic cultivation of pagoda mustard (Brassica narinosa L.) is a solution to increase production time efficiency and produce cleaner and more nutritious vegetables. However, the high price of AB mix fertilizer is an obstacle for hydroponic farmers, so alternative sources of nutrients are needed, such as Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF), which utilizes agricultural waste to make it more economical. This study was conducted from July to September 2024 at the screenhouse of the Experimental Farm of Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two treatment factors: the first treatment was the concentration of AB Mix fertilizer (A), which consisted of four levels, namely A0 (0% AB Mix), A1 (25% AB Mix), A2 (AB Mix 50%), and A3 (AB Mix 100%). The second treatment was the concentration of POC (Liquid Organic Fertilizer) from agricultural waste (P) with three levels: P1 (POC 10 mL/L), P2 (POC 20 mL/L), and P3 (POC 30 mL/L). The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 95% confidence level. The results showed that the 100% AB mix fertilizer concentration produced the highest results in terms of the number of leaves (up to 57), fresh plant weight (up to 92.22 g), dry plant weight (up to 7.35 g), and chlorophyll content (up to 20.73 mg/L). Substitution of agricultural waste POC increased the number of leaves by 2 leaves and fresh plant weight by 54.15 g at a concentration of 16.7 mL/L. The combination of 50% AB mix with 30 ml/L POC provided the best results in increasing nitrogen uptake, plant height, and leaf area.

Irrigation with activated water is an innovative approach to its use. In biology, the oxidation-reduction potential is expressed through the rH₂ index, which reflects the oxygen-hydrogen equilibrium – the pH of the environment. This indicator demonstrates the ratio between the concentrations of hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide (OH⁻) and can be used as a generalized indicator of the degree of water activation. Previously conducted experiments confirmed an increase in glucose synthesis when fertilizing with activated water. Such an increase was: for the Japanese cabbage of the Mizuna variety 26.7% (anolyte) and 24.1% (catholyte), for vegetable peas of the Zima variety 39.7% (anolyte) and 7.9% (catholyte), for cucumbers of the Vse Putem variety 33.3% (anolyte) and 25.0% (catholyte). The purpose of this study was to study the effect of the properties of activated water on the characteristics of mineral nutrient solutions in terms of their NPK content, as well as the dynamics of the removal of these macronutrients from the nutrient solution. In the study of nutrient solutions based on activated water, the complex mineral fertilizer "Universal NPK 11-12-17" was used as the starting material. To study the solubility of the fertilizers in activated water, the concentration of nutrient solutions by NPK was measured for different levels of water activation. When studying the dynamics of macronutrient removal from a nutrient solution based on activated water during hydroponic cultivation, changes in the concentration of macronutrients in the nutrient solution were monitored due to their consumption by plants during growth. The analysis showed that the use of activated water makes it possible to reduce the concentration of essential minerals in the solution to a level similar to a conventional aqueous solution, with is significantly lower than the fertilizer costs. These savings range from 20 to 28%, depending on the degree of water activation, averaging 25%.

Drought affects chrysanthemum growth and yield, highlighting the need for reliable indicators of tolerance. This study evaluated 68 genetically diverse genotypes under hydroponics and pot culture using a completely randomized design to identify key physiological, biochemical and morphological traits linked to drought adaptation. Stress was imposed with 10 % polyethylene glycol (PEG) in hydroponics at the seedling stage and 60 kPa soil moisture tension in pots for 10 days at the vegetative stage based on our preliminary studies. Traits measured included chlorophyll content, carotenoids, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), canopy temperature depression (CTD), chlorophyll fluorescence, biomass and reproductive parameters. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among chlorophyll content, RWC, MSI, CTD and fluorescence, suggesting coordinated mechanisms that preserve photosynthetic efficiency and cellular stability. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified chlorophyll b, fluorescence, biomass and reproductive traits as major contributors to phenotypic variation. The first few PCs explained 71.0 % variation in hydroponic control, 75.5 % in hydroponic stress, 61.6 % in pot control and 77.9 % in pot stress, indicating context-dependent adaptive strategies. Under hydroponic stress, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, biomass, chlorophyll b and carotenoids contributed strongly to both PC1 and PC2, with Punjab Singar, Violet, Gulmohar, Garden Beauty and Shwet excelling in these traits, while Autumn Joy and Naughty White were distinguished by flowers per plant and chlorophyll a/b. In contrast, under pot stress, no trait contributed simultaneously to both PCs. Overall, chlorophyll content, RWC, MSI, CTD, chlorophyll fluorescence and reproductive traits emerged as robust indicators for breeding drought-resilient chrysanthemum cultivars.

Background: Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) (Rupr. and Maxim.) is a perennial medicinal plant widely used in traditional Eastern medicine. It is valued for its adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties, attributed to its rich content of bioactive secondary metabolites, including phenols and flavonoids. Due to increasing global demand for plant-based therapeutics and dietary supplements, the cultivation of ES has garnered significant interest. ES has traditionally been grown in forested or agricultural soils, primarily in East Asia and parts of Russia. However, nontraditional methods such as hydroponics are now being explored as sustainable alternatives for producing high-quality medicinal raw materials under controlled conditions. Assessing the phytochemical composition and environmental safety- particularly the accumulation of heavy metals (HM) and radionuclides (RN) is important to ensuring the quality and safety of raw materials used for functional foods and medicines, and must meet the norms established by the WHO. Objective: To evaluate the impact of traditional and hydroponic cultivation methods and different environmental conditions on the content of flavonoids, phenolic acids, HM (As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Sn), and gross β-radioactivity in the plant raw materials of ES. Methods: The experiments were conducted in two radioecological zones of Armenia: in the Institute of Hydroponics Problems (IHP) in Ararat Valley and the Dilijan Forest Experimental Station (DFES), located 30 km and 90 km from the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP), respectively. Phenolic compounds were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), gross β-radioactivity was measured with a UMF-1500 radiometer, and HM concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: ES grown in Ararat Valley (hydroponically and in soil) had 1.8 and 2.7 times higher chlorogenic acid and rutin content, respectively, compared to DFES soil-grown plants. However, the level of ferulic acid was lower in hydroponic plants - 1.1 times and in soil-grown (IHP) plants - 1.3 times, compared to DFES. Quercetin content remained relatively unchanged regardless of cultivation methods and agroecological conditions. Among the HM we have studied, the most toxic from a health perspective are Pb, As, and Cd. However, Cu and Zn are essential bio metals and are incorporated into the hydroponic nutrient solution recommended by Davtyan. The content of HM in plants grown hydroponically was arranged in the following descending order: Zn>Cu>Pb>Sn>As>Cd; in plants grown in IHP soil: Cu>Zn>Pb>As>Sn>Cd, and in plants grown in DFES soil: Cu>Pb>Zn>As>Sn>Cd. HM levels in IHP soil-grown plants were 1.7 times higher than those in DFES, while hydroponic cultivation reduced HM accumulation by 1.1 times. Zn content in hydroponic plants was 1.7 times higher than in IHP soil-grown plants and 7.2 times higher than in DFES soil-grown plants. HM concentrations meet the WHO norm. The various parts of the ES form the following descending order according to the level of the gross β-radioactivity: fruit > leaf > stem > root, with all values below the WHO safety threshold (< 1.0 Bq g-1), confirming radioecological safety of the obtained plant raw material. Novelty: For the first time in Armenia, the accumulation of HM in ES plant raw material grown in hydroponic and soil conditions in various radioecological zones was investigated. Conclusion: Regardless of cultivation method or environmental conditions, ES leaves meet WHO safety standards for HM content and gross β-radioactivity, confirming their suitability as an ingredient in functional foods and dietary supplements. Keywords: hydroponics, soil, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, heavy metals, gross β-radioactivity, radioecological safety.

Purpose: This community service program was implemented at the Larangan Mega Asri, Sidoarjo with the aim of increasing the economic independence of residents through three main approaches, hilirization of dried nori mustard greens products, hydroponic management training, and social media digitalization training. Method: Method is designed with a participatory approach that actively involves partners from the planning, implementation, to evaluation stages. Practical Applications: The results of the activity show that the community has acquired new skills in processing mustard derivative products, is able to manage the hydroponic system independently, and is more adaptive to the use of social media as a marketing tool. This program is a positive first step in terms of increasing productivity, business diversification, and strengthening the digital marketing network of Larangan Mega Asri. Conclusion: The combination of product hilirization, strengthening hydroponic cultivation, and marketing digitalization has created a synergy that encourages the community-based creative economic ecosystem.

This community service program was implemented to empower the Srikandi Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Karangmalang Village, Mijen District, Semarang City, by increasing their capacity to produce and market organic vegetables. This activity aims to strengthen the technical capabilities of group members in organic hydroponic cultivation and expand market access through the application of digital marketing. The implementation methods include preparation, training and practice in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic cultivation, social media-based digital marketing training, as well as evaluation and ongoing assistance. The results of the activity showed a 70.6% increase in participants' competence, with the main indicators of success being the ability to assemble hydroponic installations, manage production independently, and market products digitally under the “Srikandi Fresh” brand. In addition to increasing productivity and economic value, this activity also fostered new awareness of sustainable agriculture, strengthened group solidarity, and gave rise to local leadership that is adaptive to modern agricultural technology. This activity has positive implications for strengthening the role of women in local food security based on organic agriculture and the digital economy.

Accumulation and translocation of antibiotic resistance genes in plants cultivated in hydroponic systems with nitrified biogas slurry.

Expanding application of struvite as fertilizer in hydroponic cultivation by providing accumulative nutrients supply

Hydroponic and aeroponic cultivation of lettuce in urban green roof systems using either nutrient solution or greywater

Use of nutrient solution and greywater for aeroponic and hydroponic cultivation of chicory grown on lightweight urban green roof

Lanthanum nanoparticles-loaded polyurethane foam sponge for phosphorus recovery from water and subsequent hydroponic cultivation

This community service program aims to enhance the capacity and self-reliance of the Seruni Women Farmer Group (KWT Seruni) in supporting food security through training on urban farming and hydroponic cultivation, implemented using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. The program engaged lecturers, students, and group members in stages of socialization, training, technology implementation, mentoring, and sustainability planning. Evaluation results indicated a 12% improvement in participants’ understanding based on pre-test and post-test scores, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in strengthening technical competence. Technological implementation, including the construction of a seed house and the use of pH and TDS meters, resulted in 1,500 high-quality seedlings and a hydroponic pakcoy harvest of 18.4 kg. Participants successfully applied practical skills independently, particularly in nutrient management and the cultivation of economically valuable crops. The program also fostered an internal training system for new members and generated socio-economic benefits, such as increased household income and strengthened women’s roles in agriculture. Overall, this activity aligns with SDGs 1, 2, 5, and 12.

KWT Tirto Mekar Tani uses conventional hydroponic and gallon-based vegetable cultivation methods and still uses synthetic fertilizers, which have long-term negative health impacts. Furthermore, inconsistent maintenance and limited knowledge of garden management result in limited yields, making it impossible to market more widely. Vertical vegetable cultivation using a wall planter and organic fertilizers is more effective and efficient, increasing yields, improving health, and contributing to environmental improvement. Therefore, to increase production and marketing results of organic vegetable cultivation products, community service activities include outreach, training, technology application, mentoring, and evaluation, leading to program sustainability. Human resource management training is conducted to increase business motivation, while production training covers cultivation, product processing, organic fertilizer processing, and packaging creation using Canva online. Questionnaires were administered before and after the training, which were tested on a sample of the KWT member population. The training showed an increase in the percentage of knowledge of KWT members, namely management training (6.19%; N=11), training in cultivation, processing of organic products and fertilizer (10.09%; N=16), and training in packaging design (4.3%; N=15).