Increasing Water Productivity using soilless production systems (Hydroponics) Ahmed Moustafa CEO Consultant, PA & Hydroponics

Asia (exclude ME) 3,947.6 Middle East & North Africa 1,397 Europe 10,685.7 North America 16,557.8 Central America and Carrabin 6,653.4 Sub-Sahara Africa 6,956.6 Oceanic 52,673.8 South America 44,816.4 Renewable water resources per capita (m 3 /person/year)

الزراعة بدون تربة Soilless Culture Techniques for growing plants in different media but not soil using nutrient solutions to supply plant with required water and nutrients. Plant directly in nutrient solution Plant in inert median (sand, gravel, perlite, rock wool etc..) or organic media (peat moss, coco peat, etc…) Types of Hydroponics 1. Open system 2. Closed system

Nutrient Solution Open System

Closed System Nutrient Solution Growing media

Increased yield per unit of water, space and energy

Before

After

After Before

After

Cucumber & Pepper Water Productivity (kg/m3) under Soil & Soilless Production Systems Hamranieh ARS - Dec 2009

Average cucumber yield & water productivity in soil and soilless production system in pilot growers farms 19 Greenhouse in UAE during MEW Dec 2010

Weekly production Of Cucumber In Soil, Sand Bags, and Hydroponics (close system) Weekly production Of Cucumber In Soil, Sand Bags, and Hydroponics (close system)

Provide a high water use efficiency;Provide a high water use efficiency; Shorter cropping cycle allows for more crops within the season;Shorter cropping cycle allows for more crops within the season; Top quality crops grown out of the depleted or contaminated soil;Top quality crops grown out of the depleted or contaminated soil; Increased production per unit area, water and energy.Increased production per unit area, water and energy. Reduction in labor requirement by more than 50%;Reduction in labor requirement by more than 50%; Increased job satisfaction among workers;Increased job satisfaction among workers; Better control of water and nutrients;Better control of water and nutrients; Elimination of the costly operations such as sterilization, soil cultivation, base fertilizers and weed control.Elimination of the costly operations such as sterilization, soil cultivation, base fertilizers and weed control. Advantages of soilless culture (Hydroponics)

Hydroponics in Open Field for lettuce production Central Control Room for Hydroponics Systems

Study new materials to enhance the production system at SAIC

On the Jon Training at SAIC

Disadvantages of Soilless Culture 1.High capital investment 2.Requires good trained Management

شــــــكرا