Diego Appicciutoli, a researcher from the Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences at the Università Politecnica delle Marche in Italy, has conducted a comprehensive bibliometric review of emerging trends in soilless farming, published in Horticulturae. The study, which analyzed 256 articles, reveals a strong link between soilless farming and digitalization, sustainable food production, and biofortification. The research highlights the potential of soilless farming to revolutionize urban agriculture, offering a theoretical tool to implement these systems in sustainable cities.
Soilless farming, which includes hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics, is gaining traction as a solution to the agricultural sector’s challenges, such as resource depletion and climate change. By 2050, the global population is projected to reach over 9 billion, requiring a 70% increase in food production. Soilless farming offers a promising avenue to meet this demand while promoting sustainability. “The symbiosis between urban and soilless cultivation presents a promising area for further investigation, potentially contributing to the development of a sustainable and innovative agricultural model,” Appicciutoli stated.
The study underscores the importance of digitalization in soilless farming, emphasizing the need for real-world case studies and comprehensive economic feasibility studies. However, the research also identifies a significant gap: the lack of studies on the economic feasibility of soilless farming technologies. This gap is crucial for scaling up these farms and integrating them into the global food supply chain. “Future research should explore companies’ scenarios, with a particular focus on the need for comprehensive economic feasibility studies that assess the cost-effectiveness and scalability of soilless farming technologies,” Appicciutoli explained.
The energy sector plays a pivotal role in the future of soilless farming. High energy consumption is a significant barrier to the widespread implementation of these technologies. The study highlights the need for further research on energy consumption and the development of renewable energy solutions to make soilless farming more sustainable and cost-effective. “Given that energy is a primary concern for soilless farming, as highlighted in the literature, new research should focus on whether energy consumption continues to be a significant barrier to the widespread implementation of this technique,” Appicciutoli noted.
The study also emphasizes the importance of consumer behavior and attitudes toward soilless-produced vegetables, which are still not deeply investigated. Understanding consumer preferences and attitudes will be crucial for the successful implementation of soilless farming technologies. Policymakers should concentrate on allocating specific funds to encourage the adoption of soilless farming, especially in urban areas. This will facilitate easier access to funding and ensure the establishment of reasonable certification processes, which are essential for the widespread adoption and integration of these technologies.
The findings of this study, published in Horticulturae, provide valuable insights into the development and current trends in soilless cultivation. The research offers a comprehensive analysis of the soilless farming research landscape, highlighting the potential of these technologies to revolutionize the agricultural sector and contribute to sustainable food production. As the global population continues to grow, soilless farming could play a crucial role in ensuring food security and sustainability. The study’s findings could shape future developments in the field, paving the way for large-scale industrial applications and establishing soilless farming as a major contributor to the food industry.