In the face of rapid urbanization and climate change, traditional farming systems are under siege. Enter soilless farming (SLF), a innovative approach that’s gaining traction as a complementary method to boost horticultural resilience. A recent study led by Imran Ali Lakhiar from the Research Center of Fluid Machinery Engineering and Technology at Jiangsu University, published in *Horticulturae* (which translates to “Horticulture” in English), sheds light on the opportunities and challenges of SLF, offering a glimpse into the future of urban and peri-urban agriculture.
SLF decouples crop cultivation from soil, enabling precise control over nutrient delivery and water use. This precision is particularly advantageous in enclosed environments like vertical farms, greenhouses, and container-based units. “By decoupling crop cultivation from soil, SLF enables precise control over nutrient delivery and water use,” Lakhiar explains. This control translates to significant water conservation, increased yield per unit area, and adaptability to non-arable or degraded land—making SLF particularly relevant for high-density cities, arid zones, and climate-sensitive regions.
The study categorizes SLF systems into substrate-based (e.g., coco peat and rock wool) and water-based systems (e.g., hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics), each with distinct design requirements, nutrient management strategies, and crop compatibility. Emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and automation—further enhance SLF system efficiency through real-time data monitoring and precision control.
However, challenges remain. High setup costs, energy demands, and the need for technical expertise continue to limit large-scale adoption. “While SLF is not a replacement for traditional agriculture, it offers a strategic supplement to bolster localized food systems and address climate-related risks in horticultural production,” Lakhiar notes.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are substantial. As SLF systems become more prevalent, the demand for energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources is expected to rise. This could spur innovation in energy storage, solar power, and other renewable technologies, creating new opportunities for energy providers and tech companies alike.
Moreover, the integration of SLF into urban and peri-urban settings could revolutionize food production in cities. By bringing food production closer to consumers, SLF can reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation, further enhancing its appeal in the context of climate-smart agriculture.
As urban horticulture becomes an integral element of sustainable urban development, SLF is poised to play a pivotal role. The study emphasizes the need to embed SLF within broader resilience strategies, tailored to specific socioeconomic and environmental contexts. This approach could not only enhance food security but also contribute to the circular economy by promoting efficient resource use and waste reduction.
In the coming years, we can expect to see SLF technologies become more sophisticated and cost-effective, driven by advancements in AI, IoT, and automation. As these technologies mature, they could unlock new possibilities for urban farming, making it a viable and sustainable option for cities worldwide. The research by Lakhiar and his team provides a roadmap for this transition, highlighting the potential of SLF to transform horticultural production in the face of climate change and urbanization.