REVIEW OF PLANT SUBSTRATES FOR GREENHOUSE CULTIVATION IN ARID AND SALINE AREAS

摘要

Greenhouse cultivation systems are described in general terms. These include peat-based growing media and a range of hydroponic growing systems such as perlite, rockwool and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). Development of these has principally been forEuropean growers where water is relatively pure compared to many arid areas of the world. Use of such techniques in saline regions where investment in technology, on which such substrates often depend, is increasing despite the conflict between use of excess irrigation to counter the effects of salinity with a general shortage of water in hot climates. Substrates based on PEO-hydrogels are described and their suitability for use under saline conditions considered. The importance of rhizosphere biology for crop/substrate interactions is discussed.