Bioponics—An Organic Closed-Loop Soilless Cultivation System: Yields and Characteristics Compared to Hydroponics and Soil Cultivation

Sustainable food production has become increasingly important. Soilless cultivation systems offer several advantages, such as water and nutrient use efficiency, can be implemented where traditional agriculture is impossible. Bioponic locally or regionally available sources from organic waste streams (either fluid solid) thus contribute to closing cycles locally. Bioponics harnesses the metabolic processes of microorganisms which release nutrients matter. This study aimed set up a bioponic system, by using biogas digestate concentrate biochar sources, promoting including biofilter in system. The development quality, plant growth, quality was monitored extensively. In addition, influence either fungal biocontrol agent Trichoderma atrobrunneum UV-C treatment solution on health growth investigated. Three with Lactuca sativa (“HAWKING” Salanova®) (BP), hydroponic (HP), soil (SO) were performed. showed that healthy lettuces could produced BP systems, despite salt accumulation solution. sap analyses, cultivated contained less nitrate but more ammonium chloride. yield grown intermediate, compared HP SO. fungus, T. atrobrunneum, strain, T720, survived soilless systems. Compared SO shoot height application Trichoderma, significantly increased. application, higher chlorophyll flavonoid content, lower observed. fresh weight lettuce roots treatment. Cultivating plants requires commitment experience producers. within system externally, increase levels) help rapidly convert ammonium-rich fertilizer plant-available nutrients. Unlike conventional are released slowly over time, requiring close monitoring adjustments. conclusion, for human consumption used some beneficial growth.