Production of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under different soilless cultures

Abstract The main aim of this paper was to investigate the possibility growing basil under three soilless systems (aeroponic, hydroponic and peatmoss slab systems). A model developed predict nutrients consumption by plants. Shoot root height, fresh dry mass whole plant, uptake, oil content were studied during growth period (after 4 7 weeks from transplanting). results indicated that shoot lengths plants 71.67 ± 2.89, 65.67 1.15 62.33 2.31 cm at end for aeroponic, slabs, respectively. highest value height 37.67 6.66 aeroponic system. ranged 28.48 0.91 44.77 0.97 72.98 0.83 117.93 1.40 g plant ?1 after transplanting, values N, P, K, Ca Mg uptakes 753.99 5.65, 224.88 3.05, 449.75 4.59, 529.12 6.63 112.44 1.67 mg experimental period, 1.129 (1.11%) 2.520 (1.80%) 2.664 (1.42%) 6.318 (1.44%) respectively same pervious order. production costs 2.93, 5.27 6.24 EGP kg plant. in a reasonable agreement with ones.