Soilless cultivation is a modern agricultural technique that involves growing plants in nutrient-rich solutions instead of traditional soil. This method offers numerous benefits, including higher yields, faster maturation, water conservation, reduced disease occurrence, and the production of high-quality, pesticide-free vegetables. According to experimental data, the cost of producing 1 kilogram of vegetables using nutrient solutions is just a few cents. Urban residents can also grow fresh, leafy vegetables on rooftops or small spaces, making it a simple and effective solution for modern gardening. Below are some innovative techniques for soilless cultivation of different vegetables, offering new opportunities for growers.
(1) One such technique for leeks involves using deep pots or wooden troughs, about 18–20 cm in depth, filled with 1–2 cm of sand at the bottom to prevent root colonization. Healthy leek roots that have been grown in open fields for over two years are selected, with old roots and leaves trimmed, leaving only the shortened stalks. These are then placed into the pots, spaced about 33 cm apart. Once new roots develop, a nutrient solution is applied. In general, this is done once a day, but during spring, summer, and autumn, it can be done every 1–2 days, and every 3–5 days in winter. It’s best to apply the solution in the afternoon when there is no rain. More frequent watering is needed for yellowing leaves, while less is required for blackened ones. The nutrient formula includes 15 grams of urea, 2.25 grams of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and 15 kg of water, which can cover an area of 1.5 square meters.
(2) Another technique for cucumbers avoids slowing down seedlings and uses vertical supports to promote growth, shortening the cultivation period and increasing the number of fruits. After transplanting, only one main vine and 1–2 side vines are kept, while the rest are removed. At the top of the plant, 5–6 leaves are left before topping. Cucumbers grown without soil are less prone to diseases and can be planted continuously. During peak seasons, seedlings can be introduced, and when the plant enters its fruiting phase, older ones can be removed. Additionally, maintaining healthy cucumber seedlings in sand basins ensures a continuous supply, doubling the yield and boosting profits.
(3) For watermelons, soilless cultivation can shorten the maturity period by 15–20 days, increase yield, improve quality, and boost economic returns. A 30 cm diameter and 45 cm tall pot or plastic bag is used, with 15 cm of pebbles at the bottom and 80–90% clean river sand above. Watermelon seeds are sown in river sand, with 1–2 seeds per pot, and only the strongest seedling is kept. Alternatively, seedlings can be raised in a nutrient bag and then transplanted into the sand. Nutrient solution is applied starting from the transplanting stage, with each plant receiving 200–500 g. The amount increases as the plant grows, and during hot, sunny days, an additional application can be made at noon. Each plant should retain one main vine or one side vine with 1–2 melons. Before the melon, 7–8 leaves are left for topping. Other management practices are similar to traditional methods. The nutrient formula includes 15 g urea, 5–10 g calcium nitrate, 3.5–4 g potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 1.8 g potassium nitrate, 0.35–0.4 g ferric chloride, 5.6 g borax, and 1.5 g each of manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, and zinc sulfate. The pH of the solution should be between 5.5 and 6.
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