Hydroponics would be able to enhance the cultivation of blueberries, according to studies
Hydroponics is a cultivation method that has been under scientific investigation for years. Some sources affirm that it is the best tool for harvesting food, while other specialized opinions highlight its faculties without assuming that this is the path that the current agronomic industry should follow.
In this sense, a recent study, carried out by commercial houses that provide substrates, suggests that from hydroponics the production of blueberries could benefit up to 50%. In other words, the yield of the crops would be double compared to plantations made on the ground, according to the research published by the Spanish media.
The analysis, carried out over three years in several blue berry plantations in areas that were not specified, showed that with this system the "super fruit", as it is known, obtains a higher yield at the rate of kilos per hectare. The sample showed that in the first year it was possible to increase up to 15.000 kg/ha, compared to the 10.000 kg/ha that were generated in a soil harvest during the same 12 months.
Along the same lines, the study revealed that, during the second and third year of cultivation, the yields continued to grow, reaching up to 20.000 kg/ha more, numbers that contrast with the 18.000 kg/ha achieved in soils during the same range. of time.
Part of the document is quoted, and states that "the growth of production, during the first year, allows the farmer to take advantage of the fruit because a greater amount of harvest would be generated, and with this he can enter the market. To this is added the advance in the date of entry, which would translate into a greater profitability of its exploitation ”, reads the text.
On the other hand, the researchers affirm that the frequency of irrigation is one of the factors that make hydroponics a "successful" technique. "Of course, the regularity of irrigation will depend on the conditions and the system used, as well as the climate, the type of water used and the existing conductivity," highlights another part of the research.
The specialists who were part of the inspection and survey also mention the pH of the substrate, fertilization and the use of anti-weed discs, which they consider very important in areas where there is a large amount of rainfall.
Hydroponics is a topic that continues to generate studies and results of interest to the agricultural industry, especially for the production of blueberries. That is why it is necessary to review all the novelties that are being presented in this matter. For this reason, the Dr. Maria del Carmen Salas used the platform of the XIII edition of international seminars organized by Blueberries Consulting as a showcase to expose on this matter.
was this 30th of October, in the facilities of Hotel Melia Avenida America in the city of Madrid, Spain, where the Spanish specialist spoke about the current situation of hydroponic blueberry production and what are the challenges facing the industry.
Likewise, the agronomist engineer discussed the key aspects of managing this technique, while addressing the criteria to be considered, the monitoring and subsequent control of the berries that grow from hydroponics to respond to the concerns that are generated among the Attendees to the event.
Hydroponics vs growing in soils
Some scientists have made claims in favor of hydroponics over the years. They state that this method of the agricultural industry presents greater advantages in comparison to harvesting in soils.
One of the first benefits of hydroponics has to do, according to experts, with the fact that it allows the amount of harvest to be increased, which allows the producer commercialize large quantities of the fruit in its first year of cultivation.
Experts recommend the implementation of hydroponic techniques in areas where the soils can be very heavy or have a certain deficit in the substrates, because this technique provides aeration capacity that favors the correct growth of the roots of the plants.
In this sense, there are already hydroponic containers specially designed for the cultivation of blueberries. These are intended to improve the yield of the berries by preventing excess moisture and facilitating perfect drainage.
From the Latin American perspective, Mexico is one of the countries that has placed the most emphasis on the implementation of hydroponic techniques for the harvest of various products, including blueberries, a fruit that has given a tremendous boost to the national fruit and vegetable industry.
Some official data from the National Association of Berry Exporters (ANEBERRIES) suggest that the Aztec nation is the seventh nation in the world with the largest installed area of greenhouses, and the second internationally to use hydroponics in its agricultural practices. .
Part of the justification for the use of hydroponics in Mexico has to do with the fact that, according to scientific sources, it responds to a need for sustainability, it is ecological, and it does not harm the health of those who directly intervene in the crops.
Likewise, it highlights the fact that it does not need soils per se, but it does need a controlled and suitable climate, temperature and humidity so that the harvest process is not altered and occurs in the best possible way.
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