Aeroponics – a superior farming method that helps control agricultural product quality

Aeroponics is a technique of growing plants in the air and spraying nutrients to nourish the plants in the form of mist. This advanced technology is being tested by the Center for Information, Statistics, and Application of Science and Technology (Department of Science and Technology) and has initially brought high efficiency in high-tech agricultural production.

Application of aeroponic technology to grow small-fruit tomatoes at the Center for Information, Statistics, Application of Science and Technology

In 2022, the Center for Information, Statistics and Application of Science and Technology will apply aeroponic technology to quickly propagate and grow Gynostemma pentaphyllum. The center will build aeroponic tanks and an automatic misting irrigation system. In an area of 400m2 of greenhouse, the unit will divide it into 2 areas: a breeding area and an area for nurturing mature plants. Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a climbing plant that can be propagated vegetatively through the stem of a mature plant. The unit will select healthy stems of suitable age to cut off the stems and put them into the aeroponic tank for propagation. All nutrients are pre-mixed in tanks and connected to an automatic irrigation system. Periodically, the system will spray mist from the bottom up to wet the lower part of the stem. After about 10 - 15 days, roots will grow from the lower part of the stem, then new leaves will appear. The results of propagation at the center show that propagating Gynostemma pentaphyllum by aeroponic technology has a survival rate of over 95%, shortening the time to form seedlings by 3-5 days compared to propagation by cuttings... Up to now, after 2 years, Gynostemma pentaphyllum grown in the center's aeroponic tanks has grown and developed well, giving stable productivity all year round.

Based on the results from the application of aeroponic technology in the propagation and cultivation of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, in 2023, the Center will continue to apply aeroponic technology to grow small-fruited tomatoes with 3 selected tomato varieties: Paraso, Golden Chery, Thuy Hong. After 25 days of sowing seeds, the unit selects healthy plants that meet quality standards to plant in aeroponic tanks. After 10-30 days of planting, the survival rate of plants reaches over 93.5%, after 60 days of planting, 100% of the plants have flower buds, the fruit set rate is about 60%, of which the 2 varieties Paraso and Golden Chery have a faster growth rate, stronger plants and more flower buds, the fruit set rate is also higher than the Thuy Hong variety. Currently, the areas of small-fruited tomatoes grown using the aeroponic method at the center are all being harvested with an estimated yield of 150-200kg. The fruit meets quality criteria such as: color, sweetness and especially safety.

When grown in aeroponic tanks with water and nutrients strictly controlled, ensuring quality and safety, the plants grow and develop better, with a higher survival rate than traditional soil cultivation methods. In addition, aeroponic tomatoes are less susceptible to pests and diseases, so chemicals are not needed for prevention. Engineer Do Van Duong, Center for Information, Statistics, and Application of Science and Technology, said: All nutrients used to irrigate the plants have been tested and evaluated for safety. Irrigation by misting helps save water and nutrients, contributing to reducing input costs. In the process of growing small-fruited tomatoes from seeding to now, we have not had to use any chemicals to prevent pests and diseases. This is an outstanding advantage of the aeroponic cultivation method in greenhouses when the basic temperature and nutritional conditions are guaranteed. The plants are healthy, grow well and produce higher yields than traditional soil cultivation.

After 2 years of applying aeroponic technology in farming, it has been shown that this is an advanced technology, suitable for application in agricultural production. Unlike geoponics or hydroponics, the entire crop, including the roots in aeroponic technology, is completely ventilated, the plant absorbs nutrients through mist irrigation and synthesizes from sunlight. The irrigation solution is controlled for nutrition, safety, and cleanliness, so the plant is healthy, has a high survival rate, and is free of pathogens. This technique brings safe, high-quality agricultural products. It is also the development trend of agricultural production in the present and the future.

Comrade Nguyen Hai Ninh, Deputy Director of the Center for Information, Statistics, Application of Science and Technology, shared: Aeroponics technology is a new, advanced farming technology that brings clear results. Gynostemma pentaphyllum and small-fruited tomatoes are both agricultural products used directly as food or medicine, so they require a high level of safety to ensure the health of users. Currently, there is a need to use clean, safe agricultural products according to strict technical standards and regulations to control input and output of products. While controlling soil and water quality in geoponics is still facing many difficulties because many places have contaminated soil and water sources, aeroponics technology will be the optimal choice. Although it requires a large initial investment and requires technical knowledge to operate the aeroponic system effectively, this will be a growing farming method in the near future. If you know how to combine aeroponics, hydroponics and geoponics properly, it will bring high efficiency in farming, providing clean, safe and quality products.

Mai Nhung

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