Potato production in aeroponics: An emerging food growing system in sustainable agriculture forfood security

TLDR

Potato yields vary widely worldwide, with an average of 17.4 t ha⁻¹, and are constrained by soil fertility, disease, water quality, and pests, making the crop a critical cash and dietary staple. The review aims to assess aeroponics as a modern cultivation technique to enhance potato quality and yield, especially in developing countries. Aeroponics grows potatoes in a soilless system where roots hang in air and receive nutrients via atomized spray, replacing soil with foam or plastic stents. The review concludes that aeroponics holds promise for boosting potato production in developing countries, provided careful implementation.

Abstract

The global average potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production is 17.4 t ha-1. Even using the same potato varieties, there is a large gap between higher yields and lower yields among countries. Potatoes are a cash crop and a significant part of the global diet. Therefore, low soil fertility, soil-borne diseases, poor water quality, and pests seriously affect potato production in developing countries. To improve potato quality and production, it is necessary for the modern world to improve its potato cultivation techniques. Aeroponics cultivation is an alternative technology of soilless culture for effectively adapting to areas of the world where soil and water are in critical condition. In aeroponic systems, plant roots are suspended in the open air under controlled circumstances to replace the soil with artificially provided foam or plastic stents. Moreover, the nutrient solution is spread through atomization nozzles. This review provides insights into the potential use of aeroponics in complementing potato production in developing countries. Moreover, in most developing countries, this technology should be adopted after deliberate consideration to increase potato production.