Greenhouse cultivation of Serrano Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum): Dry Hydroponics

Resumen

Objective: To produce Serrano peppers using a new cultivation technique that mixes the best of hydroponic cultivation and traditional cultivation.

Design/methodology/approach: We set up a growing system where the Serrano pepper grew from seedling to its full-fledged state, in a growbag containing sand (as support material), potassium polyacrylate (as water retention material), and a nutrient solution for vegetable gardens, under greenhouse conditions. The humidity level of the growbag is controlled by adding as much water with nutrient solution as needed. This technique has generated 100% harvestable plants (total: 20 plants); more than 90% of the water can be saved in comparison to regular and hydroponic cultivation.

Results: Once the harvest began, at least 22.857 kg of Serrano pepper were obtained in 3 m² of soil in a system with a pyramidal structure in which the 20 plants were placed. If we extrapolated this data, approximately 93,000 kg of Serrano pepper could be harvested from a 1 ha system.

Study Limitations/implications: This technique tries to tackle the water access limitations that may exist in some areas of Mexico. However, it does not mitigate the initial costs of a greenhouse system. Nevertheless, this technique can be reused up to 10 times without requiring maintenance.

Findings/conclusions: Experience has shown that hydroponic crops are truly profitable, despite their vast water requirements, which is precisely what prevents their global expansion. However, our modification of this method saves more than 90% of the water, using potassium polyacrylate as a retention agent and sand as a support material. Therefore, this technique could be implemented even in places where water is scarce