Development of Soilless Culture for Crop Production in Thailand

Abstract

     In Thailand and many other countries alike, hygienic crops are in great demand especially among the growing number of tourists and health conscious people. Considering the problem of arable land shortage, soilless culture or hydroponics is a promising alternative crop production system. The objective of this research was to identify appropriate soilless culture systems for cash crops, like temperate lettuce and herbs that are normally imported, and for some other popular local crops. The research procedure consisted of two main steps: 1) collection of data from His Majesty the King's projects for agricultural development in Thailand; 2) documentary reviews from seminar sessions in Thailand, Taiwan, Swaziland and the Maldives, and focus group discussions with experts. Data were collected by quantitative methods and analyzed by both quantitative and qualitative methods. The research revealed that: 1) soilless culture systems for crop production used in Thailand were: dynamic root floating techniques (DRFT), nutrient film techniques (NFT), substrate culture, deep flow techniques (DFT), and aeroponics; and 2) DRFT, NFT and DFT were appropriate for vegetable production, but substrate culture was appropriate for fruit vegetables. Thailand is a tropical country, but by using hydroponic technology, good quality and hygienic temperate vegetables and other crops can be produced. At present, people can buy temperate lettuce at a much cheaper price because local supply can replace imported products. Such endeavors could also be undertaken by many other countries with limited arable land and water resources in Oceania and Africa for example.