Microgreens have emerged as a sustainable and nutrient-dense food source, offering a viable solution to food insecurity, especially in urban environments. This chapter includes both soil-based and soilless cultivation methods, evaluating their benefits, challenges, and advancements. Soil-based cultivation remains a traditional and widely used approach, benefiting from natural microbial interactions and compost, as well as biochar are examples of organic additions that improve soil health and accessibility to nutrients. However, issues like soilborne diseases and inconsistent nutrient supply necessitate improved management strategies. On the other hand, soilless systems—hydroponics, aeroponics, and bioponics—enable precise nutrient control, rapid growth, and higher space efficiency, making them ideal for urban and resource-limited settings. Recent innovations, including biofortification, Internet of Things—controlled lighting, seed nanopriming, and organic bioponic systems, have further improved crop quality, yield, and sustainability. Despite challenges such as nutrient optimization and economic feasibility, integrating technological advancements with sustainable cultivation practices can enhance microgreen production. This study highlights the potential of both approaches in promoting food security, sustainability, and ecological balance, emphasizing the need for further research to refine these techniques for long-term agricultural resilience.

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Advancements in Microgreen Cultivation: Soil-Based and Soilless Cultivation

  • Manisha Negi,
  • Saurabh Sharma

摘要

Microgreens have emerged as a sustainable and nutrient-dense food source, offering a viable solution to food insecurity, especially in urban environments. This chapter includes both soil-based and soilless cultivation methods, evaluating their benefits, challenges, and advancements. Soil-based cultivation remains a traditional and widely used approach, benefiting from natural microbial interactions and compost, as well as biochar are examples of organic additions that improve soil health and accessibility to nutrients. However, issues like soilborne diseases and inconsistent nutrient supply necessitate improved management strategies. On the other hand, soilless systems—hydroponics, aeroponics, and bioponics—enable precise nutrient control, rapid growth, and higher space efficiency, making them ideal for urban and resource-limited settings. Recent innovations, including biofortification, Internet of Things—controlled lighting, seed nanopriming, and organic bioponic systems, have further improved crop quality, yield, and sustainability. Despite challenges such as nutrient optimization and economic feasibility, integrating technological advancements with sustainable cultivation practices can enhance microgreen production. This study highlights the potential of both approaches in promoting food security, sustainability, and ecological balance, emphasizing the need for further research to refine these techniques for long-term agricultural resilience.