Agricultural engineer Ismail Duman, who started soilless farming in a greenhouse he built in the mountainous region of Bursa, is achieving more efficient results despite the infertile soil and harsh climate. Inspired by Duman, who has been experimenting with soilless farming for the past two years, other producers are now building hydroponic greenhouses, creating a source of income in regions unsuitable for traditional agriculture.
Duman, working in the rural Keles district of Bursa, is harvesting with a 50% increase in yield by planting his produce in pots. Although the soil in the mountainous parts of Keles is heavy and infertile, the cocopeat mix prevents soil-borne diseases. He notes that while soilless farming saves space, the plants in pots last longer, and high-added value is achieved on small plots.
Duman commented on their success with soilless agriculture: "We have tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, and melons, which we planted in our greenhouse for the first time this year. We are conducting many experiments. It may be small now, but we plan to expand in the coming days. Soilless agriculture is very different from traditional greenhouse farming. Productivity can increase up to four times. Our expectation here is to harvest at least twice as much produce. We have no problems with soil-borne pathogens and diseases. Although other greenhouses have had to use chemicals three times this season, we have not used any. Our labor and fertilizer costs are going down. While other greenhouses struggle with wild weeds, we don't have this problem. In this properly built greenhouse, conditions are ideal for both workers and plants. We also use drip irrigation, which allows us to supply nutrients to our plants very easily."
Emphasizing that the region they live in is not suitable for traditional agriculture, Duman said: "We are in a mountainous region with challenging conditions. When I came here from Antalya three years ago, nobody thought of growing tomatoes. Once they got used to the greenhouse conditions and the necessary nutrition, the locals believed they could do it. We have both advantages and disadvantages, but under these conditions, we produce the best product possible. The first year I came, we produced in a traditional greenhouse. Last year we started experimenting with soilless farming. It was even smaller than the current area. As we continued this year, the villagers had the opportunity to see our success. When they saw the higher efficiency, they wanted to learn. Probably 2-3 of the growers in the region will start soilless farming next year. I am from Antalya, I was born and raised in this business, and I enjoy it very much. I aim to show the people here that production in a hydroponic greenhouse is feasible. We try to help other growers as much as we can. If first-time growers start with an area of 250 to 500 square meters, they can make five times more profit than they do now. This area is not suitable for traditional farming anyway, so it will be a source of income for them. We are planning to expand our greenhouse even further next year."
Source: Sanayi Gazetesi