TECHNOLOGICAL CRITERIA FOR CULTIVATING MEDICINAL PLANTS IN HYDROPONIC AND AEROPONIC SYSTEMS
Keywords:
Hydroponics; Aeroponics; Medicinal plants; Technological criteria; Nutrient management; Biomass accumulation; Secondary metabolites; Controlled environment agriculture; Water use efficiency; System optimizationAbstract
Hydroponic and aeroponic systems have emerged as advanced technologies in modern agriculture, enabling year-round cultivation, optimized resource use, and high-quality yields of medicinal plants. These soilless systems allow precise control over nutrient delivery, water efficiency, environmental parameters, and plant physiological conditions, which is critical for maximizing biomass and bioactive compound production. This study examines the technological criteria for successful cultivation of medicinal plants in hydroponic and aeroponic systems, including nutrient solution composition, pH and electrical conductivity regulation, root zone aeration, temperature, humidity, light intensity, and system design. Species such as Mentha piperita, Ocimum basilicum, Lavandula angustifolia, and Rosmarinus officinalis were analyzed for their responses in terms of biomass accumulation, secondary metabolite production, and overall growth performance. The research identifies key technological challenges and presents integrative solutions to enhance plant growth, water and nutrient efficiency, and essential oil yield. Implementation of these criteria supports sustainable, high-efficiency, and scalable medicinal plant production under controlled environment agriculture
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