Tainan Agricultural Station Develops 'Medium Soilless Cultivation' Technology to Combat Extreme Climate

In response to escalating global climate change and its associated extreme weather events, the Tainan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station has pioneered a "medium soilless cultivation system" (SCS). This innovative technology features a nutrient solution circulation design with zero emissions, aiming to enhance the resilience of facility-grown vegetables against challenges like high temperatures and drought.

Initial trials using cucumbers have demonstrated remarkable efficiency gains. The SCS system requires less irrigation to achieve the same yield as traditional soil farming, improving water use efficiency by approximately 6%. Furthermore, the circulation of nutrient solutions significantly boosts fertilizer absorption, leading to a nearly 40% increase in nitrogen fertilizer efficiency. This not only minimizes fertilizer waste but also reduces nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, contributing to both production efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The Tainan station highlights that the SCS system's benefits extend beyond resource conservation. By reducing water and fertilizer inputs, it lessens the environmental burden associated with nutrient runoff. The system also enhances the stability of vegetable production in controlled environments. Even when facing adverse conditions, such as the high-temperature challenges experienced in the spring of 2026, the system maintained stable production, showcasing its robust resistance to environmental stress. This development is seen as crucial for adapting agriculture to a changing climate and advancing sustainable farming practices.