Preliminary results on fig soil-less culture

A fig soil-less culture was conducted in a greenhouse to get rid off all the inconveniences of traditional farming such as low profitability. The research showed a different way of growing fig trees (Ficus carica L.) so that farmers could benefit from it by improving yields.This type of soil-free culture may allow irrigated farms to boost their fig productions from 4500 kg/ha-year up to 81,000 kg/ha-year; that is an 18-fold yield increase compared to traditional farming. Likewise, water efficiency would also be maximised. A 90% water reduction was achieved by applying this growing technique. Furthermore, fertilisers and pesticide applications, as well as farming costs (hand labour) may be reduced by growing the appropriate fig cultivars. Moreover, the highest fig market demand could be met by scheduling harvesting to provide quality fruit all year round.