Effect of Cultivation Techniques on the Mineral Nutritional Quality of Selected Vegetables Produced in Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
Background: This study aimed to determine the impact of three cultivation practices, traditional, organic, and hydroponic cultivation, on the mineral nutrient and water content of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to establish the effectiveness of non-conventional methods of farming in growing vegetables that contain similar nutritional value as those produced by conventional methods, as well as to make food available in arid areas.
Methods: Vegetable samples from the three farming systems were prepared for mineral analysis using an ICP-OES. Additional nutrients were potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and traces. Water content was also measured. The samples were drawn from different farms across Saudi Arabia.
Results: The study found little variation in nutrient content among the three farming techniques. Organic and hydroponic systems yield vegetables with comparable potassium, calcium, magnesium, and water contents to normal soil- grown vegetables. Comparison with the control group did not show marked differences in the levels of trace elements, and toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic were present at detectable levels, thus ensuring food safety.
Conclusion: Because of its high adaptability to resource limitations and capacity to provide an equivalent nutritional profile at a lower environmental cost, hydroponic farming has developed as an innovative practice in food production. Because of the limited availability of water and arable land in Saudi Arabia, hydroponics provides a practical means of increasing food security and safety.
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