AGA452

CASE STUDY
TITLE : CURRENT TRENDS IN HORTICULTURE (AEROPONIC SYSTEM)

NAME : SAIFUL AZHAR BIN ZURKANAIN

STUDENT ID : 2021620078
GROUP : RAT2321A
LECTURER : KHAIRUN NISA KAMARUDIN
 CONTENT

1.0 CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO AEROPONIC SYSTEM ……………………....1

2.0 CHAPTER 2 : TRENDS AEROPONIC SYSTEM IN MALAYSIA ………………….3
3.0 CHAPTER 3 : TRENDS AEROPONIC SYSTEM IN INDONESIA ………….………5
4.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ………………………………………….7
5.0 REFERENCES …..…………………………………………………………………....…..8
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO AEROPONIC SYSTEM

The agricultural sector is one of the most important economic sectors for a country. For a
long time, agricultural practices have been carried out in every civilization and have evolved
in terms of practices, technologies and methods of cultivation in line with the progress and
modernity of the times. In addition, agriculture is a priority for a society in meeting the need for
a continuous supply of food in order to ensure a prosperous survival. Food is one of the
primary needs for all mankind. It is a key aspect for most cultures, and has contributed to and
inspired many creative aspects of our lives from local cuisine to urban form (Gorgolewski,
2008). In addition, there are also various challenges and obstacles in continuing agricultural
activities due to certain factors. For example, human population density is estimated to
increase by 2050 which could lead to a shortage of basic food supplies. This is because the
existing land requirements are predicted to no longer be able to accommodate conventional
agricultural activities. The existing lands are likely to be used for industrial and residential
development to accommodate the growing human population from year to year. In addition,
the existing lands may no longer be suitable for agricultural activities due to lack of fertility and
have various other unfavorable problems for agricultural purposes as it is feared will cause
large losses in the future. The reasons behind these issues are inadequate soil management,
soil degradation, fast regional climate changes, rapid urbanization, industrialization, fewer
recovery chances of natural fertility, continuous cropping, the frequent drought, less water
management, water pollution and the decrease in groundwater (Popp et al. 2014).

Over the time, the world is exposed and introduced to the sophistication of modern
technology to provide pleasure and facilitate human work and affairs. In the agricultural sector
is also not spared from experiencing the evolution and sophistication of a more efficient
cultivation system in the face of current challenges. A cultivation system that does not use soil
as the main component by relying only entirely on the nutrient contents supplied is known as
the Aeroponic cultivation method. Butler and Oebker (2006) reported that soil-less is the
method of plant cultivation without the use of soil within substrate culture or water culture.
Aeroponic system is one of the unique horticultural crop cultivation techniques because it
100% does not involve the use of soil and substrate and even contributes more crop yields
compared to conventional methods. According to the view (Osvald et al. 2001), Aeroponics is
the science of plant cultivation without incorporation of the soil or a substrate culture where
plant grows in the air with the assistance of an artificial support and no soil or substrate is
required to support the plant.

1
 Figure 1 Aeroponic Plant Growing System

In short, this cultivation system promotes maximum absorption of nutrients to the roots of
plants suspended in the air with the help of supports. A system unit consisting of important
components such as plant containers, nutrient reservoir, nutrient solution, nutrient fog
(nozzle), transmission pump, power supply and timer devices that have been programmed are
used in this system. In general, horticultural crops such as potatoes, lettuce, spanish, onions
and cucumbers are very suitable for aeroponic cultivation methods. Aeroponic systems are
seen to be more environmentally friendly and make a significant contribution to advances in
agriculture. There are many countries that take the opportunity to use this method of cultivation
as one of the alternatives to further develop horticultural cultivation. For instance, Malaysia
and Indonesia are also not spared from applying aeroponic methods in the field of agriculture
in contributing to the country's income economy.

2
CHAPTER 2 : TRENDS AEROPONIC SYSTEM IN MALAYSIA

Agriculture in Malaysia is quite developed and involved in the country's economic

activities. There are several major crops that have been cultivated on a large scale for a long
time such as paddy, rubber trees, oil palm, cocoa and pineapple. Malaysia has a suitable
topography for agricultural activities and it is related to the existing land types. For example,
paddy is a crop that is carried out on a large scale and is often carried out in lowland areas.
Rice cultivation accounted for about 0.67 million ha for all seasons in 2001 (Ministry of
Agriculture 2003). However, horticultural crops are also carried out to meet the needs of the
country's economic growth. Crops such as fruits, vegetables and ornamental crops are
cultivated in Malaysia either by smallholders or private companies. In Malaysia, most
horticultural crops such as vegetables and fruits are carried out on a large scale in Cameron
Highlands. Various horticultural planting methods are practiced in addition to using
conventional planting methods such as hydroponics, aeroponics, organic farming, rain shelter
and netted structures. Agriculture in Cameron Highlands has contributed a lot of income to the
country with the production of vegetables and fruits estimated at around US $ 15.6
million/year. Generally, such crops consist of cabbage, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and other
medium-sized vegetables.

Figure 2 Horticulture plants through Aeroponic Method

In Malaysia, aeroponic are unpopular methods applied in agriculture for commercial

purposes. However, there are still some organizations and companies that carry out
agricultural activities through aeroponic methods. For example, private companies such as
Sime Darby, which is well known for its agricultural sector in the plantation division, also use
this method in their agricultural systems. Sime Darby Company has allocated a 2.2 hectare
plot of land for the construction of a greenhouse to cultivate crops through aeroponic methods
located 50 km south of Kuala Lumpur. Aeroponic technology is seen to have excellent

3
potential in producing better quality crops and able to achieve greater productivity results
compared to conventional cultivation methods. This is because looking at the rapid
development and population density in the city has led to a lack of land use for agricultural
activities and the demand for raw food supply such as vegetables is increasing over time.
Therefore, this initiative was taken by Sime Darby to face the challenges of industrial evolution
by increasing production through more efficient cultivation methods to meet the needs of local
people, especially people in high density areas. Apart from that, aeroponic systems also use
lower requirements compared to conventional cultivation. The estimated water consumption
through aeroponic systems is about 10% less than the water consumption for hydroponic
methods. Moreover, the process of crop growth is also seen to be faster in reaching a
predetermined standard level of maturity (Carruther, 1992). According to (Illias et al. 1990), a
study on the differences in vegetable crops which are cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce and tomato
with respect to Aeroponic methods and in open field (conventional) was conducted to evaluate
the crop yields from these two methods obtained in a certain period.

Table 1 : Comparison between yield under aeroponic system and in open field (t/ha).

Types of vegetables Yield under aeroponic system Yield in the open field
Cabbage 37.9 16.1
Lettuce 13.1 4.5
Tomato 82.4 42.9
Cauliflower 10.3 2.9

This is due to environmental factors that are more conducive and suitable to help good
plant growth. Furthermore, the absorption of nutrients from plant roots is also more efficient
as well as getting good light and ventilation through this aeroponic method. Sime Darby
Company has also successfully marketed their high quality crops to supermarkets and grocery
stores in the vicinity. There are also some leafy vegetables such as salad, Kai Lan, Pak Choy
and Chinese choy sum using the Sime Fresh brand. In short, the method of cultivation through
aeroponics is still practiced by certain organizations in Malaysia. However, most smallholders
do not choose this method as an alternative to increase crop productivity because this system
requires large expenses to run operations and is not suitable for small scale cultivation
because it is considered detrimental. Aeroponic systems also require extensive knowledge
and skills to operate these systems well so that the cultivated crops can grow well and
healthily.

4
CHAPTER 3 : TRENDS AEROPONIC SYSTEM IN INDONESIA

The agricultural sector in Indonesia is the most important sector because it is one of the
main economic activities of the local people. Indonesia also has a good terrain and is rich in
various natural resources for agricultural activities. Indonesia's agricultural sector also
continues to develop and grow from time to time until it has been seen on the world stage.
This shows that Indonesia is also one of the competitive countries that is successful in
increasing the activities of agricultural activities in contributing to the income of developing
countries. Apart from that, Indonesia not only wants to get the world's attention in the
agricultural sector but also wants to be a successful model country in the agricultural sector to
be used as a reference source on good agricultural management. The Indonesian government
has announced a "Making Indonesia 4.0" plan whereby Indonesia must increase its level of
competitiveness at the international level in facing the 4th industrial revolution. However, there
is also the problem of local population density so that the evolution of more efficient and
efficient agriculture must be implemented to meet food needs to ensure the well -being of local
people and increase agricultural yields to strengthen good economic status. Rapid population,
difficulties in regeneration at the farmer level, limited land cause farmers cannot longer use
conventional methods (Arkema, 2021). For instance, Indonesia also did not miss the
opportunity in the use of advanced cultivation technology through aeroponic methods.

In Indonesia, potatoes are a popular vegetable to grow because potatoes are the
favorite food of the locals. Historically, reported around 1968, potato consumption was
0.5kg/capita but increased to eight -fold to 4kg/capita in 1996 (Adiyoga et al. 1999). The use
of fresh potatoes as food began to increase in the early 1990s and began to be processed
into Western style snacks and fast foods. In the early stages, potatoes are grown
conventionally based on the topography and climate suitable for good potato growth. The
potato crop will be harvested every year and then will be replaced with other vegetables to
prevent pest attacks. The energy and labor budget required is also in large quantities and
need hired labor around 150-200 days to cultivate for each hectare of conventional potato
crop. Along with the progress of the world, Indonesia has also upgraded to more modern
potato cultivation methods by applying advanced technology that can increase productivity
yields higher than conventional crops. The use of aeroponic methods on minitubers has
recorded more profitable revenue results. Based on the studies that have been done this
system is capable of producing 28 minitubers per plant with an average weight of 12 g and an
average diameter of 37 mm (Muhibuddin et al. 2009). Kosim (2014) lists the requirements for

5
producers of aeroponic seed potatoes, these include a certificate of competence or a quality
management system certificate plus connection to the national electricity grid plus a generator.
South Sulawesi, Indonesia has managed to record an excellent production yield of around
23,444 tons of potatoes from 1,816 ha with an average yield of 12.9 t/ha through aeroponic
methods. Potato cultivation through aeroponic methods has been pioneered by Professor
Baharuddin in the Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory at Hasanuddin University, Makassar,
South Sulawesi from 2004 (Baharuddin et al. 2011).

Figure 3 Growing minitubers through Aeroponic System

The price of potatoes in the Southeast Asian market has opened up opportunities for
Indonesia to become a major producer despite having to bear the high cost of long -distance
transportation. Looking at the increase in good potato production has led to a rapid
development of Indonesian potato exports by 2010. Malaysia and Singapore became the main
markets for Indonesian potato exports at that time. Until 2015 Indonesia was a major exporter
of fresh potatoes to Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand but China and Australia have become
more price competitive (Ezeta, 2016). In general, Indonesia has shown progress and good
achievements on the progress of agricultural activities in the agricultural sector. The aeroponic
method brings many benefits and facilities to horticultural cultivation in controlling and
improving crop quality as well as increasing productivity while maintaining the balance of
nature.

6
CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the aeroponic system is one of the agricultural technologies that shows the
ability in increasing crop production yields better than conventional crops. Aeroponic methods
are seen as more relevant and appropriate to the current situation and are able to address the
problem of human population density resulting in a lack of land for agricultural needs. As
discussed, Indonesia has set a good example of aeroponic system for potato production to be
able to become a major exporter in Southeast Asia. In addition, the approach through this
method has also created a system that is capable of maintaining food security of a country in
increasing production to meet the needs in terms of fresh food supply to locals, especially in
areas with high density and problems related to lack of land and critical water. Furthermore,
aeroponic systems also have many advantages especially in conserving nature. This system
is seen to be more economical and safe because water consumption is at a minimum and less
use of pesticides that are often used by conventional crops. This clearly shows that aeroponic
systems have considerable potential in increasing the age of maturity and better crop
production yields and are environmentally friendly. Moreover, the aeroponic system is also
very effective in dealing with problems and challenges in the future and this system can also
be further developed with the production of other vegetables.

RECOMMENDATION

Aeroponic methods are seen to be more advanced and good when compared to
conventional crops. This method also has the potential in addressing problems related to land
and water use and can indirectly reduce those costs. Furthermore, studies that have been
conducted have shown that through aeroponic methods, crop production yields are 10 times
more than conventional methods. Awareness of the use of aeroponic methods needs to be
enhanced and the organizations concerned should play a role in introducing this technology
to the public. At the global level, aeroponic systems are seen to be effective and convenient
to be practiced in areas with land scarcity where there is a high population density as well as
areas with critical water problems. Therefore, everyone should open their eyes to see the
potential and opportunities that exist in this aeroponic system to be applied into the agricultural
sector today.

7
REFERENCES

1. Gorgolewski, M. (2008, September). Food security and the design of sustainable

buildings and cities. World Sustainable Building Conference.September 21-25, 2008,
Melbourne, Australia. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wace.2015.08.001

2. Popp J, Lakner Z, Harangirakos M, Fari M. (2014). The effect of bioenergy expansion:

food, energy, and environment. Renew & Sust Ener Rev. 32:559–578.
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.01.056.

3. Butler JD, Oebker NF. (2006). Hydroponics as a hobby— growing plants without soil.
Circular 844. Urbana (IL 61801): Information Office, College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois. http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/J044v07n03_04

4. Osvald J, Petrovic N, Demsar J. (2001). Sugar and organic acid content of tomato fruits
(lycopersicon lycopersicum mill.) grown on aeroponics at different plant density. Acta
Alimentaria. 30(1):53–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13580-013-0134-7

5. Ministry of Agriculture. (2003). Paddy Statistics of Malaysia 2001. Department of

Agriculture, Peninsular Malaysia. 104pp. http://www.Unescap.org/rural/doc/QA/Malaysia.pdf

6. Carruther, S. (1992). Aeroponics-System Review. Practical Hydroponic-July/August

1992. 18-21. http://dx.doi.org/10.4304/jnw.7.5.838-844

7. Illias, M.K., Ramli, M.N. and Hawa, J. (1990). Rainshelters for vegetables. Teknol.

Sayur-sayuran. 6: 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wace.2015.08.001

8. Arkeman Y. (2021). Kecerdasan buatan untukindustri pangan 2021. Foodreview

Indonesia: XVI:1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10725-010-9498-1

8
9. Adiyoga, W, R Suherman, A Asgar & Irfansyah (1999) ‘The Potato System in West Java,

Indonesia: Production, Marketing, Processing, and Consumer Preferences for

Potato Products’ International Potato Center, Lima. http://www.icaeroponics.com/press-

release.html

10. Mattingley, P, J Warren, M Ameriana and E Sofiari (2011) ‘Economic baseline survey of

potatoes’, Final report appendix 2: AGB/2005/167, ACIAR, Canberra, ACT,

Australia. 48pp http://aciar.gov.au/publication/fr2011-24. https://doi.org/10.17221/686/2015-

PSE

11. Muhibuddin, A, B Zakaria, E Lisan & Baharuddin (2009) ‘Peningkatan produksi dan mutu
benih kentang hasil kultur in-vitro melalui introduksi sistem aeroponik dengan formulasi
NPK’, pp 102-110 in Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pekan Kentang 2008, Peningkatan
produksi kentang dan sayuran lainnya dalam mendukung ketahanan pangan, perbaikan
nutrisi, dan kelestarian lingkungan, Volume 1 (Pusat Penelitian Dan Pengembangan
Hortikultura, Jakarta). https://dx.doi.org/10.5897/JHF12.012

12. Kosim, P (ed) (2014) Teknis Perbanyakan Dan Sertifikasi Benih Kentang, Direktorat
Perbenihan Hortikultura, Jakarta), viewed 9 June 2015,
https://ingesz.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/2014-teknis-perbanyakan-dansertifikasi-benih-
kentang.pdf.

13. Baharuddin, A Syaifuddin & N Rosida (2011) Membangun Kawasan Perbenihan

Kentang Melalui Program Iptekda-LPI di Sulawesi Selatan.
http://www.opi.lipi.go.id/data/1228964432/data/13086710321319802096.makalah.pdf

9
14. Ezeta, FN (2016). ‘An overview of potato production in Asia and the Pacific Region:

markets, developments and constraints’, in MK Papademetriou (ed), Proceedings

of the Workshop to commemorate the International Year of Potato – 2015, pp 11-17, FAO
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok.
http://cippotato.org.research/publication/manaul-on-quality-seed-potato-production-using-
aeroponics

10
11