Produzione di ortaggi nello slum di Al-Quarafa (il Cairo) attraverso tecniche di idroponica semplificata su substrati locali

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new model of simplified hydroponics (SH) adapted to the extreme Cairo’s environmental conditions for growing vegetables free of contaminations in particular heavy metals. SH technique’s performances are mostly related to the substrate used for the cultivation. Two different substrate mixtures were compared during two seasons (spring and summer): one was formulated with peat and perlite (70:30 w/w) as a standard substrate versus a local one, formulated with sand and coir (50:50 w/w) for reducing costs. It was used a common irrigation weekly program: 20 L of H2O each module (100x50x20 cm) with planting density of 4 plants/m2. 3 g of Ca (NO3)2 for each plant is weekly added to water irrigation and monthly 25 g of NPK and 1 g of micronutrients were added to irrigation for each cultivation module. Agronomic variables as phenological stage (flowering), yield and mineral elements were measured. Heavy metals content in fruits was measured by inductivity couple plasma mass spectroscopy (Varian 820-MS). Results showed the perspectives skills of this SH protocol for growing vegetables in urban desert areas. This agronomic strategy it can be used to cultivate and provide safe vegetables inside African slums.