The economic analysis of growing greenhouse cucumber with soilless culture system: The case of Turkey

Methyl bromide contributes to the destruction of the Earth's protective ozone layer in the atmosphere, so it makes sense to move production of some high value crops out of the soil altogether. The use of hydroponic technology or soilless culture can be a viable alternative to methyl bromide soil fumigation for greenhouse vegetable production. In Turkey, vegetable production in greenhouses is generally conventional. Soilless vegetable production in greenhouses is a new approach in sustainable agriculture in Turkey. For example, soilless production of cucumbers can provide an alternative, but little is known about the economics of this type of enterprise. Therefore, there is a need to do an economic study and cost and return analysis at local level and under grower conditions. This study aims at evaluating the economic feasibility of growing greenhouse cucumber with soilless culture system. According to results of this study, net return obtained from greenhouse cucumbers was determined to be $1.81/m2 and $0.07/kg. © 2004 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.