Hydroponics in Argentina; is the revolution coming in the provision of fresh fruits and vegetables?

The article highlights a significant advancement in agricultural innovation by the INTA Santa Cruz research team, in collaboration with the National University of Southern Patagonia, who have developed a hydroponic system that has been operational for ten years, aiming to revolutionize the way food is grown, particularly in regions with challenging climatic conditions and limited arable land. This system, which has been adopted in Argentine Antarctica, replaces soil with water-based nutrients and relies on energy-efficient lamps to promote crop growth, enabling production in areas otherwise unsuitable for agriculture. The project has received support from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Nation, aiming to meet a portion of the vegetable demand for community kitchens in Río Gallegos. Additionally, the research team is exploring different types of artificial lights to optimize crop growth and efficiency, leading to benefits such as reduced water usage, job creation, and improved crop health through reduced pest and disease risks.