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Undergraduate Sustainable Learning: Effects of Sustainable Soilless Media on Production and Sensory Evaluation of Cucumbers, Basil, Parsley, and Lettuce

Author

Listed:
  • Neil O. Anderson

    (Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA)

  • Joey Annis

    (Environmental Horticulture Major, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA)

  • Mark Buchholz

    (Environmental Horticulture Major, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA)

  • Jared Cutting

    (Environmental Horticulture Major, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA)

  • Eric Heuring

    (Environmental Horticulture Major, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA)

  • Emily Jankila

    (Environmental Horticulture Major, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA)

  • Megan McCrumb

    (Environmental Horticulture Major, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA)

  • Nicole Nelson

    (Environmental Horticulture Major, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA)

  • Myra Pehoski

    (Environmental Horticulture Major, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA)

  • Karl Piepho

    (Environmental Horticulture Major, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA)

  • Valerie Price

    (Environmental Horticulture Major, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA)

  • Victoria Russell

    (Environmental Horticulture Major, Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota, 1970 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA)

Abstract

Modern greenhouse production has been ~100% reliant on fossil fuels for all inputs (glazing, heating, fertilization, lighting, post-harvest). Recent innovations may reduce fossil fuel dependence but their effectiveness may not be thoroughly tested. To promote education in sustainable production, undergraduate students in Greenhouse Management class (Hort 3002W; University of Minnesota) tested the effectiveness of two organic or ‘sustainable’ soilless media (Sunshine Natural and Organic Growing Mix, Sungro Metro-Mix Special Blend) with a control (Sunshine LC8 Professional) for crop production (height, leaf/flower number, yield) and sensory evaluations (appearance, texture, taste, purchase) of cucumbers (‘Big Burpless Hybrid’, ‘Sweet Burpless Hybrid’), basil (‘Opal Purple’, ‘Redleaf’), parsley (‘Green River’, ‘Extra Curled Dwarf’, ‘Hamburg’), and lettuce (Flying Saucer ‘Green’, ‘Red’). Significant differences between sustainable vs. control soils occurred for plant growth, depending on vegetative or reproductive traits, crops, and cultivars. These differences occasionally disappeared for sensory evaluation of edible components. In most crops, however, cultivars were highly significant factors. Undergraduate research can be used to provide directionality for future vegetable and herb plant breeding to focus on creating cultivars with increased yield and high consumer acceptance when grown in sustainable greenhouse soilless mixes.

Suggested Citation

  • Neil O. Anderson & Joey Annis & Mark Buchholz & Jared Cutting & Eric Heuring & Emily Jankila & Megan McCrumb & Nicole Nelson & Myra Pehoski & Karl Piepho & Valerie Price & Victoria Russell, 2011. "Undergraduate Sustainable Learning: Effects of Sustainable Soilless Media on Production and Sensory Evaluation of Cucumbers, Basil, Parsley, and Lettuce," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 3(9), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:3:y:2011:i:9:p:1381-1398:d:13760
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leach, Gerald, 1975. "Energy and food production," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 1(1), pages 62-73, November.
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