Assessing the potential use of drainage from open soilless production systems: A case study from an agronomic and ecotoxicological perspective

Cascade cropping systems in soilless horticulture (where drainage collected from the main crop is used in fertigation of secondary crops) are potentially interesting for Mediterranean countries as they enhance water and nutrient use efficiency. However, their agronomic and long-term environmental impact has been poorly addressed. In this case study, lettuce grown hydroponically or in soil (previously exposed to drainage for five years) was fertigated, throughout the cultivation period, with a nutrient solution composed of 0, 25, 50 or 100 % of drainage (0D, 25D, 50D and 100D) mixed with a fresh nutrient solution. Plant performance analysis included growth parameters and leaf mineral composition. Drainage was analyzed for nutrients and Plant Protection Products (PPP) residues, and bioassays were performed exposing aquatic organisms (Raphidocelis subcapitata, Aliivibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna) to drainage and soil elutriate. When analyzing plant performance in both cultivation systems, a significant effect was only found at 100D in hydroponics, resulting in 41 % less leaf area, 20 % smaller head diameter and 43 % lower yield. Drainage analysis showed high nutrient content, presence of PPP residues (up to 6 substances, reaching 3.29 µg·L−1 in total) and revealed toxicity to D. magna (EC50 = 66.6 %). Moreover, soil elutriate presented toxicity to R. subcapitata (EC50 = 20.6 %) and to A. fischeri (EC50 = 14.9 %). This study demonstrates the potential of using relatively high drainage percentages (up to 50 %) from soilless cultivation systems if applied to hydroponically-grown secondary crops. However, attention should be paid to the use of cascade cropping systems when drainages are applied to fertigate soil-grown crops, as it may contribute to soil degradation and environmental pollution on a long run.